1. What are the careers possible after the CIMA® qualification?
Dual specialization in investment & management accounting is ideal for professionals who wish to diversify their career options through one qualification. CIMA® from United States prepares ambitious professionals for TWO high-growth careers – one, as management accountants in global transnational corporations across industries; and another as investment accountants in leading brokerage and asset management firms that mange billions of dollars of investment portfolios of client organizations. While the management accounting specialization in the CIMA® qualification focuses on the competencies and technical knowledge required for management accounting practice in all classes and categories of global organizations and transnational corporations; the investment accounting specialization in CIMA® prepares professionals for mastering and minding the accounting, analysis and reportage of investment transactions, returns, gains and losses.
2. Is investment & management accounting basically management accounting plus something?
Yes. Investment & management accounting is ACMA’s powerfully eclectic professional specialization that blends competencies in management accounting as well as investment accounting and is rooted to a strong understanding of the strategy, models, processes and environments of business and management globally in the 21st century. While management accountants are in great demand in large organizations cutting across industries; Investment accountants are critically needed by large business and non-business organizations that invest the idle part of their reserves in equity and debt. Investment Accountants are needed, of course in large brokerage firms, asset management firms, investment banks and portfolio management firms.
3. How is management accounting different from financial and cost accounting?
The biggest difference is in the way and where the output of management accountants, cost accountants and financial accountants impact organizations. Management accounting is directly related to providing strategic mechanisms, measures, metrics, financial insights, data and information to managers to take optimal decisions on business continuity; new market entry; diversification; acquisitions; new product introduction, and even restructuring and reengineering. Cost accountants, on the other hand, are limited to impacting the supply chain pieces, whereas financial accountants primarily work for external stakeholders.
4. Does the CIMA® program include the basics of accounting for those who are not exposed to the discipline?
Yes. Not only accounting, but also other connected disciplines too. For more details, please click here.
5. What is Investment Accounting and how is it different from other forms of accounting?
An investment accountant differs from regular accountants, who work to monitor and handle finances for individuals, businesses, and companies. Investment accountants, on the other hand, are super-specialized for working primarily in brokerage and asset management firms, and companies/ organizations that have invested a sizable part of their reserves in stocks, bonds, futures, ETF, derivatives and currencies. An investment accountant records, monitors and manages the transactions related to these investments. Investment accountants also work in specialist advisory, consulting and asset research firms that advise asset managers and brokerage houses.
6. How is CIMA® qualification different from other management accounting certifications?
The single biggest difference is the double specialization in management accounting as well as investment accounting embedded in one qualification! CIMA® program addresses the knowledge and qualification needs of professionals working in, or intending to work in global organizations and financial intermediaries that have multi-country presence and operations, and have to deal with diverse regulations, tax laws, capital markets, multiple foreign currencies; resource constraints; cultures and the vastly more challenging and uncertain global business environment. CIMA® is currently the only global qualification with dual specializations in investment & management accounting.
7. How difficult or easy it is for an MBA to complete CIMA® program?
As you may know, MBA holders get exemptions from standard CIMA® exams, making their CIMA® program journey faster. Both, in principle and practically, professionals holding a MBA degree from accredited business school must find completing CIMA® program relatively comfortable. They are already oriented to business, economics and strategy, and are exposed to the building blocks of accounting finance, strategy, business environment and management decision-making, so they can learn faster
8. Can somebody with a background in humanities/ social sciences/ arts complete CIMA® program?
It entirely depends on how well you can work with numbers; if you know basic arithmetical operations; if you have an interest in business, economics and stock markets, and can think logically and analyze numbers. If you have all of this, then the study material provided by independent content providers takes cares of all required foundational aspects of accounting, business, strategy, risk management and international business environment. They help you orient well to investment accounting, investment & management accounting.
9. I hold a CPA/ CFA/ CMA/ CWA/ CA/ CS qualification. Can I complete CIMA® program faster?
Yes of course, because you can apply under the CIMA® Professional Pathway track and get exemptions from standard CIMA® exams. This adds a few miles to your CIMA® program speed. Even technically, since you are already oriented to accounting, finance, taxation, costing and business, you can learn much faster.
