What is a CIMA Qualification?
If you’re aiming to break into management accountancy or boost your career prospects, chances are you’ve heard the term “CIMA qualification.” But what exactly does it mean — and why should it matter to you right now? Let’s break it down.
At its core, a CIMA qualification (now officially known as the CIMA CGMA qualification) gives you the knowledge and tools to become a Chartered Management Accountant, blending finance expertise with business strategy. It’s globally respected, future-focused, and designed to unlock your career potential.
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What is CIMA?
CIMA stands for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants — a world-leading professional body for management accountants. With over 100 years of history and a global network of more than 650,000 members and students across 179 countries, CIMA helps shape the future of finance.
But CIMA isn’t just about numbers. It’s about performance — empowering finance professionals to drive business decisions, improve performance, and make a real impact. Whether you’re analysing data, forecasting trends, or advising on strategy, CIMA equips you with the skills to deliver value across organisations.
What is a CIMA Qualification?
In 2022, the CIMA qualification was officially renamed the CIMA CGMA qualification (Chartered Global Management Accountant). This change aligns CIMA members with the global CGMA designation — a powerful, recognised badge of expertise that shows you’re part of an elite group of strategic, performance-focused finance professionals.
The CIMA CGMA qualification is not just about passing exams; it’s about proving your ability to apply financial knowledge in real business situations. It covers a broad curriculum including:
Financial and management accounting
Risk management
Business strategy
Leadership and management skills
Completing the qualification shows employers you have the confidence, technical know-how, and commercial acumen to deliver results.
Why choose a CIMA Qualification?
Simply put: because CIMA opens doors. With a CIMA CGMA qualification, you’re not limited to traditional accounting roles. You can work in:
Finance and management
Consulting
Strategy and business development
Project management
Commercial leadership
In short, you become a well-rounded, future-ready professional who can move across industries and take on roles where you shape strategy, not just crunch numbers.
The benefits of CIMA go beyond career flexibility:
Why choose CIMA? Because it’s a smart investment in yourself. More than that, it’s an investment that pays off in knowledge, confidence, and career impact.
Discover why BPP is the best place to start your CIMA journey here.
What are CIMA qualifications equivalent to?
A common question is: what is the CIMA qualification equivalent to?
In the UK, completing the full CIMA CGMA qualification is considered equivalent to a master’s degree (Level 7 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework). That’s right — it’s not just another professional certificate; it’s a qualification that demonstrates advanced understanding and capability.
This puts CIMA on par with other high-level qualifications, including ACCA and ACA, but with a distinct focus on management accounting and business strategy.
For those aiming to stand out in a competitive job market, this level of qualification signals to employers that you are ready to perform at the top.
Final thoughts
So, what is a CIMA qualification? It’s your launchpad to a more ambitious, performance-driven career.
Whether you’re looking to switch roles, move up the ladder, or simply become a better, more strategic finance professional, the CIMA CGMA qualification gives you the credibility, skills, and confidence to do it.
At BPP, we don’t just help you pass exams — we help you unlock your extraordinary. With expert tutors, flexible learning options, and a track record of success, we’ll be your catalyst for progress.
Explore our CIMA courses today and take the first step towards your future: BPP CIMA courses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The full CIMA CGMA qualification is considered equivalent to a master’s degree (Level 7 in the UK). This signifies a high level of expertise and knowledge in management accounting and business strategy.