Our recent CIMA Open Day attracted aspiring management accountants, finance professionals, recent graduates and working professionals all looking for answers to one question:

"What's the best way for me to complete CIMA?"

Throughout the session we unpacked everything from exemptions and study options to the differences between the traditional Professional Qualification route and the increasingly popular Finance Leadership Programme (FLP).

If you weren't able to attend, here's a summary of the key discussions.

 

Why Are So Many Professionals Still Choosing CIMA?

One of the first topics we explored was why CIMA continues to be one of the world's most sought-after business and finance qualifications.

Unlike many finance qualifications that focus primarily on accounting, CIMA combines finance, strategy, leadership, technology and business management. The result is a qualification designed not only for accountants, but for future business leaders.

This is one of the reasons CIMA members can be found in a wide range of roles. Some become Finance Managers, Financial Controllers and CFOs, while others move into operational leadership, consulting, commercial management and even CEO positions.

For many attendees, this broader business focus was one of the most attractive aspects of the qualification.

 

Understanding The CIMA Journey

For those new to CIMA, the qualification structure can initially seem intimidating. The good news is that the pathway is actually very logical once you understand how it works.

Students progress through four levels:

  • Certificate Level
  • Operational Level
  • Management Level
  • Strategic Level

Each level develops a different set of skills, moving from technical finance knowledge through to strategic business leadership. At the end of every level (excluding Certificate Level), students complete a case study examination that tests their ability to apply knowledge in a real-world business environment.

The final destination for all students is the globally recognised CGMA designation, which is respected by employers in over 140 countries worldwide.

 

The Biggest Discussion Of The Evening: FLP vs The Traditional Route

Without question, the most popular topic during the Open Day was the difference between the traditional Professional Qualification route and the Finance Leadership Programme.

Many prospective students arrive assuming FLP is simply a different study method. In reality, it is a completely different route to the same qualification.

Under the traditional route, students write an Objective Test examination for every subject before progressing to the Case Study examination at the end of each level.

FLP takes a different approach. Students complete continuous competency-based learning activities through CIMA's online platform and only write the three Case Study examinations required to complete the qualification. You can download our CIMA FLP Quick Guide here. 

For many working professionals, this is an attractive option because it significantly reduces the number of formal examinations they need to write.

However, that doesn't automatically make FLP the right choice for everyone.

Some students prefer the structure and discipline that comes with studying one subject at a time and writing regular examinations. Others value the flexibility and accelerated nature of FLP.

The key message from the Open Day was simple:

Both routes lead to exactly the same qualification. The best route depends on your circumstances, learning style and career goals.

 

Exemptions: The Area Most Students Underestimate

Another common misconception is that exemptions are only available to students with accounting degrees.

This is not the case. During the session we explained that exemptions can potentially be awarded through three different pathways:

Academic qualifications, professional memberships and relevant work experience.

Because exemption outcomes differ from person to person, we encourage students to submit their qualifications and experience for an individual assessment before making any decisions. You can send your documents to [email protected] and we will assist you in gathering an accurate exemption estimate. 

In many cases, students discover they can start further along the qualification than they originally expected.

 

How Much Time Do You Actually Need To Study?

One concern raised repeatedly during the Q&A session was balancing studies with a full-time job.

The reality is that most CIMA students are working professionals, and the qualification has evolved to accommodate that reality.

Traditional route students can choose between virtual classes, online courses or self-paced home study options depending on their schedule and learning preferences.

FLP students enjoy even greater flexibility, with access to CIMA's learning platform and the ability to progress through competencies at their own pace.

The important takeaway was that there is no single study model that works for everyone. Success comes from choosing the approach that fits your lifestyle rather than trying to force your lifestyle around your studies.

 

Can CIMA Help You Become SAICA Accredited?

This was another topic that generated significant interest.

We discussed the pathway available to eligible CIMA members who wish to pursue SAICA membership through the APC examination route. CIMA graduates now only need to write the Assessment of Professional Competence exam (previously known as Board 2) in order to become SAICA-qualified. 

Similarly, CA(SA)'s only need to pass the Strategic Case Study Exam in order to become CIMA-qualified.  

For professionals who want both designations, this pathway offers an opportunity to combine CIMA's strong business and management focus with SAICA membership requirements.

 

Perhaps the most important lesson from the evening wasn't about exams, exemptions or study methods.

It was that there is no universal CIMA journey.

Some students start at Operational Level. Others begin at Management Level through exemptions. Some choose the traditional route and study one subject at a time. Others accelerate their progress through FLP.

What matters most is understanding your options and choosing the path that aligns with your goals.

If you're considering CIMA and would like assistance determining your starting point, our team can help assess your qualifications, exemptions and study options so that you can make an informed decision before you enrol.

Send your certificates and academic transcripts to [email protected] and we'll help you determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.