Both routes are founded on the same syllabus and teach the same competencies to prepare finance professionals for careers in management accounting. Regardless of which programme you take, you will be assessed on the same material and must demonstrate the same level of competency and experience to earn the CGMA® designation and CIMA® membership.

A key difference between the two programmes is how you learn. In the self-study route, you have the flexibility to find a learning provider that fits your needs, timelines and preferred learning format. In the CGMA FLP, the learning is part of the all-inclusive subscription package and delivered online in a self-paced e-learning environment.

The CGMA FLP allowsyou to learn and be assessed online, at your pace. As there are no objective test exam dates to schedule or work towards, you can study when you want, wherever you are and even learn the topics in whichever order you like.

The self-study route uses objective tests to assess topic proficiency within each of nine competency areas of the syllabus. These objective tests (OT) are multiple choice and taken via Pearson VUE, either at testing centres or online. You can decide when you are ready to take an OT and schedule your exam sitting at any time.

The CGMA FLP seamlessly blends learning and assessments to ensure you understand key topics and can apply new skills before you move on to more advanced business concepts. Topic proficiency is regularly assessed via multiple-choice questions that are embedded into the online learning experience.

In both programmes, you must pass the assessment of all competencies within a given level to be eligible and authorised to sit for a case study exam.  

Regardless of which programme you choose, you will take the same case study exams, under the same exam conditions and to the same standards. All case study exams are offered four times per year, administered worldwide via Pearson VUE either in testing centres or online.

Regardless of which programme you choose, you must have three years of management accounting experience as defined by the CGMA Competency Framework to be eligible for the CGMA designation upon completion of your programme. See the full PER policy details.

You will be advised on what steps you need to take leading up to, or upon completion of the strategic level case study exam. You will need to submit your PER and application via the Membership Application Tool, which can be accessed online from the My Account section of the CGMA FLP platform.

Awards are the same for both routes. Upon completion of the CIMA Professional Qualification, you will be awarded CIMA membership at either the ACMA or FCMA level. You will also be awarded the CGMA designation.

Any CIMA student who wishes to transition to the CGMA FLP route can do so by starting the CGMA FLP registration process. During the registration process, you will be identified as a CIMA student and a notification will be sent to the Global Engagement Centre to review your status, location and other relevant information to ensure you’re eligible for the CGMA FLP. If you are eligible, the reviewer will send you a consent email, explaining the details of making the switch. You must then confirm that you wish to do so. Upon receipt of the confirmation, you will be notified within three business days.

All CIMA students at Operational level or above are eligible to transition to the CGMA FLP.

• Cert BA students are NOT eligible for The CGMA FLP. You can begin the CGMA FLP at the Operational level once you have successfully completed the Cert BA.
• Lapsed CIMA students are welcome to transition to the CGMA FLP. There is no re-registration fee, as all fees are covered in the bundled CGMA FLP purchase price.
• Any person who is restricted from being a CIMA student for disciplinary or other reasons is ineligible for the CGMA FLP.
• Students from other CIMA routes (e.g., CSEP) are eligible for the CGMA FLP, but will have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis as there is no standard process for transitions from other programmes.

You will maintain all progress you have made with CIMA as a student, as outlined here:

• If objectives tests have been passed, you will receive credit for the corresponding competency area learning and assessment. This means you will not be required to re-take the learning or assessment in competency areas where you have already proven your proficiency via OT.
• If case study exams have been passed, you will receive credit for them in the CGMA FLP and will not be required to re-take them. 
• No credit is given for learning taken with other providers, as it did not include the necessary assessment that is embedded in the CGMA FLP

You enter the CGMA FLP at the same level you are as a CIMA student. If you have earned new credentials (e.g., university degree, CPA license, other IFAC affiliation, etc.) and think you should enter at a higher level than was determined as a CIMA student, you must provide the relevant information for our review. This manual process takes time and should be a rare exception.

Everything you need to complete the CGMA FLP is included, no supplementary learning, tuition support or materials are required. Regardless of length, each subscription includes:

• Registration fee
• Student fees
• Case study exam fee
• All learning materials
• All assessment materials
• Interactive exercises
• Business simulation assignments
• Access to tutor videos about how to approach your case study exam 
• Video analysis of the pre-seen materials for your case study window 
• Graded case study mock exams with personalised feedback 

Mandatory learning depends on where you enter the programme. Your entry route is based on your previous education, experience and other qualifications. You must complete all learning (including embedded assessments) and case study exams to pass a level and progress through the programme. You have access to all levels of learning at all times, regardless of your entry route.