For many CIMA students, the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) is the part of the qualification that feels the most unclear.
You may be progressing well with your exams, but when it comes to recording your work experience, it’s not always obvious what CIMA expects, what counts as relevant experience, or how detailed your entries need to be.
The good news is that the PER is not designed to catch students out. It is CIMA’s way of confirming that you have developed the practical skills needed to qualify as a CGMA.
Once you understand what CIMA is looking for, the process is usually much more straightforward than it first appears.
What is CIMA PER?
The PER is your record of practical experience, completed inside your MyCIMA account.
To qualify for membership, CIMA needs to see that you have developed competencies across three areas:
- Technical skills
- People skills
- Leadership skills
Your experience does not have to come from one job, and it does not need to be in a perfect finance role. Many students build their PER across different positions over time.
What matters is that the experience is you gain is relevant, and can be confirmed by someone who supervised your work.
How to approach your PER
When completing your PER, think of each entry as a record of a period of work where you developed specific skills.
You should create a separate record for each role, or for each stage of your career where your responsibilities changed.
For every record, you will need to enter the details of your role, select the competencies you demonstrated, and provide short examples showing how you applied those skills in practice.
This is where many students run into problems. The PER is not about writing long descriptions, it is about giving clear, specific evidence.
For example, instead of saying you managed a team, explain what you actually did, what your responsibility was, and what the outcome was. Simple, factual examples make it much easier for your approver to sign off your record and for CIMA to review it if needed.
Choosing competencies carefully
One of the most common mistakes in PER submissions is selecting too many competencies.
It can be tempting to tick everything, but each competency you choose must be supported by real experience. If the examples do not match the competencies selected, your approver may reject the entry, or CIMA may request changes later.
It is usually better to select fewer competencies and support them properly than to select too many without clear evidence.
Self-assessment and approval
When completing your PER, you will also need to rate your level as Developing, Proficient, or Advanced.
This is not a test, but it should reflect your actual experience. Your approver will review your record, and CIMA may audit it, so accuracy is important.
Each PER entry must be approved by a supervisor, manager, or someone senior who understands your work. They are confirming that the experience you recorded is accurate and that you performed the tasks described.
Keeping your entries clear and realistic makes the approval process much smoother.
Why students get stuck with PER
In most cases, delays happen for simple reasons:
- Examples are too vague
- Too many competencies are selected
- The approver is unsure what they are signing off
- Records are incomplete
Taking a bit of time to write clear, specific entries from the start can save a lot of time later. The PER is an important part of becoming a CGMA, but it doesn't need to be complicated. If your experience is genuine, your examples are clear, and your approver can confirm your work, you are already on the right track.
How should I document my experience for CIMA PER?
Documenting your experience for the CIMA PER involves creating detailed records of your work roles and responsibilities. Each entry should include the competencies demonstrated and specific examples of how you applied these skills in practice.
It is important to keep your records concise and factual, focusing on clear evidence of your skills. Avoid vague descriptions and ensure each competency selected is backed by real experience. This not only facilitates the approval process but also helps CIMA assess your readiness for membership.
What are common mistakes to avoid in CIMA PER submissions?
Common mistakes in CIMA PER submissions include selecting too many competencies without sufficient evidence and providing vague examples. Each competency chosen must be supported by concrete examples from your work experience.
Additionally, incomplete records and unclear descriptions can lead to delays or rejections. To avoid these pitfalls, focus on quality over quantity by selecting fewer competencies and providing detailed, specific examples. This approach ensures your submission is robust and more likely to be approved by your supervisor and CIMA.
Why is self-assessment important in the CIMA PER process?
Self-assessment in the CIMA PER process allows you to evaluate your own skill level as Developing, Proficient, or Advanced. This honest reflection is crucial for accurately representing your experience and ensuring your records align with your actual abilities.
By assessing yourself, you prepare for the review process where your supervisor and potentially CIMA will verify your claims. Accurate self-assessment fosters transparency and helps in identifying areas for further development, ensuring you meet the standards required for CIMA membership.
How can I ensure my CIMA PER entries are approved?
To ensure your CIMA PER entries are approved, focus on providing clear, specific examples that demonstrate your competencies. Each entry should be concise yet detailed enough to reflect your actual experience and responsibilities.
Engage with your approver early in the process to understand their expectations and ensure your records meet CIMA's requirements. Keeping your entries realistic and supported by evidence makes it easier for your supervisor to confirm your work, reducing the likelihood of rejections or requests for additional information.
What should I do if I get stuck with my CIMA PER?
If you get stuck with your CIMA PER, start by reviewing your entries for clarity and completeness. Ensure each competency is supported by specific examples and seek feedback from your supervisor or peers.
You can also reach out to CIMA or educational providers like IBTC for guidance and support. They can offer insights into common challenges and solutions, helping you navigate the process more effectively. Remember, the PER is meant to reflect your genuine experience, so focus on making your records as clear and accurate as possible.
What types of work experience count towards CIMA PER?
Work experience for the CIMA PER can come from a variety of roles, not just traditional finance positions. Any job where you develop technical, people, or leadership skills can be relevant, as long as it is confirmed by a supervisor.
This flexibility allows you to build your PER across different roles and industries, which can include project management, team leadership, or even customer service roles. The key is to demonstrate how your experiences align with the competencies CIMA requires, providing clear examples of your contributions and achievements.
