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Study CIMA courses online

Looking to progress into senior finance or management roles? The CIMA qualification is designed for professionals working in business, finance and management accounting roles who want to build strategic, commercial expertise and work towards CGMA status. With StaySharp, you can study online with flexible learning that fits around full‑time work, and only pay for the time you need to pass.
From £48 /mo
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6-18 Months
average time per CIMA level
+195,000
CIMA members worldwide
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Your subscription includes:

  • Access to all CIMA levels and units

  • Study at your own pace, from anywhere

  • BPP-designed learning resources, focused on exam preparation

  • BPP's Achievement Ladder

  • No financial tie-ins

Course overview

Whether you’re a finance or business graduate, are already AAT/ACCA-qualified, or are just starting out in your accountancy career, our CIMA online course is designed to arm you with the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for management accountancy.

Course structure

The CIMA qualification is divided into four levels.

The first level is CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA). After this, the next three levels are Operational, Management, and Strategic. Once you pass all levels, you will be awarded Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) status. 

  • The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) is a qualification in its own right and consists of four units.

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

  • This level focuses on short-term decision-making. You’ll learn how to implement actionable plans and report on performance.

    Once you pass this level, you’ll be awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA).

    E1 Managing Finance in a Digital World
    P1 Management Accounting
    F1 Financial Reporting
    Operational Level Case Study

  • This level is all about how to translate long-term decisions into medium-term plans. You’ll understand how to manage individual and organisational performance and gain a deeper understanding of how to monitor and report on decision-making.  

    Once you pass this level, you’ll be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA). 

    E2 Managing Performance
    P2 Advanced Management Accounting
    F2 Advanced Financial Reporting
    Management Level Case Study

  • The final level is centred around strategic, long-term decision-making.  

    Once you pass this level, you’ll be awarded the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.


    E3 Strategic Management
    P3 Risk Management
    F2 Financial Strategy
    Strategic Level Case Study

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Study at your own pace

With StaySharp, you only pay for the time you need to pass. Progress quickly, take a break if life gets busy, or pause and restart – it’s your call. For maximum flexibility, go for our pay
  • Pay monthly
    £48
    £48/month billed monthly

    Pay for your course monthly, with no tie-in or contract.

    Monthly payments. Cancel anytime.

  • Pay quarterly
    £130
    £43.33/month billed quarterly

    Pay for your course every 3 months, with no tie-in or contract.

    Billed every 3 months. Cancel anytime.

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    £400
    £33.33/month billed upfront

    One-time payment. 12 months access.

    12 months access - save 30%

How it works

  • Step 1
    Choose your plan
    Pick the course that fits your goals. No hidden fees just straightforward, great value pricing.
  • Step 2
    Study anytime, anywhere
    Get unlimited access to all your learning materials and resources from day one.
  • Step 3
    Stop and restart at any time
    Progress at your own pace. You only pay for as long as it takes you to pass.

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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.

  • CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification is designed for professionals who want to build strong business, finance and management accounting expertise and qualify as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). 

    It focuses on applying finance skills in real business contexts, helping you progress into senior finance or management roles. Your StaySharp subscription includes learning materials for all stages required to complete the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and progress through the CGMA Professional Qualification. 

  • CIMA stands for Chartered Institute of Management Accountants. This is the awarding body for the CGMA qualification.

  • There are no formal entry requirements for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. 

    To study the CGMA Professional Qualification, you’ll need to have completed the Certificate in Business Accounting (which is included in your subscription) or hold relevant exemptions.

    Because eligibility and exemptions depend on your previous qualifications and experience, we recommend checking directly with CIMA to confirm what applies to you.

  • There are no formal entry requirements for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. For CIMA's CGMA Professional Qualification, and to start studying for these exams, you must have completed the Business Accounting qualification (which is included in this subscription) or have relevant exemptions. Visit the CIMA website to check whether you are eligible to study CIMA courses online or are exempt from any of the exams.

  • YourStaySharpsubscription includes access to all the learning resources you need to prepare for your exams. CIMA exam fees are paid separately, and exams are booked directly with CIMA.

    Exam fees can vary by unit. For the latest costs and booking information, it’s best to check the CIMA website.

  • For each CIMA paper, you’ll have access to: 

    • an online workbook 
    • exam practice resources 
    • pre‑recorded videos 
    • practice questions and assessments 

    Everything is designed to help you prepare effectively for the real exam. 

  • Most learners take around three years to complete the full CIMA qualification, but this can vary depending on how quickly you study and how many exams you sit in each period. 

    You’ll also need three years of relevant practical experience before you can be awarded CGMA status, although you can study for and sit the exams without prior work experience. 

  • Yes, it is fully exam based. Each level includes three objective test exams, which can be sat on demand throughout the year, alongside a case study exam, which is taken during set exam windows. Your StaySharp course includes everything you need to prepare for both.

  • If you’re studying towards CIMA but haven’t yet completed all exams and requirements, you’re considered CIMA part‑qualified. This simply means you’ve completed some stages of the qualification, but not all of them yet.

  • CIMA exams can be taken at Pearson VUE assessment centres worldwide or online via remote invigilation, depending on the exam type. 

    Objective tests are available on demand, while case study exams take place during scheduled exam windows set by CIMA. 

  • 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.

Pay a fair price. Guaranteed.

A fair price, without compromising on quality. When it comes to comparing prices, we’ve already done the legwork. But if you find an equivalent course for a lower price, let us know – we’ll happily refund you the difference.
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