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1
Contents
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting 2
The CIMA Professional Qualication 6
Study methods 9
Study support from CIMA 10
Resources by exam 11
Planning your studies 12
Your rst CIMA exam 13
Be part of CIMAs interactive network 15
CGMA the global designation 18
Success stories 19
Questions and answers 22
Welcome to CIMA
1
W
E
LCOM
E

TO CIM
A
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 2
CIMA is the worlds largest professional body of management accountants, offering an entry level and
professional qualication.
The Certicate in Business Accounting is our entry level accounting qualication for students with little or
no accounting background. It is a recognised qualication in its own right which is valued by employers.
Our Professional Qualication is regarded highly by employers around the world for its relevance
to business.
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting syllabus has been designed to be relevant to employer
needs, coherent, to support the professional qualication and enhance the student learning experience.
The ve certicate subjects are completely exible. You can study the exams in any order and choose
any combination of exams to suit your way of studying. Students who carefully plan and commit to
their studies can complete the CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication in 12-18 months.
About the syllabus
The syllabus is made up of ve subjects:
Fundamentals of Management Accounting (C01)
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (C02)
Fundamentals of Business Mathematics (C03)
Fundamentals of Business Economics (C04)
Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (C05)
C01 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
This exam deals with the basic techniques for the identication and control of costs and cost
management. It introduces the context of management accounting in commercial and public sector
bodies and its wider role in society.
C02 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
This exam takes candidates through conceptual and regulatory frameworks, accounting systems,
preparing accounting statements for single entities, and the necessary controls for accounting systems.
A The context of management accounting 10%
B Cost identication and behaviour 25%
C Planning within organisations 30%
D Accounting control systems 20%
E Decision making 15%
A
E
D
C
B
A Conceptual and regulatory framework 20%
B Accounting systems 20%
C Preparation of accounts for single entities 45%
D Control of accounting systems 15%
A
D
C
B
A The macroeconomic context of organisations 25%
B The goals and decisions of organisations 25%
C The market system and the competitive process 25%
D The nancial system 25%
A Basic mathematics 15%
B Probability 15%
C Summarising and analysing data 15%
D Relationships between variables 15%
E Forecasting 15%
F Financial mathematics 15%
G Spreadsheets 10%
A Ethics and business 15%
B Ethical conict 10%
C Corporate governance 10%
D Comparison of English law with alternative legal systems 10%
E The law of contract 20%
F The law of employment 10%
G Company administration and nance 25%
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
C D
B
A
G
F
E
D
C B
A The context of management accounting 10%
B Cost identication and behaviour 25%
C Planning within organisations 30%
D Accounting control systems 20%
E Decision making 15%
A
E
D
C
B
A Conceptual and regulatory framework 20%
B Accounting systems 20%
C Preparation of accounts for single entities 45%
D Control of accounting systems 15%
A
D
C
B
A The macroeconomic context of organisations 25%
B The goals and decisions of organisations 25%
C The market system and the competitive process 25%
D The nancial system 25%
A Basic mathematics 15%
B Probability 15%
C Summarising and analysing data 15%
D Relationships between variables 15%
E Forecasting 15%
F Financial mathematics 15%
G Spreadsheets 10%
A Ethics and business 15%
B Ethical conict 10%
C Corporate governance 10%
D Comparison of English law with alternative legal systems 10%
E The law of contract 20%
F The law of employment 10%
G Company administration and nance 25%
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
C D
B
A
G
F
E
D
C B
2 The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
3
C03 Fundamentals of Business Mathematics
This exam introduces students to basic mathematics, probability, summarising and analysing data,
variables, forecasting, nancial mathematics and spreadsheets ie business applications of mathematics.
C04 Fundamentals of Business Economics
This exam covers the goals and decisions of organisations, the market system and the competitive
process, the nancial system and the macroeconomic context of business.
C05 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
This exam covers ethics and business, ethical conict, corporate governance, comparison of English
law with alternative legal systems, the law of contract, the law of employment, and company
administration and nance.
A The context of management accounting 10%
B Cost identication and behaviour 25%
C Planning within organisations 30%
D Accounting control systems 20%
E Decision making 15%
A
E
D
C
B
A Conceptual and regulatory framework 20%
B Accounting systems 20%
C Preparation of accounts for single entities 45%
D Control of accounting systems 15%
A
D
C
B
A The macroeconomic context of organisations 25%
B The goals and decisions of organisations 25%
C The market system and the competitive process 25%
D The nancial system 25%
A Basic mathematics 15%
B Probability 15%
C Summarising and analysing data 15%
D Relationships between variables 15%
E Forecasting 15%
F Financial mathematics 15%
G Spreadsheets 10%
A Ethics and business 15%
B Ethical conict 10%
C Corporate governance 10%
D Comparison of English law with alternative legal systems 10%
E The law of contract 20%
F The law of employment 10%
G Company administration and nance 25%
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
C D
B
A
G
F
E
D
C B
A The context of management accounting 10%
B Cost identication and behaviour 25%
C Planning within organisations 30%
D Accounting control systems 20%
E Decision making 15%
A
E
D
C
B
A Conceptual and regulatory framework 20%
B Accounting systems 20%
C Preparation of accounts for single entities 45%
D Control of accounting systems 15%
A
D
C
B
A The macroeconomic context of organisations 25%
B The goals and decisions of organisations 25%
C The market system and the competitive process 25%
D The nancial system 25%
A Basic mathematics 15%
B Probability 15%
C Summarising and analysing data 15%
D Relationships between variables 15%
E Forecasting 15%
F Financial mathematics 15%
G Spreadsheets 10%
A Ethics and business 15%
B Ethical conict 10%
C Corporate governance 10%
D Comparison of English law with alternative legal systems 10%
E The law of contract 20%
F The law of employment 10%
G Company administration and nance 25%
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
C D
B
A
G
F
E
D
C B
A The context of management accounting 10%
B Cost identication and behaviour 25%
C Planning within organisations 30%
D Accounting control systems 20%
E Decision making 15%
A
E
D
C
B
A Conceptual and regulatory framework 20%
B Accounting systems 20%
C Preparation of accounts for single entities 45%
D Control of accounting systems 15%
A
D
C
B
A The macroeconomic context of organisations 25%
B The goals and decisions of organisations 25%
C The market system and the competitive process 25%
D The nancial system 25%
A Basic mathematics 15%
B Probability 15%
C Summarising and analysing data 15%
D Relationships between variables 15%
E Forecasting 15%
F Financial mathematics 15%
G Spreadsheets 10%
A Ethics and business 15%
B Ethical conict 10%
C Corporate governance 10%
D Comparison of English law with alternative legal systems 10%
E The law of contract 20%
F The law of employment 10%
G Company administration and nance 25%
G
A
B
C
D
E
F
A
C D
B
A
G
F
E
D
C B
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
3
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 4
Understanding the syllabus
The syllabus for each exam contains:
Lead and component learning outcomes which demonstrate what our students can do once they
pass that subject.
Indicative syllabus content.
A component learning outcome has two main purposes:
To dene the skill or ability (referred to as learning objective) that a well-prepared candidate should
be able to demonstrate in the examination.
To demonstrate the approach likely to be taken by examiners in examination questions.
The learning outcomes are part of a hierarchy of learning objectives (Figure 1). Knowledge is level 1
(the lowest level) and the highest level is evaluation, which is level 5.
In the CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting syllabus only verbs from levels 1, 2 and 3 (knowledge,
comprehension and application) are used in the component learning outcomes and only verbs from
these three levels can be found in the assessments. See the syllabus for the full verb table.
Figure 1 Learning objectives (skill or ability that a well-prepared candidate is expected to demonstrate)

