CIMA Exemptions for Degrees
The CIMA qualifications focus on management accounting. If you hold a degree in business, finance or accounting, the work covered in CIMA could be work that you already know. Exemptions shorten the time that it takes to complete the course.
Holding two qualifications in the business and finance world will benefit you a lot. It will increase your employability and professional status.
Who is Eligible for Exemption?
It depends on the type of qualification that you hold. If your degree is older than ten years, it does not qualify for exemptions. The table will show you some of the degrees that will get you an exemption. Please note that this is not a complete list.
Degree type | Exemptions awarded |
Accounting | All certificate level exams |
Business studies/administration | All certificate level exams |
Commerce | All certificate level exams |
Business general | BA1 Fundamentals of business economics BA4 Fundamentals of ethics, corporate governance and business law |
Finance | BA1 Fundamentals of business economics BA2 Fundamentals of management accounting BA3 Fundamentals of financial accounting |
Management | BA1 Fundamentals of business economics |
MBA | All certificate level exams E1 Organisational management |
Economics | BA1 Fundamentals of business economics |
More information about which degrees qualifies for exemption can be found on the CIMA website.
How do you Apply for a CIMA Exemption?
You can apply via email or fax, but you need to be a CIMA student. Once you have registered, you can apply for the CIMA exemptions for degrees.
Register as a CIMA Student
Register on the CIMA website or through us, Skills Academy, a CIMA accredited training provider. We can assist you with your registration and with applying for the CIMA exemptions for degrees. Contact us today on our toll-free number 0800 39 00 27. A friendly course expert will assist you with your application.
When you have successfully registered, you will receive a CIMA contact ID. Now you can move on to the next step.
Apply for CIMA Exemption
If you have received your CIMA contact ID, you can apply for the exemption. Follow the below steps.
- Search for your qualification here. Each degree from every University is different. You can search for your institution, and all of the degrees that will be awarded exemption will be listed.
- Send your Graduation certificate or a letter from the University (stating that you’ve completed the course) as proof. Email them to [email protected]
- CIMA will send confirmation of receipt via email within 72 hours. It takes up to 20 working days for your exemption to be approved or declined.
- Accept or Decline exemption granted.
- Pay for your exemptions.
Do not send your original documents, because CIMA cannot guarantee its safe return.
CIMA Exemptions Fees
When you accept an exemption, you need to pay for it. You need to pay for every exam paper that you are not going to write. Have a look at the fees below.
Qualification exam | British Pound | South African Rand |
Certificate in Business Accounting (per subject) | GBP 70 | R1,359.41 |
Operational level objective tests (per subject) | GBP 90 | R1,747.82 |
Operational level case study exam | GBP 145 | R2,815.93 |
Management level objective tests (per subject) | GBP 100 | R1,942.02 |
Management level case study exam | GBP 155 | R3,010.13 |
Strategic level objective tests (per subject) | GBP 145 | R2,815.93 |
Strategic level case study exam | GBP 220 | R4,272.44 |
The CIMA fees information is available on the CIMA website. All of the calculations made was on fx-Rate on 14 September 2018.
