CIMA Exam Fees: Everything You Need to Know

From CIMA registration, subscription and exam to membership and exemption fees, we have got everything covered!

Introduction

So, you’re thinking of starting your CIMA journey? That’s amazing. Soon, you will be a professional- a Chartered Management Accountant! How huge is that?! In this blog, we will discuss the CIMA exam fees- the ins and outs- to help plan your finances and stay at ease. 

We have covered most of your doubts, such as:

• How much does it cost for CIMA exams?
• What are the additional fees applicable other than the exam fees?

And the million dollar question: ‘Is CIMA worth the cost?’. Let’s get started.

CIMA Fees- A Glance at its Key Components

Before we break it all down, here are the main components of the CIMA Exam fees structure that you need to know. 

CIMA Registration Fee

As a new candidate, you will be required to pay the one-time registration fee of £99 to join CIMA and get the student status. It includes your first-year subscription fee. You will be able access all the resources and materials to get started for free for the whole year. 

Re-registration scenario: In case, if you fail to pay the annual subscription fee or finish the exams within a certain period, you will lose your student status. Then, you will need to re-register by paying £99 to continue your studies with CIMA. 

• One-time Registration Free: £99
• Re-registration Fee: £99

The registration period is a 12-month time starting from January 1st to December 31st.

CIMA Subscription Fee

Every year, you will have to pay a subscription fee to access study tools, support and exclusive updates from CIMA. It is mandatory that you pay the subscription fee to maintain your active student status. 

Keep in mind that CIMA subscription fees are due on every March 31st. 

CIMA Exam Fees

CIMA has three different tire-based price structures based on the regions. 

• Tier 1: Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore
• Tier 2: Most other regions
• Tier 3: Sub-Saharan Africa

Here’s the fee breakdown based on your exam level and location. 

Certificate in Business Accounting (CBA)

If you are a candidate with no accounting background, then the entry-level CBA qualification is perfect for you. 

CIMA Professional Qualification:

This is a globally recognised professional qualification. It has three levels

Operational Level

Management Level

Strategic Level

CIMA Exemption Fees

If you have prior qualification in accounting, finance and business, you can skip some CIMA exam papers by applying for exemptions. There are no fees for exemptions.

CIMA Membership and Annual Fee

If you clear all the exams, you can apply for the prestigious CIMA membership. 

Though mostly it is done for professional status, it has other perks, too. Once you complete three years of your practice, you will get the title ACMA (Associate Chartered Management Accountant). And for the completion of a proud 10 years, it is FCMA (Fellow Chartered Management Accountant). 

The membership and annual fee varies according to the titles.

Additional Costs to Be Aware Of

CIMA fees can go beyond the registration, exam, subscription, exemption and the membership fees. You should be ready to spend on

• Rescheduling fees 
• Re-sit fees
• Study-material costs

CIMA Exam Dates 2025

CIMA Objective Tests are available to take throughout the year, at your convenience. 

But, CIMA Case Study Exams are conducted only four times a year- in February, May, August and November. You can check here for the schedule- 2025 CIMA Exam Timetable.

Is CIMA Worth the Cost?

Gold mine, YES! 

The salary for CIMA professionals on average in 2024 was £35,000 for entry-level, £55,000 for mid-level, and £100,000 for senior-level positions. Yes, you heard it right. It’s highly rewarding!

It is also recognised in over 176 countries, and 80% of employers are always on a look-out for CIMA-qualified professionals to bring more value to their business. So, there’s always a demand.

So, it is worth all your expenses and efforts! 

Conclusion

There are over 2,00,000 CIMA members worldwide, showing 90% job satisfaction rate, substantial career growth and financial rewards. Next could be you! Do not ponder over the expenses; think of it as an investment and give you full commitment. 

By using resources like Learnsignal, you can cut down additional costs from CIMA Exam Fess, by clearing all the papers on your first attempt. 

All the best!