Example from C01 Fundamentals of Management Accounting syllabus
Component learning outcome Explain the importance of cost control and planning within
organisations.
The verb explain is level 2 in the learning objective hierarchy. An assessment question based on
this component learning outcome could use one of the verbs from level 2 (comprehension) or
from the lower level 1 (knowledge) but a higher level verb will not be used to test this component
learning outcome.
Evaluation
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge

4 The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
5
Assessment strategy
All exams under the 2011 certicate syllabus are computer based and can be taken at one of our
accredited computer based assessment (CBA) centres worldwide. Find your nearest CBA centre by
visiting www.cimaglobal.com/cba
You may take the ve subject assessments in any order and in any combination. You can study the
subjects sequentially or concurrently, in any combination to suit you. As these are computer based
assessments, you can sit the assessments at any time of the year at any CIMA approved assessment
centre. The pass mark is 50% and you will receive a permanent credit for any subject in which you
score 50% or more. Once you complete the ve subject assessments, you will be awarded the CIMA
Certicate in Business Accounting qualication.
Relevant mathematical tables and formulae will be provided for use during assessment. They are also
available on the CIMA website www.cimaglobal.com/certifcate
Study weightings
Within each subject, a percentage weighting is shown against each section topic. This can be used as
guidance on the:
proportion of study time required by each topic
approximate proportional distribution of marks across section topics.
Its essential you study all topics in the syllabus, since any single assessment question may examine
more than one component learning outcome.
Study routes
Its possible to complete the qualication in 12-18 months. The syllabus is very exible and you can
decide on the number of assessments you take and the sequence in which you take them. You can
choose any combination of assessments to suit your own study requirements.
For example, you could choose to study and sit assessments for two subjects every six months, as
shown below.
Paper C02
Fundamentals
of Financial
Accounting
Paper C05
Fundamentals of
Ethics, Corporate
Governance and
Business Law
Paper C01
Fundamentals
of Management
Accounting
Paper C03
Fundamentals
of Business
Mathematics
Paper C04
Fundamentals
of Business
Economics
First six month period
Second six month period
Third six month period
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication

5
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 6
The CIMA Professional Qualication
The CIMA Professional Qualication is made up of three learning pillars: enterprise, performance
and nancial. Each learning pillar is divided into three progressive levels: operational, management
and strategic (refer to the diagram below).
Professional examinations are three hours long, with a further 20 minutes reading time at the
beginning of the exam. The pass mark is 50%. Currently, all examinations are paper-based, with
the T4 part B Case Study Examination also available on PC.
Within each pillar, you are advised to study and pass the operational level exams before undertaking
the management level exams. You can choose how many exams you take at each sitting when
studying these two levels.
All operational and management level subject examinations must be successfully completed before
attempting strategic level exams.
All three strategic level subjects must be studied at the same time, as CIMA requires you to take
all three exams together at the rst sitting of this level.
AWARD - Member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
AWARD - CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting
AWARD - CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting
Enterprise pillar
PAPER F1 - FINANCIAL OPERATIONS
PAPER F2 - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
PAPER F3 - FINANCIAL STRATEGY
PAPER P1 - PERFORMANCE OPERATIONS
PAPER P2 - PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT
PAPER P3 - PERFORMANCE STRATEGY
PAPER E1 - ENTERPRISE OPERATIONS
PAPER E2 - ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT
PAPER E3 - ENTERPRISE STRATEGY
Performance pillar Financial pillar
Test of Professional
Competence in Management Accounting
Part B
Case Study Examination based on pre-seen and unseen material
S
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r
a
t
e
g
i
c

l
e
v
e
l
M
a
n
a
g
e
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e
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t

