CIMA Exam Fees: Everything You Need to Know

Discover everything you need to know about CIMA exam fees, including exemptions, registration and subscription fees, and individual exam fees. If you’re considering sitting CIMA exams and becoming qualified, exam fees are essential. Key questions to look at are:

• Is it affordable?
• How much does CIMA really cost?
• How are the fees broken down?

This blog covers all the CIMA exam fees, from registration to maintaining your CIMA membership.

Note that prices are provided in GBP as outlined on the CIMA website.

What Are CIMA Fees?

CIMA fees refer to all the costs associated with registering, subscribing, taking exams, and maintaining your CIMA membership. It’s important to understand the breakdown of these expenses to plan your CIMA study journey effectively.

Here’s a quick glance at the main components:

1. Registration Fee: A one-time fee to start your CIMA journey.
2. Subscription Fee: An annual fee to maintain your student status.
3. Exam Fees: Costs for each individual exam, varying by exam type and tiered pricing.
4. Membership Fees: Fees applicable once you qualify as a CIMA member.

CIMA Registration Fees

New CIMA students pay a one-off registration fee which includes their first year of subscription from January 1st to December 31st.

• Registration fee (once-off initial payment for new members) – £99
• Re-registration – £99 

CIMA Subscription Fees

All subscription fees are due on March 31st.

• Students – £145
• Students who have passed the Strategic Case Study exam – £330
• New students (payment included in registration fee) – Free

CIMA Exam Fees

CIMA uses a tiered pricing structure for exams to make the qualification accessible worldwide. Costs vary depending on your region:

1. Tier 1: Western Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore
2. Tier 2: Rest of the World
3. Tier 3: Sub-Saharan Africa

Exam Costs

Exam	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3
Certificate in Business Accounting Objective Tests	GBP 117	GBP 106	GBP 85
Operational Level Objective Tests	GBP 138	GBP 125	GBP 98
Operational Level Case Study	GBP 239	GBP 223	GBP 181
Management Level Objective Tests	GBP 164	GBP 143	GBP 122
Management Level Case Study	GBP 246	GBP 232	GBP 189
Strategic Level Objective Tests	GBP 232	GBP 223	GBP 168
Strategic Level Case Study	GBP 350	GBP 329	GBP 287

2025 Exam Costs

Expect slight increases across all tiers. For detailed breakdowns, refer to the CIMA website.

After qualifying, an annual CIMA Membership Fee is required to maintain professional status, granting access to resources and the CIMA Membership Directory for networking and verification.

To succeed in your CIMA journey, mock exams are invaluable. Resources like learnsignal offer expert-reviewed CIMA mock exams, helping you understand exam patterns and improve your chances of passing on the first attempt. Whether you’re in CIMA England or elsewhere, this globally recognized qualification is worth the investment, offering career growth and higher earning potential.

 How To Pay CIMA Exam Fees

The easiest way to pay is online via MyCIMA using a VISA card, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal.

You can contact CIMA’s global 24/7 payment hotline or call CIMA to pay with a debit or credit card.

In addition, CIMA accepts cheques, money orders or bank drafts (sterling).

Find out more about paying your CIMA exam fees here.

CIMA Exam Dates

To plan your CIMA study and exam schedule effectively, it’s crucial to be aware of CIMA exam dates. These dates can vary depending on the exam tier and level, and it’s important to register well in advance to secure your spot. CIMA exam dates for 2024 and 2025 are available on the CIMA website. Typically, exams are held in May, June, September, and November, with registration deadlines several months prior.

Staying informed about these CIMA exam dates will help you prepare thoroughly and avoid last-minute stress.

Is CIMA Worth the Cost?

While CIMA costs might seem significant, the qualification offers excellent long-term value. The potential for higher salaries, global recognition, and enhanced career opportunities make this an investment in your future.

By preparing effectively, using resources like learnsignal, and passing exams on the first attempt, you can maximize your returns while minimizing your costs.

 Final thoughts

CIMA exam fees are more affordable than you’d think. The exams represent an upfront cost, but the benefits of becoming CIMA qualified to ensure your investment is well spent.

Make your investment count by passing your CIMA exams the first time by studying online, saving you time, money and exam repeats.

This article shows How to book CIMA exam online or reschedule it, and have a better understanding of the exam timetable.