Depending on your background, you could be eligible for exemptions to bypass some of CIMA’s CGMA® exams, but how do you know if they apply to you? You’re in the right place. Exemptions mean that if you already have a degree or professional qualification that’s relevant to what’s covered on CIMA’s CGMA® Professional Qualification, you can let us know and you’ll be able to skip certain CIMA exams.
As well as the obvious perk of having fewer exams to sit, being eligible for exemptions also means you can start the CIMA Qualification at a more advanced level — and it might even be possible to earn your Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation in as little as a year.
Why do we offer exemptions?
We know how much time and effort you’ve put into your career. Our logic is, if you’ve already done the work once, you shouldn’t have to do it again. Instead, you should be able to build on what you’ve already learned and move forward on your professional journey.
No hidden agenda or costs
We’re the only international accounting body in the world that won’t charge you for exemptions. This will save you money, time, and stress — and, more importantly, you’ll earn your CGMA designation faster than you originally thought.
In fact, if you already have a BSc in accounting and finance, you could join the CGMA Qualification at the Management level — that’s almost half the qualification under your belt before you even start, and you’d save over £1,000 on exam fees.
Am I eligible for exemptions?
If you’ve got a degree or qualification in accounting, finance, or management, check if you’re eligible for exemptions from some of CIMA’s exams. You can learn about exemptions and eligibility by reading our Exemptions Policy.
What exams might I be exempt from?
The exact exams you’ll be exempt from depend on your experience or qualification. But as a guide, if you’ve got a related degree, it’s very likely you’ll be able to bypass at least the entire first level of the CIMA Qualification — the Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) — and most of the Operational level, too. The more advanced your degree or qualification, the more exams you may be exempt from.
Does an AAT qualification make me eligible for exemptions?
Absolutely! If you’ve completed the AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting, you’re exempt from the Certificate in Business Accounting. Even better, all AAT members get a fast-track exemptions service and we’ll process your application in 4 days (your exemptions will be granted as soon as you complete your CGMA candidate application).