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e
v
e
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e
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e
l
T4 - Test of Professional
Competence in Management Accounting
Part A
Initial Professional Development work-based practical experience
Part B
Case Study Examination based on pre-seen and unseen material
Formulate and evaluate nancial strategy
Conduct business or corporate valuation
Model and forecast cash ows and other nances
Advise on mergers, acquisitions and divestments
Prepare group accounts
Evaluate and apply IFRS
Analyse and interpret nancial statements
Prepare CSR reports
Prepare basic tax computations
Prepare nancial statements for single company
Use IFRS and GAAP
Manage general and other ledger systems
Evaluate and manage business risk
Manage nancial risk
Review, audit and evaluate risk control systems
Apply risk management to IT/IS environment
Advise on product manufacture and pricing
Plan and manage cost for competitive advantage
Design and manage budgeting system
Evaluate performance of organisational units
Calculate and analyse cost of products
Forecast and budget for organisational activities
Evaluate capital expenditure
Manage short-term nance (e.g. cash)
Analyse corporate environment (internal/external)
Evaluate strategic options
Manage change
Design and run performance management systems
Analyse competitive environment
Plan, set up, manage and execute projects
Lead the team
Negotiate and communicate effectively
Awareness of IT/IS issues and environment
Awareness of key marketing issues
Awareness of efciency and quality issues
Awareness of people management
CIMA CERTIFICATE IN BUSINESS ACCOUNTING
Paper C01 - Fundamentals of Management Accounting | Paper C02 - Fundamentals of Financial Accounting | Paper C03 - Fundamentals of Business Mathematics
Paper C04 - Fundamentals of Business Economics | Paper C05 - Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

