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CIMA and CGMA in South Africa: route and 2026 fees

How South Africans qualify as ACMA, CGMA through CIMA: the levels, exams, practical experience and the 2026 fees in pounds.

CIMA's CGMA Professional Qualification leads to the ACMA, CGMA designation for management accountants. It is popular in South African commerce and industry, and SAICA and CIMA have an agreement that eases dual designation.

The route

  1. Register with CIMA. Exemptions are available for many accounting degrees and CIMA does not charge exemption fees.
  2. Pass the objective tests and the case study exam at each level: Certificate (if not exempt), Operational, Management and Strategic.
  3. Submit three years of verified practical experience (the Practical Experience Requirements, PER).
  4. Apply for membership and pay the annual subscription.

Costs in 2026 (pounds sterling)

FeeAmount
Registration, once-offGBP 99
Annual student subscription (first year free)GBP 150
Objective test: Certificate / Operational / Management / StrategicGBP 89 / 104 / 130 / 178
Case study: Operational / Management / StrategicGBP 192 / 200 / 303
PER applicationGBP 199

As published by an accredited South African tuition provider for 2026, quoting CIMA's fees. Your CIMA account shows the final price. Checked 02/10/2026.

Keyword lists for these roles: Management Accountant · Chartered Accountant

Sources

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