CIMA Practical Experience: How the PER Works and What Counts

What Is the CIMA PER?

The CIMA Practical Experience Requirement (PER) is the work experience component of the CIMA qualification. Unlike ACCA's PER (which requires 36 months of documented experience), CIMA's approach is integrated into the qualification structure — you must complete relevant work experience at each level before sitting the Case Study exam at that level.

How CIMA PER Works by Level

Operational Level: You must have completed relevant practical experience before sitting the Operational Case Study (OCS). CIMA requires you to demonstrate experience in management accounting, financial accounting, or a related area. Management Level: Similarly, relevant experience must be in place before sitting the Management Case Study (MCS). Strategic Level: Experience appropriate to strategic-level finance must be demonstrated before the Strategic Case Study (SCS).

What Counts as Relevant Experience

CIMA defines relevant experience broadly — it includes roles in management accounting, financial accounting, financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting, audit (internal or external), financial control, treasury, and business analysis. Roles do not need to be in a dedicated finance department — management roles with significant financial responsibility also count. CIMA has moved away from a prescriptive list of objectives toward a competency-based approach where you demonstrate the application of knowledge in practice.

Documenting Your Experience

CIMA experience is documented through the My Experience tool in MyCIMA. You record your role details, describe how your work demonstrates CIMA competencies, and have the record verified by a responsible person (typically your line manager or a senior colleague familiar with your work). Unlike ACCA, CIMA does not require a pre-approved employer — any relevant role can count.

Getting Sign-Off

Your verifier confirms that the experience you have described is accurate. They do not need to be CIMA-qualified themselves. For self-employed professionals, verification by a professional contact or client is acceptable. CIMA may audit experience records — keep supporting evidence where possible.

Further Reading

• CIMA Qualification Overview
• How Long Does CIMA Take
• ACCA vs CIMA

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