6 The CIMA Professional Qualication
7
Evaluation
Analysis
Application
Comprehension
Knowledge
The fourth and nal level (T4) relates to professional competence. To become a CIMA member,
students must demonstrate three years of relevant work-based practical experience (T4 part A)
and pass the case study (T4 part B).
See our Resources by exam section on page 11 where we direct you to specic resources
for each exam.
On completion of all three operational level exams, students are awarded the CIMA Diploma in
Management Accounting. The CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting is awarded
when students complete all six operational and management level exams. Certicates are posted
within six weeks of the exam results and we will also publish your details on the website providing
you have opted in to do so check your communication preferences in
MY CIMA www.cimaglobal.com/mycima
Understanding the syllabus
The syllabus for each exam contains:
Lead and component learning outcomes which demonstrate what our students can do once they
pass that subject.
Indicative syllabus content.
A component learning outcome has two main purposes:
To dene the skill or ability (referred to as learning objective) that a well-prepared candidate
should be able to demonstrate in the examination.
To demonstrate the approach likely to be taken by examiners in examination questions.
The learning outcomes are part of a hierarchy of learning objectives (Figure 1). Knowledge is level 1
(the lowest level) and the highest level is evaluation, which is level 5. The verbs used at the beginning
of each learning outcome relate to one of the specic learning objectives.
Figure 1 Learning objectives (skill or ability that a well-prepared candidate is expected to demonstrate)
The CIMA Professional Qualication
7
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 8
Example from E2 (Enterprise Management) syllabus
Component learning outcome Discuss the value of post-completion audit.
The verb discuss is level 4 (analysis) in the learning objective hierarchy. An assessment question
based on this component learning outcome could use one of the verbs from level 4 (analysis),
level 3 (application), level 2 (comprehension) or from the lowest level 1 (knowledge) but a higher
level verb (in this instance, level 5) will not be used to test this component learning outcome.
Study weightings
Within each subject, a percentage weighting is shown against each section topic.
This can be used as guidance on the:
proportion of study time required by each topic
approximate proportional distribution of marks across section topics.
Its essential you study all the topics within the syllabus, since any single assessment question may
examine more than one topic.
8 The CIMA Professional Qualication
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9
Study methods
The CIMA qualication can be studied for in a variety of ways.
For those at certicate level, its recommended you organise your studies around component learning
outcomes and not on topics or indicative syllabus content. This is because CIMA examines learning
outcomes and not topics. In the assessment, the question requirement is simply a component
learning outcome with a very short scenario or some data, for you to demonstrate your knowledge/
comprehension or to apply your knowledge and understanding.
Blended learning
Blended learning offers the effectiveness of face-to-face tuition together with the exibility of distance
learning. An example of this would be a distance learning course followed by a taught revision course.
If you would like to choose when and where you study but would also benet from some tutor support,
then blended learning may be the option for you. To nd CIMA Learning course providers that offer
distance learning courses, see CIMAs course providers list at www.cimaglobal.com/courseproviders
Distance learning with CIMAstudy.com
If you would like to choose when and where you study, but would also benet from some tutor support
then distance learning may be the option for you. To nd CIMA Learning course providers that offer
distance learning courses, visit CIMAs course provider list at www.cimaglobal.com/courseproviders
Options for distance learning include traditional textbook based, virtual classroom, e-learning or a
combination of all three.
The ofcial CIMA online resource is CIMAstudy.com. It is ideal for students in areas where there is
little or no tuition provision, or for those who prefer to self-study at their own pace. Courses are
now available for certicate, operational, management and strategic level subjects.
Visit www.CIMAstudy.com for more information and to view demonstration modules.
Home/self-study with ofcial CIMA textbooks
This is the most cost-effective method with which to study the CIMA qualication, the only study costs
being your books and exam fees. Home study does require high levels of discipline and self-motivation.
The ofcial CIMA textbooks can be purchased from www.cimapublishing.com
Taught course
You can follow a taught course with one of the many course providers globally which teach CIMA.
The CIMA Learning course provider list at www.cimaglobal.com/courseproviders will show you a
list of course providers in your area which provide tuition for the CIMA qualication in varying degrees,
whether it is tutor support when studying at home or full taught classes which are either full/part-time,
evening/weekend or block basis. Please note, not all providers listed will offer every option.
For information on fees, please contact the course provider you wish to study with.
Quality Partner course providers have been assessed by CIMA under the CIMA Learning scheme,
and have provided evidence they can meet all of our performance requirements. Where possible, we
recommend that all students attend tuition in a Quality Partner course provider.
Course providers which are unable to meet the criteria for Quality Partner but have committed to our
delivery guidelines will be listed on our course provider list. At this level we have not formally assessed
the quality of tuition provided by these course providers, so we strongly advise you to carry out your
own research before attending a course.
CIMA Learning is the scheme in place to assess and accredit course providers, and it does not currently
extend to online only course providers.
Study Methods
9
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 10
Study support from CIMA
A wide range of resources are available to download free from www.cimaglobal.com/examhelp
Syllabus
Spend some time analysing the syllabus for each subject you are studying. Each syllabus is divided into
a number of broad topics. The learning outcomes in the syllabus identify what you are expected to be
able to do in the exam. The verbs used in the beginning of component learning outcomes demonstrate
the level at which the examiner can ask a question based on a particular learning outcome.
To help you with your studies, you can download a full copy of the syllabus at
www.cimaglobal.com/examhelp
Financial Management
You will regularly receive CIMAs Financial Management magazine. This contains an informative mix of
features, news and practical advice. Look out for the technical articles and exam notices in the study
notes section.
Velocity
Velocity is our global e-magazine for all CIMA students, which is sent out every two months. It contains
news, technical articles, case studies, study and career advice and exam notices.
CIMAsphere
CIMAsphere is our online community. It features a range of forums, groups, blogs, videos and live
events, providing a platform for you to ask questions, share information, give advice and nd expertise
and support among peers. You can obtain advice from study support and learning specialists.
You can also contact each other through the CIMAsphere web messaging service, organise events and
nd study buddies: http://community.cimaglobal.com
Ethics and professionalism
At CIMA we help you to develop both your technical ability and your professional capacity. Your success
is important to us. Once you become a member, the designatory letters (ACMA, CGMA/FCMA, CGMA)
and chartered status denote your professionalism, practical experience, credibility and integrity, along
with your commitment to ethics and CIMA professional development. Ethics is a key component of being
a chartered professional, enhancing both reputation, employability and ongoing earning potential.
In our annual survey, ethics and professional standards are deemed to be the most important aspect
of CIMA membership. That is why ethical practice and understanding sits at the heart of the CIMA
qualication and all members and students are committed to upholding the CIMA Code of Ethics. The
Code is globally recognised and offers a framework and set of principles for all to follow. CIMAs Code
and supporting resource material for ethics helps provide useful guidance around ethical practice and
resolving ethical dilemmas.
Ultimately, ethics makes good business sense. See why ethics is important to your career and long-term
business success www.cimaglobal.com/professional-ethics
10 Study support from CIMA
11
Resources by exam
Certifcate level
Weve produced a collection of resources for each exam, which can be accessed on the website
www.cimaglobal.com/certifcate
These include exam questions, study guides, useful articles, reading lists and mathematical tables.
Fundamentals of Management Accounting (C01)
www.cimaglobal.com/C01
Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (C02)
www.cimaglobal.com/C02
Fundamentals of Business Mathematics (C03)
www.cimaglobal.com/C03
Fundamentals of Business Economics (C04)
www.cimaglobal.com/C04
Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (C05)
www.cimaglobal.com/C05
Professional level
We have produced guidance notes for all the professional qualication exams below.
These contain links to all study resources available from CIMA.
Operational level:
E1 enterprise operations (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesE1)
F1 nancial operations (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesF1)
P1 performance operations (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesP1)
Management level:
E2 enterprise management (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesE2)
F2 nancial management (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesF2)
P2 performance management (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesP2)
Strategic level:
E3 enterprise strategy (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesE3)
F3 nancial strategy (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesF3)
P3 performance strategy (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesP3)
T4 level:
T4 parts A and B (www.cimaglobal.com/guidancenotesT4)
Resources by exam
11
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 12
Planning your studies
Follow these tips and be prepared for the assessments.
Do some research before choosing how you are going to study make sure the option you choose will
suit you and the way you learn best.
Read the syllabus for the paper you are studying, then create a study plan and a separate revision
plan. Stick to your plans.
Be realistic when creating your study and revision plans set achievable targets but make sure you
will have time to cover everything.
Keep a record of your progress against your plan.
Be protective of your study time. Find yourself somewhere peaceful to study with no interruptions if
this isnt possible at home, study at work or in the library.
Put variety into your study sessions spend some time reading your textbook, do a practice question,
or read a related article from the CIMA magazine.
Build review sessions into your study time to be sure you fully understand what you are learning.
Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses avoid concentrating your studies on the areas you
are good at. Spend time tackling the areas that cause you problems.
Do plenty of exam question practice. For certicate level, visit CIMAstudy.com for sample computer
based assessments for you to assess your progress. For professional level, do some full mock
examinations. This preparation is essential for success in the CIMA examinations.
Make use of all the study support available from CIMA.
Studying can be very stressful, particularly around exam time. See our dedicated section for advice
from CIMA students, staff and markers on how to keep anxiety at bay.
Visit www.cimaglobal.com/studystress
12 Planning your studies
13
Your rst CIMA exam
Certifcate level
Find your nearest accredited assessment centre
If you are not studying with a course provider, or if your course provider does not offer the certicate
syllabus, search the list of accredited centres for your nearest centre at www.cimaglobal.com/cba
Register for the exam with the assessment centre
You can sit assessments at any time of the year. Each centre decides when they offer assessments.
Speak directly to them to arrange a date and time.
Pay the assessment fee to the centre
You pay the assessment fee to the centre, not to CIMA. Please visit www.cimaglobal.com/fees for
details. Please note centres may charge additional administration fees.
Try the sample questions
Objective test questions are used in the qualication. Try the sample questions at
www.cimaglobal.com/certifcate
Model question papers for each subject can be found in the Exam preparation section on our website.
Receive results and feedback when you nish
Youll see your results and feedback onscreen as soon as your assessment has nished. It will take
between ve and seven days for your results to show in your MY CIMA account.
If you are successful, you will receive a certicate of achievement and your exam status will
automatically be updated at CIMA.
If you are unsuccessful, the feedback will show where you should focus your studies in the syllabus. You
can arrange your re-sit when you are ready.
Calculators
As part of the certicate level computer based assessment software, candidates are provided with a
calculator. This calculator is onscreen and is available for the duration of the assessment. You will have
the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the calculator and practise using it before your assessment
begins. Please note that you can not take your own calculator into the assessment.
Your rst CIMA exam
13
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 14
Professional level
What to expect
CIMA examinations take place in a wide variety of venues and are held twice a year, in May and
November. Examinations last for three hours, with an additional 20 minutes of reading time.
Candidates may use electronic calculators in line with the conditions in the exam rules
www.cimaglobal.com/examrules
How to enter
Exam entry typically runs from early February to mid March for May exams and early August to mid
September for November exams.
Enter online using your MY CIMA account.
Make sure you read and understand the exam rules and regulations before you book.
Visit www.cimaglobal.com/Students/Exam-Information/How-to-enter for further information
and dates.
For information on exam fees, visit www.cimaglobal.com/fees
Exam centres
You can search for your nearest exam centre by town, country, or centre number. Please note you must
sit all your exam papers at the same centre for a particular sitting.
Admissions advice
We will email you when your admissions advice is available, usually four to ve weeks before the
exam. You will need to print it off, ensuring you have details for all exams you are sitting. Bring
this information with you to present to the invigilators at your exam centre. Log in to your
MY CIMA account and select My admission advice under My examinations then print using the
Print this page link.
Attendance slip receipts
You will receive an attendance slip for each exam you sit. The slips are conrmation of your exam
attendance and should be kept for at least four months after the examinations as proof of your sitting.
Results
Results for all paper based exams are sent out by second class post or airmail seven weeks after the nal
exam. To receive your results by email on the same day, log in to your MY CIMA account at least one
week before results day, and select My personal details and then My communication preferences.
14 Your rst CIMA exam
15
Be part of CIMAs interactive network
CIMA represents a community of students with a common interest to enhance their employability by
studying CIMA.
As a CIMA student, you can now be part of a local community with the ability to exchange views and
experiences with other students. More importantly, you can speak to other students about exams or
discuss the exams afterwards. Some of the best study advice comes from real CIMA students, so its
worth visiting and participating.
CIMAs online community
http://www.cimasphere.com
CIMA Student Support blogs
http://community.cimaglobal.com/blogs
CIMA Facebook
www.facebook.com/CIMAglobal
CIMA Twitter
www.twitter.com/CIMA_News
CIMA LinkedIn
www.linkedin.com/company/cima


