Founded in 1919 and headquartered in London, CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is the world’s largest professional body for management accountants and one of the founding members of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). In 2017, CIMA merged with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to jointly launch the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation, becoming one of the most influential accounting organizations in the world. The CIMA professional qualification framework is divided into four levels: Foundation, Operational, Management, and Strategic, comprising a total of 16 exam modules. Upon completing all certification requirements and meeting the work experience criteria, members will automatically receive the CGMA designation. The Importance of Achieving This Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Certification
Certification Process
A one-time registration fee of £72.95 and an annual membership fee of £150 are charged upon application. The program is divided into four exam stages based on content and requirements: the Foundation Stage consists of five exams, while the Operational, Management, and Strategic Stages each include three multiple-choice exams and one case study exam. Exams are held in four quarters (February, May, August, and November), with each stage lasting 12 months.
Key Attractions:
- Gold Standard and High Salary Returns: CIMA is an international management accounting certification, regarded as a gold standard. The average annual salary for certified professionals is 840,000 RMB, approximately 65% higher than that of non-certified professionals.
- Strategic Vision and Policy Benefits: As a globally recognized professional body for management accountants, CIMA equips holders with the tools to become key decision-makers within organizations. The CIMA certification qualifies as a Type D high-level talent credential in the Hainan Free Trade Port, entitling holders to preferential policies such as a 15% individual income tax rate and residency incentives.
Is it necessary to replace a lost CIMA certificate?
If you lose your CIMA certificate, you must apply for a replacement. What should you do if you accidentally lose your CIMA certificate? The certificate serves as proof of your professional identity. It is required for background checks during job applications, professional title evaluations, talent recognition applications, and accessing policy benefits. This is especially true in recent years, as regions like Hainan have included CIMA in their high-level talent categories, making it even more essential for holders to obtain the certificate to enjoy these policy benefits.
The reissuance process is as follows: Certificates are typically mailed within 1–2 months after results are released. If you have not received your certificate at the designated mailing address, please contact the China office within two months. If you have not received your certificate after three months, you will need to pay a fee of £15 to have it reissued. The first reissuance is free of charge; please contact the Global Customer Service Center to request a replacement. To check the status of your reissuance, please log in to the official website > Global Website > My Account.