10. Can I make a career in Management Accounting even if I do not have a finance or accounting background?
It entirely depends on how well you can work with numbers; if you know basic arithmetical operations; if you have an interest in business, economics and stock markets, and can think logically and analyze numbers. If you have all of this, then the study material provided by independent content providers takes cares of all required foundational aspects of accounting, business, strategy, risk management and international business environment. They help you orient well to investment accounting, investment & management accounting.
11. What are the roles that a CIMA® qualified professional generally performs?
CIMA® qualified professionals can either work as classic management accountants in any large business or non-business organization; or work as investment accountants in brokerage firms and asset management firms. Management accountant roles are titled differently in different zones and countries, and the list is long, including - Treasury Reporting Analyst; Finance Analysts; Accounts Payable Officer; Accounts Receivable Officer; Financial Controller; Bookkeeping Executives; Business Analysts; Auditors; Project Accountant Fund Accountant; Company Accountant; Tax & Compliance Officers. CIMA® qualified professionals working in the investment accounting area can look forward to roles that involve preparing various types of investment accounts, financial reporting, month-end reconciliation work, analyzing the financial information around investment portfolios, organizing and managing various investment accounts and maintaining the relevant legal documents, etc. Investment accountants are accountable for developing as well as maintaining the financial controls in various emerging areas of investment.
12. What are the different registration tracks?
Standard Route: This route must be opted by professionals whose most recent qualification is a Bachelor's degree from a nationally or internationally recognized/ accredited institution. The academic background or major is no limitation, though, individuals having a prior exposure to accounting, finance and business do tend to find the CIMA® program journey simpler and faster to complete.
Master's Pathway: Master's Pathway is for applicants holding/ pursuing a Master's/ graduate level qualification like MBA/ MS/ M.Sc. from CIMA® Ace institutions or from nationally/ internationally recognized institutions, or from business schools accredited by international agencies like the AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS and the like, in disciplines like business management, corporate finance, accounting, international business, business law, International finance or related areas.
Professional Pathway: Professional Pathway is instituted for applicants who a professional qualification or certification in finance, accountancy, corporate law; management accountancy; company secretaryship, cost accountancy; public accountancy and similar or related areas.
Read more in the section on CIMA® Pathway Tracks.
13. What is the work-experience requirement for CIMA® program?
Work experience is not a mandatory requirement or candidacy condition for CIMA® program.
14. Is there a faster way to acquire the CIMA® Charter?
Yes. There are two Pathway tracks – Master’s and Professional – that accelerate the CIMA® program journey of applicants already oriented and exposed to accounting and finance. Candidates already holding/ pursuing Master’s qualifications like MBA/ MS/ from accredited institutions, or specialized qualifications in various areas of accounting or finance can register through these Pathway tracks. Read more in the section on CIMA® Pathway Tracks.
15. What should you do if your is application is rejected because of candidacy reasons?
Please email your concern at care@cima.us.org.
16. What is CIMA® Pathway?
CIMA® Pathway tracks are a faster way to complete CIMA® program, and that too at a special fee! CIMA® Master's and Professional pathways accelerate the CIMA® program journey of applicants already oriented and exposed to accounting and finance. Candidates already holding/ pursuing Master's qualifications like MBA/ MS/ M.Sc from accredited institutions or specialized professional qualifications in various areas of accounting or finance obtain exemptions from standard modules and exams. While the standard CIMA® program requires candidates to complete and qualify Standard CIMA® Segment 1 and Segment 2 exams (of 3-hours each), the Master's and Professional Pathway candidates obtain exemptions from standard exams, requiring to qualify only one, single, unified special pathway exam to earn CIMA® qualification.
17. How can I find out what pathway track I'm eligible for?
Our Pathway tool details all exemptions that may be available on the basis of qualifications you hold. Applicants with MBA/ Master’s or specialized professional qualifications/ certifications in Accounting, Finance or any related area or discipline get exemptions in exams and that too at a special fee. Click here to find out if you are eligible for a CIMA® pathway.
