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CIMA Certificate In Business Accounting

The CIMA Certificate In Business Accounting helps students with little or no accounting experience to harness their true business potential, developing skills and unlocking talent. It’s the perfect stepping stone toward a career in business and finance, teaching core business and finance skills beyond simple financial accounting.

Includes:

100% syllabus coverage

BPP learning resources

BPP's Achievement Ladder

No financial tie-ins

Course Overview

Unlock your business potential with the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. Forming the first level of the complete CIMA course, the CIMA BA cert is also a qualification in its own right. It provides a formal entry route into CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification, and once students successfully complete both qualifications they will qualify for CIMA membership and be awarded the CGMA designation.

Course Structure

Start your accounting journey with the CIMA qualification. The path is divided into two phases:

  • Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA): Complete this first level to gain foundational skills.
  • Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA): Pass levels 2, 3, and 4 to deepen your knowledge and achieve the CGMA designation, recognized worldwide.

  • The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) is a qualification in its own right and consists of four papers. Upon completion, you can progress onto the Operational level of the CGMA PQ.

    BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
    BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
    BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
    BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance

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*The 7-day free trial only works the first time you sign up for this subscription plan for this specific qualification.
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Hear from our students

"While searching for course providers I was very happy to come across StaySharp as I loved that it was affordable on a pay-monthly scheme, unlike other providers who have you pay the full amount regardless of how long it takes you to complete- I am lucky that I have lots of spare time and managed to complete the course in 9 months, so I only paid for 9! ”

Jillian Neathey CIPD Student

“The course itself has been incredibly insightful and well-structured. The modules are designed to build on each other, which ensures that I fully understand each concept before moving on to the next. The real-life case studies and practical assignments have been particularly helpful in applying what I’ve learned to my current role.”

Billy Bellion CIPD Student

"I went with StaySharp because it stands out for its monthly subscription option, giving me the flexibility I need. With this setup, I found myself more motivated to stay on track and finish my qualification faster. In fact, I completed it in just 5 months thanks to this approach! ”

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"I’ve found stay sharp well organised and easy to follow. Great for diving into when I’ve got a chance and easy to pick back up when I’ve been too busy to look at it for a while. The teams always been there if I’ve needed help. "

Charlie Sheppard CIMA Student

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Frequently asked questions.

Can’t find the answers you’re looking for? Get in touch with our team today.

  • This is the equivalent of a foundation degree in Accounting and is designed to help individuals who want to pursue a career in accounting.

  • You may be eligible to go straight into the CIMA Professional Qualification if you already have a relevant degree in business or finance, hold a relevant ATT or ACCA qualification or have another exemption recognised by CIMA. You can check the full list of exemptions on the CIMA website.

  • Whilst our courses are designed for you to study at your own pace, this course generally takes learners around 12-18 months to complete.

  • CIMA course material is complex, particularly if you have limited previous accounting experience or work full time. However, it is absolutely not beyond anyone’s ability - it simply requires commitment and regular study.

  • It isn’t a degree but it is considered to be the equivalent to a foundation degree.

  • Due to intellectual property laws, it’s not possible to download the majority of course materials. You’ll need an active internet connection to authenticate your account and access your learning content. However, some course videos are available to download and watch later.

  • The 7-day free trial is limited to one per course, per customer. If you want to re-subscribe to a course you have subscribed to previously, please purchase it as normal. You’ll be automatically moved to the paid subscription within 3 working days.

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