CIMAs interactive network
15
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 16
CIMA corporate centre
26 Chapter Street,
London SW1P 4NP
T: +44 (0)20 8849 2251
E: cima.contact@cimaglobal.com
www.cimaglobal.com
CIMA Australia
5 Hunter Street, Sydney,
NSW 2000
T: +61 (0)2 9376 9902
E: sydney@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Bangladesh
Suite 309, RM Center,
(3rd Floor), 101 Gulshan Avenue, Dhaka-1212
T: +8802 881 5724
E: zareef.matin@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Botswana
Plot 50374 , Block 3, 1st Floor, Southern Wing,
Fairgrounds Financial Centre, Gaborone
T: +267 395 2362
E: gaborone@cimaglobal.com
CIMA China: head offce
Unit 1508A, 15th Floor, Azia Center,
1233 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong,
Shanghai 200120
T: +86 (0)21 6160 1558
E: infochina@cimaglobal.com
CIMA China: Beijing
Room 605, 6/F Guangming Hotel,
42 Liangmaqiao Road,
Chaoyang District, Beijing 100004
T: +86 (0)10 8441 8811
E: beijing@cimaglobal.com
CIMA China: Shenzhen
Room 1121, Tower A,
International Chamber of Commerce,
Fuhua Yi Lu, Futian District, Shenzhen 518048
T: +86 (0)755 8923 1445
E: shenzhen@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Ghana
3rd Floor, Ayele Building,
IPS/Attraco Road,
Madina, Accra
T: +233 (0)30 2543283
E: accra@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Hong Kong
Suite 2005, 20th Floor,
Tower One, Times Square,
1 Matheson Street,
Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
T: +852 (0)2511 2003
E: hongkong@cimaglobal.com
CIMA India
Unit 1-A-1, 3rd Floor, Vibgyor Towers,
C-62, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra (East), Mumbai 400051
T: +91 (0) 22 4237 0100
E: india@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Ireland
5th Floor, Block E, Iveagh Court,
Harcourt Road, Dublin 2
T: +353 (0)1 643 0400
E: cima.ireland@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur (head offce)
Lot 1.05, Level 1
KPMG Tower
8 First Avenue, Bandar Utama
47800 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
T: +60 (0)3 77 230 230
E: seasia@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Malaysia: Penang
Suite 12-04A, 12th Floor,
Menara Boustead Penang,
39 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah,
10050 Penang
T: +60 (0)4 226 7488/8488
E: penang@cimaglobal.com
Local support
Local support puts you in touch with news and events that can help you through the exams and
applying for membership.
16 Local support
CIMA Middle East
PO Box 506527
Liberty House, Room 804
Dubai International Finance Centre
Dubai
United Arab Emirates
T: +971 (0)4 368 9432
E: middleeast@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Nigeria
Landmark Virtual Ofce,
5thFloor, Mulliner Towers,
39 Alfred Rewane Road,
Ikoyi, Lagos
T: +234 1 463 8353 (ext 518)
E: lagos@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Pakistan
201, 2nd Floor, Business Arcade,
Plot 27-A, Block 6, PECHS,
Shahra-e-faisal, Karachi
T: +92 21 3432 2387/89
E: pakistan@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Pakistan: Islamabad
1st Floor, Rehman Chambers,
Fazal-e-Haq Road, Blue Area, Islamabad
T: + 92 51 260 5701-6
CIMA Pakistan: Lahore
Flat 1, 2, 1st Floor,
Front Block 3, Awami Complex at 1-4,
Usman Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore
T: +92 42 3594 0311-16
CIMA Poland
Warsaw Financial Centre,
11th Floor, ul Emilii Plater 53,
00-113Warsaw
T: +48 22 528 6651
E: poland@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Russia
Ofce 4009, 4th Floor,
Moscow 105064
T: +7495 967 9328
E: russia@cimaglobal.com