18. Why CIMA® Master’s/ Professional Pathway registration tracks are shorter?
CIMA® Master’s/ Professional Pathway registration tracks are shorter and faster because instead of studying the standard 20 knowledge themes for standard CIMA® exams, Professional Pathway applicants study just 13, and Master’s applicants study just 15. Also, instead of taking two exams, Pathway applicants require to take only one, single unified exam.
19. What if the accounting body/ professional association, I’m a member of is not included in the CIMA® Accord list?
Generally, most national, regional and global professional associations of accounting and finance professionals form a part of the CIMA® Accord network. However, if your membership-organization is not included on the network and you feel it’s a miss; you can please drop us a line at care@cima.us.org
20. What, if my institution is not listed on the CIMA® Ace network?
For all practical purposes, most of the world’s best-known academic institutions form a part of the CIMA® Ace network. However, if your institution is not included on the network and you feel it’s a miss; you can please drop us a line at care@cima.us.org.
21. Can an undergraduate/ Bachelor’s student of a CIMA® Ace institution join the CIMA® Master’s Pathway track?
No. Only Master’s/ MBA students are currently permitted.
22. How do I register in the CIMA® program?
Note: Payment can be made with a Visa, American Express or MasterCard credit/ debit card. The payment amount will be automatically prompted by the system accordingly. If you are paying the fee through wire-transfer or check, please fill out the remittance transaction reference number issued by your bank when you are asked to. Generally, for Wire Transfer and check, it takes approximately 3-5 business days for the payment to be processed and received.
23. Do I have to complete the application form in one go?
No. You can fill out the form in multiple sittings. The form auto-saves your information you have filled.
24. How quickly can I complete my CIMA® program?
25.Are study loans available for the CIMA® program?
In some countries like India, partner organizations of American Council of Professional Accountants/ the CIMA Institute do offer study loan facilities as they have tied up with local financial intermediaries and study loan specialists. You can write to care@cima.us.org to enquire more.
26. What documents do I need to register for the CIMA® program?
You do not require to submit any documents at the time of registration. You will be asked to upload them on your myCIMA dashboard later, after you have completed your registration successfully and started the CIMA® program.
27. When can I schedule my online exam?
The CIMA® exam(s) windows open four times in a year. You can choose the most convenient exam window and schedule your exam on one of the available day and time slots. You can schedule the standard CIMA® Segment-1 and 2 exams within three years of your CIMA® program registration confirmation. If you are a Master’s/ Professional Pathway candidate, you must schedule your exam latest within two years of your CIMA® program registration confirmation.
Though CIMA® exams are online in most countries, in some , they are conducted in the offline, pen-and-paper mode considering examinee convenience. For more details, please click here.
28. When can I schedule my offline exam?
The CIMA® exam(s) can be taken four times in a year. You can choose the most convenient exam date and schedule your exam on one of the available day and time slots. You can schedule the standard CIMA® Segment-1 and 2 exams within three years of your CIMA® program registration confirmation. If you are a Master’s/ Professional Pathway candidate, you must schedule your exam latest within two years of your CIMA® program registration confirmation.
Though CIMA® exams are online in most countries, in some , they are conducted in the offline, pen-and-paper mode considering examinee convenience. For more details, please click here.
29. What exam(s) do I have to take to complete the CIMA® program?
Standard Route: Two exams of 3 hours for Segments 1 and 2 each, carrying 75 questions each. You can take the Segment 2 exam at least 15 days after qualifying the Segment 1 exam.
Master’s Pathway: Only ONE, single, unified exam of 3 hours carrying 75 questions, covering both CIMA® segments.
Professional Pathway: Only ONE, single, unified exam of 3 hours carrying 75 questions, covering both CIMA® segments.
Though CIMA® exams are online in most countries, in some , they are conducted in the offline, pen-and-paper mode considering examinee convenience. For more details, please click here.30. By when should I complete the fee payment for the CIMA® program?
