If you have a relevant degree or postgraduate qualification, you may be considered for some exemptions through our Graduate Accelerated Route 2. You may be considered even if your qualification isn't listed on our accredited programmes database.

As a graduate of a related degree programme - for example, management, economics or finance – you could be awarded exemptions from a maximum of the five Certificate level papers. Exemptions will depend on your qualification.

Please note that no Managerial or Strategic level exemptions are available through this route unless you have a qualifying MBA.

Degree groupings

You will be allocated to a degree grouping based on your degree award and transcript. The degree grouping will determine the maximum number of exemptions you can receive.

Degrees considered

We consider first degrees and postgraduate degrees for exemptions under graduate accelerated route 2.

If you have studied overseas, we will use UK NARIC to determine how your qualification compares. Qualifications must be comparable to at least a UK diploma of higher education to be considered for exemptions.

The list below shows the exemptions we would expect to award graduates who have specialised in the defined areas. This specialisation must be clearly demonstrated on your certificate and/or transcripts.

Please note that the list below is indicative. No exemptions will be awarded if CIMA determines that a qualification is not sufficient.

Further information

Registering with CIMA and applying for exemptions 
The CIMA qualification structure - what you need to do for each stage
The full CIMA syllabus
Accepting or waiving exemptions
Qualification not on our database?

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