CIMA Singapore
30 Cecil Street
Prudential Tower, Level 26
Singapore 049712
T: +65 (0)6824 8252
E: singapore@cimaglobal.com
CIMA South Africa
1st Floor,
198 Oxford Road,
Illovo 2196
T: +27 11 788 8723
E: johannesburg@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Sri Lanka
356 Elvitigala, Mawatha,
Colombo 5
T: +94 (0)11 250 3880
E: colombo@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Sri Lanka: Kandy
229 Peradeniya Road, Kandy
T: +94 (0)81 222 7883
E: kandy@cimaglobal.com
CIMA UK
26 Chapter Street,
London SW1P 4NP
T: +44 (0)20 8849 2251
E: cima.contact@cimaglobal.com
CIMA Zambia
6053 Sibweni Road,
Northmead, Lusaka
T: +260 (211) 29021
E: lusaka@cimaglobal.com
17
Local support
17
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 18
CGMA the global designation
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) is the global designation for management
accountants. Its powered by AICPA (the American Institute of Certied Public Accountants)
and CIMA, two of the worlds leading accounting organisations.
On completion of the CIMA qualication and becoming a CIMA member, you are automatically entitled
to the CGMA designation. It will add global power to your CV, showcase your value
around the world and demonstrate your business acumen, ethics and commitment.
As a CGMA you will benet from:
Being part of an online community a global community of like-minded peers where
you can connect with the best minds in management accounting.
Access to the tools, webinars, reports and research to challenge your thinking and keep
you at the forefront of your profession.
To nd out more visit www.cgma.org
18 CGMA the global designation
Success Stories
Career Progression: Kiruthiga Raguraman ACMA, CGMA
Kiruthiga is Head of Finance, IT at Hitach Capital UK Plc,
who wanted to move from operations to strategic
fnance. She chose CIMA and is now a member.
Why did you choose CIMA as your fnancial
qualifcation, and how did you hear about it?
I was already a Cost and Works Accountant from India
when I was deputed to Australia. While there, I started
attending some network events for accountants and
realised how benecial it is to complete an internationally
recognised qualication.
There were many choices available to me but my interests were always in commercial nance and
I wanted to study a qualication that would equip me to move from the tactical nance world I was
in to strategic nance. CIMA was the obvious choice as it was a qualication that would help me
leverage my accounting knowledge and prepare me for a successful career in the corporate world.
How did getting your CIMA qualifcation make you feel?
The rst and foremost feeling on getting the qualication was a sense of achievement. However,
what was more important to me was the way pursuing CIMA transformed me as a professional:
instead of being a number-crunching accountant, CIMA expanded my outlook and taught me the
importance of being able to understand the bigger business picture. This combined nance and
business knowledge brought me a great sense of condence, which prepared me for stepping into
leadership roles.
What are the principal ways you have helped add value to your present company?
I would pick out three main achievements:
Streamlining the monthly reporting pack and transforming the review process from a post-
mortem of operations to a forward-looking value adding exercise.
Driving specic cost-saving initiatives, which resulted in margin improvements despite price
reduction and stiff competition.
Streamlining and establishing an accounts-receivable process that helped in reducing the days
sales outstanding by 25%.
What are the most rewarding aspects of your job?
Many times, non-nance team members with whom I interact have said, for a change, you
understand the operational perspective despite being a nance person. That, to me, is the most
rewarding aspect of my job to be able to understand the views of non-nance teams and use that
understanding to support decision-making rather than just churn out reports, charts and tables out
of numbers.
How has CIMA membership helped you professionally?
It has given me access to a larger community of CIMA members who are quite willing to help each
other, as well as to resources like Harvard articles which would otherwise cost me a fortune. Most
importantly, it has earned me respect from my peers and other colleagues.
19
Success stories
19
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication 20
Business Focus: Prince Kof Amoabeng FCMA, CGMA
Prince Kof is the chief executive offcer of Ghanas
UT bank. He wanted to understand the fnancial
implications of business decisions. He chose CIMA
and is now a CIMA member.
His background
Prince Ko Amoabeng is quite frank that after completing
his degree in business administration, he chose to study
CIMA simply because it was the only accountancy
qualication then available in Accra, Ghana.
But though I chose CIMA by default, I grew to love it, he says. Unlike the post mortem type of
work that you have with other accounting bodies, with CIMA you actually make things happen
before the results are captured after the action. I didnt want to be a number crunching accountant
at the end of the year. I wanted to be in a management position, where the gures are the means
of informing me what to do.
Prince Ko explains that CIMA training has stood him in good stead throughout his professional
life. The crowning achievement of this was being chosen as best entrepreneur of the year 2010 at
the inaugural Ghana entrepreneur awards and in the very same year being named as Ghanas most
respected CEO for 2010.
He also led one of Africas rst reverse takeovers when UT Financial Services, founded in 1997,
acquired in 2008 the medium sized BPI Bank. In 2010 he merged the two operations to create the
larger, fully edged UT Bank.
Creating CEOs
Prince Ko is rm in the belief that the CFO position is generally a sound qualication for the CEO
slot, where the nal decisions are made. Running a business means that you should be on top of the
computations that have gone into the options on which you have to decide, he notes.
This is where CIMA comes into its own, because it enables you to understand the options and the
choices that you have to make. So I think CIMA should be bringing out a lot more CEOs than other
accountancy qualications.
He refutes the view that CFOs will lack experience in other business areas such as marketing,
product development, IT and HR.
I do not believe that accountants are challenged as CEOs because they are supposed to have less
experience of such business areas. At my level I engage professionals who should know their eld
and can present me with the choices.
I dont have to know marketing. I dont have to know HR. Of course because I studied business
administration, I have a fair idea of what it is about and I can understand what my professionals are
telling me. However in making a decision, I think the bottom line is always the nancial implications
of whatever it is that you are going to do.