Once you complete and submit your CIMA® program application, you will receive an acknowledgement message and email from us. Your registration decision will be released on your dashboard within 72 hours of when we receive your completed application. If your application is approved, you will receive a registration offer. Your registration in the CIMA® program will complete only after you accept this offer on your myCIMA dashboard and pay the required fee within maximum 15 days from the issue of the registration/ enrollment offer. In some countries offering special CIMA® enrollment schemes, applicants may be required to pay a small part of the fee as Enrollment Fee at the time of accepting the offer. In such cases, the balance CIMA® fee is required to be paid within the next 15 days.
31. How do I print an invoice from myCIMA account?
To print an invoice from your myCIMA account:
Notes
32. Will I receive learning or exam preparation resources?
The CIMA Institute provides CIMA® study guide as well as practice and mock exams to all registered candidates. As a global standards and qualification body, the CIMA Institute does not offer any training program or study content or exam preparation material as a policy to maintain the integrity of its standards development, credentialing and assessment processes. However, CIMA® program candidates get updates from independent content providers who offer self-study material for CIMA® exams on online portals. In many countries, partners of the CIMA Institute may offer study content and training programs on their own designed around the CIMA® knowledge areas.
33. When will I get an invoice for my program package fee?
The invoice is generated immediately after the payment is realized and can be downloaded easily from your myCIMA account.
34. What are the modes of fee-payment available?
You can pay the CIMA® program fee conveniently from your myCIMA account through a Credit/ Debit card.
In case, you have used the wire-transfer mode to pay your fee, do get the remittance or transaction reference code from your bank and share it on the myCIMA account when you are asked to. Your registration will not be complete until you submit the reference code. Generally, for Wire Transfer and check, it takes approximately 3-5 business days for the payment to be processed and received.
35. What is the refund policy in case I wish to withdraw from the program?
The full fee paid by an applicant minus USD 500 is refunded if the withdrawal application arrives within 72 hours from payment. For withdrawal requests beyond 72 business hours, no refund application is processed. In countries where there are special CIMA® enrollment schemes operational, the refund rules may differ.
36. Do I have to pay the fee again if I cancel an exam I scheduled?
All CIMA® candidates are given three attempts to cancel their CIMA® exam(s). If you wish to cancel your exam, you must log into your myCIMA account and cancel the exam only before the exam Cancelation Deadline mentioned on your myCIMA dashboard. The re-sit attempts for each exam may be charged in accordance to the policy, if you have already exhausted your free re-sits.
Click here for more details.
37. In case of payment failure whom do I need to contact?
In case of payment failure due to problems arising on CIMA® payment gateway or CIMA® application system or CIMA® website, immediately write to care@cima.us.org. In case the problem is on the side of your banker or credit card issuer, please contact their respective customer care immediately for an effective resolution.
38. What are CIMA® exams like?
Standard Route: You have to cover 20 modules/ knowledge areas. Two exams of 3 hours for Segments 1 and 2 each, carrying 75 questions in each segment. You can take the Segment 2 exam immediately after passing Segment 1 exam.
Master’s Pathway: You have to cover 15 modules/ knowledge areas. Only ONE, single, unified exam of 3 hours carrying 75 questions, covering both CIMA® segments.
Professional Pathway: You have to cover 13 modules/ knowledge areas. Only ONE, single, unified exam of 3 hours carrying 75 questions, covering both CIMA® segments.
The CIMA® exam(s) are conducted four times in a year. You can choose the most convenient exam date and time slot to appear for the exam. You can re-take each of your exam(s) up to 2 times without paying any extra fee.
39. How can I prepare for the CIMA® exam(s)?
CIMA® program candidates get updates from independent content providers who offer self-study material for CIMA® exams on online portals. In many countries, partners of the CIMA Institute may offer study content and training programs on their own designed around the CIMA® knowledge areas. It is highly recommended that all candidates go through the detailed Study & Exam Preparation Guide on their myCIMA dashboard after completing their CIMA® program registration.
40. What is the format of the exam(s)?
All CIMA® exam(s) contains 75 questions with multiple answer options only one of which is correct. The exam questions test comprehension and application abilities of candidates, and often require numerical calculations before the correct answer can be chosen. The exam and the candidate guides explain the exam process and format in detail.Though CIMA® exams are online in most countries, in some , they are conducted in the offline, pen-and-paper mode considering examinee convenience. For more details, please click here.
