Every CIMA Open Day brings a flood of questions from students trying to understand where they fit into the qualification, how exemptions work, and which study route makes the most sense for their career.

We’ve summarised the most common FAQs asked live during our January CIMA Open Day, along with answers to help you plan your next step.

 

1. “Which level do I start on with my qualification?”

This was, once again, the most common question of the session, with students listing degrees, diplomas, postgraduate qualifications, professional memberships, and years of experience.


Examples we received during the session:

  • BCom Accounting / BCom Financial Accounting → Management Level
  • BCom Honours (Accounting / Financial Management) → Management Level
  • National Diploma in Accounting (NQF 6) → Operational Level
  • Advanced Diploma in Accounting / Management Accounting → Operational or Management Level (depending on recency)
  • BTech Cost & Management Accounting → Operational Level
  • Qualified SAICA articles → Strategic Case Study
  • SAIPA → Management Level 
  • AGA(SA) → Management Level (if completed within last 7 years)
  • Postgraduate Diplomas (Cost & Management / Development Finance) → Management Level (if completed within last 7 years)
  • 6–10+ years finance experience → Special Work Experience (Elite) Pathway (assessment required)



Key takeaway:

Your entry level is based on:

  • qualification type
  • how recently it was completed
  • Where you completed the qualification 

If you’re unsure, email [email protected] and our team will confirm your entry level for you.

 

2. “How do CIMA exemptions actually work?”


Exemptions dominated the chat, with questions like:

  • Do exemptions expire?
  • Does experience count?
  • What if my qualification is older than 7 years?
  • Why does the CIMA calculator give a different result to what I expected?
  • Do SAICA / SAIPA / AGA(SA) memberships help?



Clear answer:


CIMA grants exemptions based on:

  • completed academic qualifications
  • recognised professional memberships
  • relevant work experience (in special cases)



Important rules students often miss:


  • Qualifications older than 7 years are still valid but may attract fewer exemptions
  • Being in good standing with professional bodies matters
  • You can only gain exemptions from your qualification, professional membership OR your experiences. These factors cannot be combined.
  • The official CIMA Exemption Calculator is the starting point, not the final decision



👉 Use the calculator here:

https://www.aicpa-cima.com/exemption-calculator/professional

 

3. “Which route should I choose - FLP or the Traditional PQ route?”


This question came up repeatedly, especially from:

  • CA(SA)s
  • senior professionals
  • students who had failed an OT exam multiple times
  • self-funded students


Summary answer:

Both routes lead to the same CIMA qualification, but suit different situations.


FLP (Finance Leadership Programme):

  • No Objective Tests
  • One Case Study exam per level
  • Online platform with structured learning
  • This route is faster, but requires consistent engagement during the subscription period


Traditional PQ Route:

  • 3 Objective Tests + 1 Case Study per level
  • More flexible pacing
  • Often better suited to self-funded students or those who prefer exam-by-exam progress



Already on PQ?

Yes, you can switch to FLP. 

 

4. “How long does CIMA take to complete?”


Students wanted clarity on timelines across both routes.


General guidance:

  • Traditional PQ Route: ± 1 level per year
  • FLP Route: ± 2–3 years total, depending on entry level
  • Highly motivated students on FLP can complete Management + Strategic Level in one year
with the FLP programme


Your entry level and subscription choice determine the pace.

 

5. “Can I do CIMA if I don’t have articles or a finance background?”


The answer is yes. 

  • No finance background? → Start at Certificate Level
  • No articles? → Articles are not required for CIMA
  • To qualify as a CGMA, you do need relevant work experience, known as Practical Experience Requirements (PER) which can be gained while studying

 

6. “How do CIMA exams work?”


Common exam-related questions included pass rates, rewrites, exam format, and locations.

Summary:

  • Objective Tests (PQ route): Shorter, theory-based computer exams
  • Case Study Exams: Scenario-based, role simulation exams
  • FLP students: Only write Case Studies
  • All CIMA exams are conducted online (or at Pearson VUE centres)
  • FLP subscriptions include exam sittings and rewrite opportunities

 

7. “Can I switch routes or change plans later?”


Yes. This was asked often by students already registered with CIMA.

  • PQ → FLP: Yes
  • FLP → PQ: Yes
  • Registered previously but paused? You can continue where you left off (subject to membership status)

 

8. “What does it cost? And what do I pay CIMA vs IBTC?”


Cost questions were frequent and varied.


General structure:

  • CIMA registration fee: £99
  • Annual CIMA subscription: £150
  • IBTC fees: cover tuition, classes, study material, and support
  • CIMA exam fees: paid separately (directly to CIMA or via IBTC)


Exact costs depend on:

  • entry level
  • study route/subscription length

For an accurate quote, email [email protected].

 

9. “Are there payment plans?”

  • IBTC payment plans: Available on the Traditional PQ route only. These are interest-free. 
  • FLP: Requires upfront payment (1, 2 or 3-year subscriptions). We have partnered with Student Hero to assist students in obtaining funding for their FLP subscriptions. 

 

We're here to help you. 

If you’re unsure about your entry level, exemptions, which route is best or costs, complete the form below and we will be in touch to assist you. 

 

Please note that it can take up to 2 working days to receive an answer.