CIMA’s exemption process is an extremely popular topic among students. With so many different entry routes, it can often be confusing and overwhelming to try and figure out where your past qualifications and experience fit in.
We’ve broken down the process to try to make it easier to understand;
What can qualify you for exemptions?
There are three different criteria that may qualify you for exemptions when registering with CIMA - qualification, experience, and professional body membership.
Qualification-based Exemptions
The first route for exemptions is based on your qualifications. CIMA's Exemption Search is a helpful tool that can help you gauge where your past qualifications might place you. Keep in mind that this search is only an estimation. If your qualification is a certain number of years old, you may be exempted from fewer subjects than indicated in the Exemption Search.
Experience-based Exemptions
The second route for exemptions is based on experience. CIMA recognizes that students may have the required knowledge gained through their working career without any formal education. There are 4 different experience-based entry levels.
Path 1 - Six years or more finance experience. This grants you exemptions right up to the Operational Case Study Exam. This is known as the CPP (Corporate Professional Pathway). The cost is 1500 GBP, which includes registration, exam fees, and a case study class with the tuition provider of your choice.
Path 2 - Five or more years of management experience. Here, you will start at the Management Case Study Exam. The cost is 2500 GBP, which includes a free tuition class with the tuition provider of your choice.
Path 3 - Seven or more years senior management experience. This is known as the CSEP (Corporate Senior Executive Pathway). You may be eligible to do only the Management and Strategic Case Study Exam, without any needing to do any of the E, P and F subjects. The cost for this is 2500 GBP, which includes study material on the CIMA portal.
Path 4 - The final level is the CFO (Chief Financial Officer) Pathway, which is exclusive for individuals who have more than 10 years of strategic experience in finance, and are members of a recognized IFAC body, or hold an MBA or Masters Degree in Accounting or Finance. Students will start at the Strategic Case Study Exam, and the cost is 3800 GBP.
Membership-based Exemptions
The final pathway is based on a professional body membership, namely SAICA. CIMA recently entered into a new agreement that if you are a CA and are in good standing with SAICA, you only have to do the Strategic Case Study Exam. The cost is 3000 GBP.
If you need any assistance with the entry levels explained above, we encourage you to register for our free CIMA Assist program. You can also read about the Pros & Cons of accepting CIMA exemptions here.
We understand how complicated the exemption process can be, and we're here to make it as simple as possible. Complete the form below to chat with one of our friendly Student Advisors.
