CIMA CPD Requirements — Complete Guide for CIMA Members 2026
CIMA members must maintain competence through ongoing CPD. This guide explains CIMA CPD requirements for 2026, the competency framework, what counts, and how CIMA audits CPD records.
CIMA's approach to CPD differs from the unit-based systems used by ACCA and AAT. Rather than prescribing a fixed number of hours, CIMA requires members to maintain and develop their competence in a way that is relevant to their current role and career objectives. This principles-based approach gives members flexibility but requires careful planning and recording.
CIMA CPD: The Principles-Based Approach
CIMA members are required to: maintain and develop their professional competence and ethical behaviour; keep up to date with developments in their area of practice; ensure their knowledge and skills remain relevant to their role; and be able to demonstrate their learning if asked. There is no fixed annual CPD hour requirement — the expectation is that members invest in learning proportionate to the demands of their role and the pace of change in their area of practice.
CIMA's Competency Framework
CIMA's Professional Qualification competency framework covers four interconnected areas: technical skills (accounting, finance, management accounting, risk), business skills (commercial awareness, leadership, strategy), people skills (communication, team working, influencing), and leadership skills. CPD should address gaps or development needs across these areas, not just technical updates.
What Counts as CPD for CIMA Members?
CIMA recognises a wide range of CPD activities: structured courses and e-learning programmes; professional reading with evidence of application; attending conferences, seminars, and webinars; in-house training programmes; coaching and mentoring; peer learning and discussion groups; and project work that develops new competencies. The key criterion is that the learning is planned, purposeful, and can be evidenced.
Recording CIMA CPD
CIMA provides an online CPD tool in the My CIMA portal. Records should follow CIMA's four-step CPD cycle: Identify (your development needs), Plan (agree actions and timescales), Act (undertake the CPD), and Reflect (what did you learn and how will you apply it?). CIMA audits members' CPD records annually — a random sample receives a request to submit records for review.
CIMA CPD Audits
CIMA selects a proportion of members each year for CPD audit. Selected members must submit their CPD records and demonstrate that learning was planned and relevant. CIMA expects members to be able to explain the impact of their CPD on their professional practice, not just list courses completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours of CPD does CIMA actually expect? While CIMA doesn't set a fixed number, industry practice and CIMA guidance suggest members should aim for at least 30–40 hours per year to demonstrate meaningful ongoing development.
Can online courses count for CIMA CPD? Yes. Learnsignal's CPD courses count for CIMA member CPD. Certificates of completion provide the evidence CIMA requires.
Further Reading
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