41. How do I know if my CIMA® exam has been scheduled successfully?
When scheduling your CIMA® exam, please ensure that your email address on your myCIMA account is the correct one and you have opted in to receive electronic communications so that you receive your confirmation email. You should also check your spam in case the email has been delivered there.
If you do not receive your confirmation email, please check your myCIMA dashboard to see if your exam has been successful scheduled.
42. What is the cut-off date for submitting the education proof documents?
It is recommended to upload these documents once you get access to your myCIMA dashboard. These documents are the pre-requisite to schedule your exam(s). Click here for exam dates.
43. What is the process to cancel my exam?
All CIMA® candidates are given three attempts to cancel their CIMA® exam(s). If you wish to cancel your exam, you must log into your myCIMA account and cancel the exam only before the exam Cancelation Deadline mentioned on your myCIMA dashboard. The re-sit attempts for each exam may be charged in accordance to the policy, if you have already exhausted your free re-sits.
44. I would like to make changes in my exam plan. Is this possible?
If you want to make changes, you must do it by logging into your myCIMA account and before the exam Rescheduling Deadline mentioned on your myCIMA dashboard.
45. Can I take my Online CIMA® exam using my own system?
Only in countries where online exams are possible. Even for these countries, you must check your dashboard for messages regarding exams. For many countries, there is this facility that you can actually take exams on your own computer, at home or in your office cabin. These CIMA® exam(s) are real-time proctored, and delivered in the private mode keeping the convenience of examinees in mind. Such exams can be taken after getting your computer machine verified for exam readiness. The following specifications are typically expected:
Minimum System Requirements
| Operating System | Windows 10 Windows 8.1 (32-bit and 64-bit) Windows 7 SP1 (32-bit and 64-bit) |
| Display (Resolution) | 1024 x 768 [Recommended] |
| Network Connection | Strongly recommend using a wired network rather than a wireless network as it provides better exam delivery performance |
| Internet Connection Speed | Minimum 1 Mbps |
| Web Browser(s) | Latest Version of Google Chrome Only |
| Webcam | Internal or an External Webcam must be connected to the computer |
| Firewall(s) | Corporate Firewalls (including VPNs) often cause this Exam Delivery method to fail. Please take your Exam in a setting without these Firewalls |
| Admin Rights | Should have Admin Rights on your Laptop/Computer |
46. How many exams can I take in each exam session?
You can sit for a maximum of one CIMA® exam per exam session.
47. Can I reschedule my CIMA® exam on the day of the exam?
No. Click here for details.
48. What if I have canceled my exam due to some reason, but want to reapply for it now?
If an examine voluntarily cancels the scheduled examination appointment after the first three attempts, he/she can immediately reapply from the myCIMA dashboard by paying a nominal fee of USD 50.
49. What happens if my CIMA® exam session is affected by illness or other factors?
If this is the case for you and you feel the circumstance has affected your performance during your exam, please inform us by submitting details of your mitigating circumstances by writing to us at care@cima.us.org. Usually, the following circumstances are considered sympathetically:
50. Can I resit for the exam(s) which I have already passed?
No. You are not permitted to re-sit for examinations which you have already passed with the CIMA Institute.
51. Can I take my Standard Route CIMA® exams in any order?
Exams must be taken in a sequential order for the Standard Route. In other words, if you wish to sit for Standard CIMA® Segment 2 exam, you must pass the Standard CIMA® Segment 1 exam.
52. Can I schedule both my standard route CIMA® exams for the same day?
No. You can only schedule one exam per day. If you wish to sit for Standard CIMA® Segment 2 exam, you must pass the Standard CIMA® Segment 1 exam.
53. What types of questions are set in the CIMA® exam(s)?
A typical CIMA® exam includes Multiple-choice questions. This applies for all the candidacy tracks (Standard Route/ Master’s Pathway/ Professional Pathway).
54. Are practice questions available?
Yes. Practice questions are available on your myCIMA dashboard.