20 The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication Success stories
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The new and improved career portal
Take your job search to the next level
MY JOBS
MY JOBS
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
Questions and answers
Q: What is a contact ID?
A: Your contact ID is your unique CIMA reference number. We give you a contact ID when you register
as a CIMA student or create a web account and you can use it in conjunction with a password to access
your MY CIMA area and our discussion forums. You will nd your contact ID on all correspondence we
send you.
Q: How long will it take me to complete the CIMA Certifcate in Business Accounting
qualifcation?
A: There is no time limit to complete this qualication. On average, it takes a student who is working
full-time and studying part-time from one to two years to qualify.
Q: Ive just completed the CIMA Certifcate in Business Accounting qualifcation. When can I sit
my professional level examinations?
A: If you want to sit the professional level examinations, you must have been awarded exemptions
from, or have passed, the certicate level papers by 12 March for May professional examinations or
12 September for November examinations. It can take up to 20 working days to award exemptions
during January/February and July/August peak periods.
Q: How long will it take me to complete the Professional Qualifcation?
A: There is no time limit to complete the CIMA Professional Qualication. On average, it takes a student
who is working full-time and studying part-time between three and ve years to qualify.
Q: How many times can I sit an assessment/exam?
A: There is no limit to the number of attempts you may have at each exam.
Q: Is there a time limit on completing my assessments/examinations?
A: No. You can take as long as you want to complete the qualication. However, please note the
syllabus is updated on a regular basis (every ve years) so you may need to refresh your knowledge
when resuming your studies.
Q: Am I entitled to any exam exemptions for previous study?
A: To nd out if you are eligible for any exemptions from the CIMA examinations, please visit
www.cimaglobal.com/exemptions
Q: I hope to receive exemptions; when do I need to pay?
A: If we award you any exemptions you will receive an email conrming this. You can view your
exemptions online using your MY CIMA account under My exam history. You need to pay for your
exemptions within eight weeks of them being awarded, either online by credit/debit card or by sending
us a cheque or bankers draft.

