CIMA qualification is structured into five levels.
First level, certificate level is focused on gaining knowledge and understand it. Students may be eligible for exemptions from certificate papers in this level if they have studied a relevant qualification before. Other nine modules of operational level, management level and strategic level require student to apply the knowledge and analyse the detail of what they have learned. Finally, professional competence level comprises two component parts – case study examination and three years relevant work based practical experience, which is an essential part of CIMA qualification.
CIMA will award eligible active students with designatory letters which they can use after their names. Those who have successfully completed all certificate level papers will receive the letters CIMA Cert BA. Those who have successfully completed operational level will receive the letters CIMA Dip MA. Those who have completed management level exams will receive the letters CIMA Adv Dip MA.