55. Exam – Summary
| Description | CIMA® |
|---|---|
| How to Register & Pay the Fees | Register on CIMA® website at www.cima.institute. |
| Duration of a typical Examination |
Standard CIMA® Segment 1 exam- 180 Minutes Standard CIMA® Segment 2 exam- 180 Minutes Master’s Pathway exam- 180 Minutes Professional Pathway exam- 180 Minutes |
| Mode of Examination | Though CIMA® exams are online in most countries, in some, they are conducted in the offline, pen-and-paper mode considering examinee convenience. Both exams can be scheduled from the myCIMA dashboard. Basic information on exam windows and dates are available on this website. Candidates get detailed information about their offline pen-and-paper exam from their myCIMA dashboards. |
| Total number of questions in a typical exam |
Standard CIMA® Segment 1 exam -75 Standard CIMA® Segment 2 exam - 75 Master’s Pathway exam -75 Professional Pathway exam -75 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice questions |
| Standard Qualification benchmark for the award | 65% correct answers; though awards will actually be decided using an algorithm that accounts into scaling, relative scoring, and degree of difficulty parameters |
| Fee for the Examination (in US Dollars) |
Standard Route - 3900 Master's Pathway - 2925 Professional Pathway- 2535 |
56. When can I see my result of the CIMA® program?
The analysis and result-report arrive within 15 days of your exam date. Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate which will be mailed to the mailing address, as mentioned in the applicant’s profile.
57. When will my CIMA® qualification expire?
The CIMA® qualification never expires. It just has to be kept in good standing. CIMA® is maintained by attending the CIMA® Review Webinar once a year. There is no maintenance action required for the first 3 years after the first award. Fourth year onward, however, holders require to attend the online CIMA® Review Webinar and paying a nominal maintenance fee of US$ 150.00 every year. Alternatively, CIMA® qualification holders can pay a lifetime maintenance fee of USD 650.00. The qualification continuation and maintenance policy are as follows:
| First 3 years after award | Fourth Year Onwards |
|---|---|
| No action to be taken by the holder |
Annual Maintenance fee of USD 150.00 and attending the CIMA® Review Webinar once annually.
OR One-time fee of USD 650.00 to obtain a lifetime maintenance. Life-time maintenance-holders of CIMA® certification require to simply attend the CIMA® Review Webinar once every year. |
58. If there are any key exam session updates to know about, how will candidates be kept notified?
We’ll provide any key exam session updates, including unavoidable cancelations, via email. Please ensure you check the inbox for the email address registered with us frequently for any updates. You can check your registered email address by logging into your myCIMA account and clicking My Profile.
59. What measures will be in place at exam centers to ensure the health and safety of candidates?
The health and safety of our staff and candidates remains the top priority. Each country is subject to a differing set of Covid-related guidelines and regulations, as imposed by local authorities. We assure you these guidelines will be adhered to in each location and we will only operate exams in locations where we have been given approval to do so by local authorities.
60. What if wearing a face mask is mandatory at my exam center but an underlying health condition prevents me from wearing one?
Any candidate in this situation must notify CIMA Institute of their exemption prior to the exam by writing to us at care@cima.us.org, so that we can check with your exam center if it is possible to permit access without wearing a mask.
61. Will I be allowed to wear a face visor during my exam?
Yes, candidates will be permitted to wear a face visor during their exam, where local government guidance permits this.
62. What if I’m not permitted entry into the exam center due to displaying Covid-19 symptoms?
Any students showing Covid-19 symptoms and not permitted entry to their exam, should write to us at exam@cima.us.org to request a withdrawal.
63. What if I’ve been allocated to a different exam center from that chosen by me, and the allocated exam center is not suitable?
Where entries exceed the capacity at any particular center it may occasionally be necessary for CIMA Institute to transfer candidates to another center. In such instances CIMA Institute reserve the right to transfer candidates to the nearest alternative center.
As per CIMA Institute’s exam entry terms and conditions, CIMA Institute reserves the right to cancel or reschedule exams without prior notice and to amend or alter published exams, fees and exam venues.
64. Why am I not sitting my exam at the center and/or time originally chosen during the exam booking process?
Due to the constraints at which we’re operating under in continuing to run CIMA program exam(s) during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s not always possible to arrange for candidates to sit at their preferred choice of center and/or time.
