What is the CGMA Professional Qualification?
The CGMA Professional Qualification, offered by CIMA, is a modern blend of finance and business. The exams take the form of realistic simulations that test practical skills and prepare candidates for real-world professional challenges. Starting in 2025, the program places even greater emphasis on problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, including topics such as sustainability and artificial intelligence.
The program is developed in collaboration with global employers, ensuring it meets current market needs. It teaches sound decision-making and prepares students for careers in finance - regardless of their role. It’s a great option for those who want to combine knowledge with practice and grow in a dynamic business environment.
With CGMA, you’ll gain financial, digital, and leadership competencies. You’ll learn to analyze data, think strategically, and advise on key decisions. Graduates work as financial controllers, auditors, CFOs, and banking experts. Importantly, your career position and salary can increase even while you’re still studying.
Join the CIMA Programme offered at partner universities
CIMA University Programme is your chance to earn a professional qualification valued by employers worldwide. Thanks to the collaboration between CIMA and top universities across Europe, you can develop management accounting skills during your studies and gain a real advantage in the job market.
Check which universities offer the program
CGMA Qualification – discover the benefits
- Gain a competitive edge in the job market while still studying with the CGMA qualification.
- Validate top-level business and finance competencies through CGMA exams.
- Join a community of 570,000 finance professionals and expand your network of influential contacts.
- Earn more - candidates with a CIMA diploma earn on average 16% to 25% more than those without such qualifications.
- Step onto the path of international success with the CGMA designation.
Explore the programme structure
CIMA University Programmes offer a unique opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized qualification already during your studies. By integrating academic courses with the CGMA syllabus, you gain a real competitive advantage in the job market, combining theoretical knowledge with practical business skills.
The CGMA Professional Qualification consists of four progressive levels. Each represents the next step in your professional development, culminating in a prestigious certificate or diploma valued by employers worldwide:
- Certificate Level: Fundamentals of business, ethics, economics, and the basics of management accounting.
- Operational Level: Application of knowledge in an operational context – cost efficiency, financial management in a digital environment, and interpretation of financial data.
- Management Level: Managing organizational performance, medium-term planning, and advanced budgeting.
- Strategic Level: Strategic thinking, enterprise-level risk management, and the development of long-term financial strategy.
The graphic below presents the full structure of the programme, which you can complete at your own pace:
Your path to the CGMA qualification is up to you. Explore the available routes and choose the one that best matches your current stage of studies and allows you to develop your business competencies most effectively.
Cert BA University Programme
Model designed for students enrolled in selected CIMA-accredited Bachelor's degree programmes. The programme enables students to pursue the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) alongside their university studies, providing an opportunity to earn an internationally recognised qualification valued by employers from the very start of their careers.
Check the list of heigher education institutions offering CIMA University Programmes
CGMA University Programme
Model designed for students and graduates of selected Master's degree programmes that partner with CIMA. The programme enables participants to continue their CGMA qualification journey at the Professional Levels during postgraduate studies or benefit from exemptions awarded on the basis of prior academic education, helping them earn internationally recognised diplomas.
Check the list of heigher education institutions offering CIMA University Programmes
CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP)
A modern, fully digital learning pathway available to Bachelor's and Master's students at selected universities. Delivered through an interactive online platform, CGMA FLP combines flexible learning with exemptions from selected exams, enabling students to progress through the CGMA Professional Qualification and complete one Case Study exam at each level.
Check the list of universities offering the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP)
Choose the optimal pathway for you
Review the summary below to determine which option is the most effective for you:
CIMA Programmes: What are the requirements? Who can join?
CIMA University Programmes enable you to enhance your degree with an internationally recognised qualification valued by employers. whether you’re a full-time or part-time student.
To join a CIMA Programme you must be enrolled in a CIMA-accredited degree programme. A one-time registration fee is required for new participants, or an annual subscription renewal for continuing students. All CGMA exams are conducted in English, so a recommended requirement for participation is English proficiency at the B2 level (upper intermediate according to CEFR), which enables full access to educational materials and benefits offered by CIMA.
How to register for the CIMA University Programmes?
Enrollment for the Cert BA and CGMA University Programmes takes place throughout October and November.
Start your path to success in a few simple steps:
- Register – create and activate your account at cimauniversities.com.
- Complete the application form and attach the required documents.
- Wait for positive verification of your application by the University Coordinator and CIMA
- Receive further instructions on how to register with CIMA and pay required membership fees.
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