Q: Do I get a certifcate for my exemptions?
A: We do not issue exemption certicates. An email will be sent conrming the exemptions you have
been awarded and you can view your exemptions online using your MY CIMA account.
If you choose to waive an exemption and then sit the exam and fail, you cannot reclaim the exemption
for this exam.
22
22 Questions and answers
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
Q: I have an MBA or Im a member of another accountancy body. What exemptions do I get?
A: An accelerated route may be available to MBA holders and members/those who completed the
exams of other professional accountancy bodies. Upon completion of a gateway examination, you will
receive the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and be awarded 11 exemptions from
the CIMA examinations (out of a total of 15), allowing you to start studying at strategic level.
Q: How do I apply for a visa?
A: We are not involved in visa applications. You need to contact the UK Border Agency for further
information regarding visas.
Q: How do I get a job within management accounting? How easy is it to get a job?
A: You can visit CIMA My Jobs to nd out about job offers in your area and sector. This service also
allows you to search for a graduate scheme. The careers advice section contains a wealth of information
for students and members looking to nd a job as a management accountant. You can also use our
employer database to nd out if your employer or prospective employer is registered with CIMA
Training.
Q: How do I get practical experience if I am not working within management accounting?
A: You do not necessarily need to be working within management accounting to gain relevant work
experience. CIMA students and members have a wide range of jobs available to them, not all of which
are within nance or accountancy. Download the practical experience requirements brochure from
www.cimaglobal.com/per which will help you to determine whether your current job position allows
you to gain the required basic, core and supplementary skills.
Q: Where can I get the Q&As for past professional level examinations?
A: You can access examiners questions and suggested answers at www.cimaglobal.com/examhelp
Q: Can I call myself CIMA part-qualifed?
A: No. Full completion of the CIMA qualication, including the practical experience requirement, is
broadly equivalent to a Masters degree and has post-graduate status in the UK. Membership (ACMA,
CGMA) is awarded when the full qualication, including the nal test of professional competence, parts
A and B have been successfully completed. CIMA does not use the term part-qualied.
However, your progress through the examinations is rewarded at various stages, with the award of the
CIMA Certicate of Business Accounting after successful completion of the ve certicate level exams,
the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting on completion of all three operational level exams and
the CIMA Advanced Diploma on completion of all six operational and management level exams.
These intermediate awards are a useful way of describing your progress and current skills and
knowledge to employers.
23
23
23
Questions and answers
23
EARNING POTENTIAL
CIMA students have higher earning potential as they progress through their qualication.
AVERAGE SALARY BY COUNTRY FOR CIMA STUDENTS AND MEMBERS
agreed that the CIMA qualication
creates career opportunities. 93%
agreed that the CIMA qualication
strengthens ability to move internationally 83%
said the qualication gave them greater opportunities
to move across all areas of the business. 76%
UAE
2
Students: AED17,817
Members: AED51,336
Republic of Ireland
1
Students: 44,221
Members: 89,132
UK
1
Students: 36,146
Members: 66,710
Poland
2
Students: PLN10,968
Members: N/A
Russia
2
Students: RUR171,764
Members: N/A
China
1
Students: RMB313,953*
Members: RMB868,825*
Hong Kong
2
Students: HK$42,392*
Members: HK$97,452
Singapore
2
Students: SGD6,076
Members: SGD16,792
Sri Lanka
2
Students: Rs.64,814
Members: Rs.240,123
India
1
Students: Rs.10.86 lakhs
Members:Rs.30.02 lakhs
Malaysia
1
Students: RM65,675
Members: RM199,240
New Zealand
1
Students: N/A
Members: NZ$138,683
Australia
1
Students: AUS$100,946
Members:AUS$145,971
Pakistan
2
Students: PKR63,067
Members: N/A
Canada
1
Students: N/A
Members: CAN$132,697
USA
1
Students: N/A
Members: US$193,465
Source: 2013 CIMA Salary Survey
1
Total annual salary
2
Total monthly salary * Caution: low base, under 30
Northern Ireland
1
Students: 25,850
Members: 43,278
Zambia
2
Students: ZK7,207,481
Members: ZK19,546,326*
Nigeria
1
Students: NGN6,225,556*
Members: N/A
Zimbabwe
1
Students: US$20,851
Members: N/A
Botswana
1
Students: P212,333
Members: P557,000*
South Africa
1
Students: R414,996
Members: R906,943
Ghana
2
Students: GHS2,955*
Members: N/A
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
Q: How much can I expect to earn once Im CIMA qualifed?
A:
Q: How do I contact CIMA?
A: Our call centre, CIMA Contact, is open from 8am to 8pm GMT Monday to Friday and the rst
Saturday of every month from 9am to 5pm GMT.
T. +44 (0)20 8849 2251
E. cima.contact@cimaglobal.com
Our postal address is: CIMA, 26 Chapter Street, London SW1P 4NP, United Kingdom
Alternatively, you may also contact your local CIMA ofce. Please refer to page 16
for local support information.
24
24 Questions and answers
The CIMA Certicate in Business Accounting qualication
Questions and answers Questions and answers
www..co.uk
London
tel: 020 7323 9636
email: london@.co.uk

Cambridge
tel: 01223 360405
email: cambridge@.co.uk
Bristol
tel: 0117 354 0190
email: bristol@.co.uk

Chelmsford
tel: 01223 360405
email: chelmsford@.co.uk

Reading
tel: 0118 950 4173
email: reading@.co.uk
Manchester
tel: 0161 228 6564
email: manchester@.co.uk
Dublin
tel: 01-6623395
email: ireland@.co.uk
Choose First Intuition
for exam success
So impressed with First Intuition. The tutors make
everything incredibly clear and understandable
- I wont be going anywhere else.
Classroom courses tuition and revision courses from
our network of study centres. Small class sizes, exam-
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Fantastic pass rates First Intuition achieved an average
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Get your rst
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Simply call your nearest
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applies to Certicate Level
home study, online and
classroom courses.
Sarah Boothby, Cambridge student May 2013
FI FM Ad.indd 3 19/08/2013 16:44
www..co.uk
London
tel: 020 7323 9636
email: london@.co.uk

Cambridge
tel: 01223 360405
email: cambridge@.co.uk
Bristol
tel: 0117 354 0190
email: bristol@.co.uk

Chelmsford
tel: 01223 360405
email: chelmsford@.co.uk

Reading
tel: 0118 950 4173
email: reading@.co.uk
Manchester
tel: 0161 228 6564
email: manchester@.co.uk
Dublin
tel: 01-6623395
email: ireland@.co.uk
Choose First Intuition
for exam success
So impressed with First Intuition. The tutors make
everything incredibly clear and understandable
- I wont be going anywhere else.
Classroom courses tuition and revision courses from
our network of study centres. Small class sizes, exam-
focused study materials and experienced tutors who go
the extra mile to help you pass rst time.
Online courses recorded lectures cover the entire
syllabus, supported with a complete set of study material
and tutor contact details for study support .
Fantastic pass rates First Intuition achieved an average
pass rate of 81% across all papers in the May 2013 exam
sitting, for students attending classroom tuition and
revision courses in London.
Get your rst
Certicate course
completely free
Simply call your nearest
study centre to book. Offer
applies to Certicate Level
home study, online and
classroom courses.
Sarah Boothby, Cambridge student May 2013
FI FM Ad.indd 3 19/08/2013 16:44
www.cimaglobal.com/students
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