But it’s important to us that we continue offering as many exams as is safely possible at this time to allow candidates to keep moving forwards in their CIMA program exam(s) journey. In order to do this, there are occasions whereby we need to amend an exam booking if a center is at full capacity or not able to run during the pandemic, and hope candidates are understanding of this.
CIMA Institute reserves the right to cancel or reschedule exams without prior notice and to amend or alter published exams, fees and exam venues.
65. Is the use of scrap paper still permitted in offline pen and paper-based exams?
Yes, you may use scrap paper during your center-based exam for any notes and calculations.
Scrap paper will be available on request at your exam center on the day.
66. Is there a definite code of conduct policy?
CIMA® has a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for any misconduct in its exam ecosystem. During examination, the test manager (or proctor) has all rights to dismiss a candidate from the exam session.
The following regulations apply to candidates sitting for offline pen and paper-based exam(s) as well as for online exam(s):
Please be informed that CIMA Institute will take legal action against anybody who violates copyright laws such as reproducing and distributing examination content or materials. The data bank of questions, the exam form and all exam-related materials have copyrights and are the legal property of CIMA Institute.
Any communication – be it verbal, written or electronic, is strictly prohibited. Any such act will be punishable by law.
Please note that, if any examinee is caught in any of the above forms of misconduct, there will be no evaluation of their exam and no refund of their fees. Also, there will be a six-month bar to retake the exam. Furthermore, CIMA Institute shall review the acts of misconduct, which may lead to :
67. What IDs are accepted?
The candidate must have two valid IDs from the list below, one primary ID with photo and signature and one secondary ID with signature.
Primary IDAll IDs required must be issued by the country in which the candidate is testing. If the candidate does not have a qualifying primary ID issued from the country they are testing in, an International Travel Passport from their country of citizenship is required, along with a secondary ID.
The first and last name that the candidate uses to register must match exactly the first and last name on both of the IDs that are presented on exam day.
68. What happens if I forget my photographic ID on the day of my exam?
You are required to bring an official means of your identity to the exam, such as your passport, driving license or national ID card. If you forget your ID, you will be required to return to your center before the end of the exam session with appropriate ID.
69. What is the duration of the exam?
Please find below the duration of each exam:
| Program | CIMA® | |||
| Duration | Standard Exam | Pathway Exam | ||
| Segment 1 | Segment 2 | Master's Pathway | Professional Pathway | |
| 180 Minutes | 180 Minutes | 180 Minutes | 180 Minutes | |
Please click here for more details.
70. How many questions are there in an exam?
CIMA® exam(s) are multiple choice based examination. Each question has four choices, with only one correct answer.
| Program | CIMA® | |||
| No. of Questions | Standard Exam | Pathway Exam | ||
| Segment 1 | Segment 2 | Master's Pathway | Professional Pathway | |
| 75 questions | 75 questions | 75 questions | 75 questions | |
Please click here for more details.
71. Can I carry my electronic devices (like mobile phones, digital watches, calculator, etc.) during the examination?
The candidates are not allowed to carry or use any electronic devices during the examination.
However, small battery- or solar-powered electronic calculators restricted to a maximum of six functions— addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and percentage—are allowed. The calculator must not be programmable and must not use any type of tape. Candidates can also use Texas Instruments’ BA II Plus, HP 10bII+, HP 12c, or HP 12c Platinum calculators when taking the exams. The Hewlett-Packard 10BII is valid, but no longer available for purchase. Candidates will not be allowed to use calculators that do not comply with these restrictions.
Please visit our examinee conduct policy, to know more.
72. Are we allowed to take breaks between the exam(s)?
There is no provision of a break, and the exam has to be taken in one go.
73. At what time should I be exam ready?
For offline pen and paper exam, if you are up to an hour late for the exam, you will still be allowed to enter the exam hall, although no extra time will be awarded. However, the supervisor will not allow you to enter the hall if you arrive more than an hour late.
For online exam(s), it is suggested that you should be exam ready at least 30 minutes in advance of the scheduled exam-start time to ensure that the exam room and the computer being used for exam is thoroughly checked, verified and approved for exam-taking by a designated CIMA® -authorized testing body.
