Optional or employer preference
CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting
CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)
An optional starting point for people without accounting qualifications. Not required for every route.
- Awarding body
- AICPA & CIMA
- Level
- Entry-level finance qualification
- Where it applies
- Global, including the UK
- Exams
- 4 objective tests
- Entry
- No accounting background needed — check CIMA's current entry guidance.
- Also required
- CIMA describes a typical duration of about 6 months
Assessment and registration fees
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Objective test fee, from 1 January 2026 (depends on location) | £89 to £123 | AICPA & CIMA (opens in a new tab)checked 12 Oct 2026 |
- CIMA gives a price range by location; the UK amount within it was not confirmed.
Official page: AICPA & CIMA (opens in a new tab)Checked 12 Oct 2026