74. How much do I need to score to clear the exam?
There is no fixed qualification score for CIMA® exams, and they may vary across geographies and exam batches. However, usually, a score in the vicinity of 65% - 70% on the aggregate may be enough to qualify a CIMA® exam.
75. When can I expect to get my result?
The analysis and result-report arrives within 15 days of your exam date. Successful candidates will receive a printed certificate which will be mailed to the mailing address, as mentioned in the applicant’s profile.
76. What if I am not able to clear my CIMA® exam(s) in the first (1st) attempt?
All CIMA® candidates get three attempts to clear each CIMA® exam(s). In the event candidates fail to pass their CIMA® exam(s) segments in their first three attempts within the allocated exam window, they can appear for CIMA exams again by paying US$ 100 for each exam segment. They can register for retake of the CIMA® exam from their myCIMA account. Please note that examinees can apply for a resit in the CIMA® exam only after the payment is made. A no-show on a scheduled exam date will be counted as a resit, and will deduct one free resit attempt.
77. What percentage of candidates taking CIMA® exams generally pass?
Though there are geographic variances, given their generally rich educational and work backgrounds, almost around 60% - 70% CIMA® candidates manage to qualify CIMA® right in their first attempt.
78. What is Digital Badging?
Digital badges are an assessment and credentialing mechanism that is housed and managed online and could appear as icons on a web page, social media platform, or other online venues. It is awarded by institutions, organizations, or groups, signifying accomplishment. Badges are designed to make visible and validate learning in both formal and informal settings, which can be verified by employers and colleagues.
79. How does Digital Badging work?
Each badge is embedded with evidence of where, when, how, and why it was earned. It is a form of digital certificate that earners can share on social networks, resumes and e-mail signatures.
80. What are the benefits of Digital Badging?
CIMA® digital badging services provide you a way to effectively convey your verified knowledge and expertise to employers, colleagues and recruiters after successful completion of the CIMA® programs
81. Do I have to pay extra for my Digital Badge?
No, the CIMA® program package fee includes the CIMA® Digital Badge.
82. How do I share my CIMA®Program Digital Badge?
Each CIMA® program Digital Badge has a unique digital identity and carries a URL that can be embedded on a website or social media channel.
83. What is the process to change my name on the certificate?
If you want to change your name on the certificate, you will need to write to us at support@cima.us.org and attach the required supporting documents. A fee of USD 50 will have to be paid for the processing of your request. You will also have to pay USD 100 for an additional certificate with the new name on.
84. What is the procedure to issue duplicate certificate?
In case you lose your certificate and require a duplicate certificate a service request needs to be generated from your myCIMA dashboard. An additional fee of USD 100 will have to be incurred by you.
85. What emergency scenarios are covered under the No Show policy?
There can be certain unavoidable circumstances due to which you are unable to appear for the examination, in such a case your appointment is declared as a no show.
If you miss a scheduled exam because of an emergency, feel free to directly contact CIMA Institute at info@cima.us.org.
Below are the acceptable reasons for missing your scheduled exam:
*Immediate family members here refer to:
If you miss an exam for any of the above-mentioned reasons, you are required to contact CIMA Institute on info@cima.us.org. An incident number will be provided to you to send the necessary documentation required by CIMA Institute. Once the required documents are submitted, the request will be thoroughly reviewed, and the decision will be taken accordingly by the candidate review committee. You will further be intimated on the result of your request.
Please be informed on the documents that are accepted against the reason of emergency:
For cases/ scenarios of no-shows not listed under our no-show policies or exhausting three free resit attempts (details below), an additional USD 50.00 will be charged as exam-reapplication fee. This reapplication exam can be scheduled from the myCIMA dashboard after 7 calendar days of the date of missing the original CIMA® exam appointment.
Please note: Candidates registering in any of the three CIMA® registration tracks get three attempts to clear each required CIMA® exam. The following events will be counted as a resit, and will deduct one free resit attempt:
86. What should I do to leverage my CIMA® qualification best for my professional career?
