CMA vs CIMA – Which Should You Choose?

Today I wanted to talk about two of the most notable designations across the globe – the CMA vs CIMA.

As you may know, when you become certified as a CMA in the United States, it is overseen by the IMA – Institute of Management Accountants. In the UK however, this designation is handled by the CIMA, or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.

Both the IMA and CIMA have been around for ages, which is why so many candidates have a hard time determining which designation would be best for them.

Though both are respected qualifications and offer opportunities to those who want to work and live abroad, which one should you choose? Let me break down a few considerations for you.

Originally published in 2015, this article was updated and republished on June 10, 2024.

Global Recognition and Career Opportunities

When considering CMA vs. CIMA certification, it’s essential to understand their global recognition and the career opportunities they open up in different regions.

The CMA certification is highly regarded in the United States and has gained recognition worldwide. The IMA has established a strong presence in many places outside North America, notably in Europe, China and the Middle East, where the demand for CMAs is growing rapidly. The CMA’s emphasis on management accounting and strategic financial management makes it a versatile and globally respected credential.

The CIMA certification, overseen by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, is particularly prestigious in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Its rigorous focus on management accounting, including extensive practical experience requirements, ensures that CIMA professionals are well-prepared for strategic roles in finance. While its recognition is more dominant in the UK, CIMA is also respected in Commonwealth countries.

Regional Recognition and Influence

Let’s break that global recognition down a bit further.

  • United States:
    • CMA: Highly recognized and sought after.
    • CIMA: Less common but still respected.
  • United Kingdom and Commonwealth Countries:
    • CIMA: Dominates in recognition and preference.
    • CMA: Recognized but less prevalent compared to CIMA.
  • China:
    • CMA: Strong and growing presence.
    • CIMA: Also recognized but CMA has a stronger foothold.
  • Middle East:
    • CMA and CIMA: Both have a significant presence, with almost equal recognition.

Career Paths and Opportunities

What specific roles and opportunities are available to each of the certifications? CIMA and CMA career paths are similar:

  • Corporate Finance: Roles such as financial analyst, finance manager, FP&A, financial director, VP of finance, and CFO.
  • Management Accounting: Positions like cost accountant and budgeting manager, accounting manager, corporate controller, and CFO.
  • Strategic Planning: Career paths that include business strategist, business analyst, strategy manager, and financial consultant.
  • Public Sector: Roles in government agencies focusing on financial planning, auditing, and management.
  • Government and Nonprofit: Roles in strategic financial oversight, financial management, and strategic planning.

Both the CMA and CIMA certifications are globally recognized and offer distinct advantages depending on your career goals and preferred location.

While the CMA provides a broader international presence and is particularly strong in the US and emerging markets, CIMA holds a prestigious status in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

Evaluating where you want to build your career and the specific roles you are interested in can help you make an informed decision between these two esteemed certifications.

Education and Other Requirements

Before diving into which designation you want to go for, you probably want to know how much time and education you will have to invest in order to attain it.

Unlike the CMA which requires you to have a bachelor’s degree and pass a 2 part exam, the CIMA requires candidates to pass 15 qualifying exams. In addition to this, candidates must complete 3 years of relevant work experience and receive an endorsement from their supervisors.

The CMA requires 2 years of relevant work experience, but you are able to complete both your exams in one year or less, as the testing windows are open for 2 months three times a year.

In terms of time commitment and effort,  it is pretty obvious that becoming a CMA would be a bit easier. This is not to say that either designation is easier or better, because that isn’t the case.

This brings me to my next point. If you are going to invest years and money into earning your certification, you may want to consider which country you want to work from as this may influence your decision.

Salary Expectations and Certification Impact

Understanding the financial benefits of obtaining a CMA or CIMA certification is crucial for candidates evaluating which path to pursue. Both certifications can significantly enhance your earning potential compared to non-certified professionals, but there are differences in salary outcomes based on the certification and geographical location.

CMA Salary Statistics

In the United States, CMAs tend to earn higher salaries compared to non-certified professionals. According to the IMA’s Global Salary Survey:

  • Average Base Salary for CMAs: $137,000 annually.
  • Average Total Compensation for CMAs: $163,000 annually (includes bonuses, benefits, etc.).

CIMA Salary Statistics

In the United Kingdom, CIMA professionals also see a significant salary boost:

  • Average Base Salary for CIMA Members: £73,000 annually (compared to £38,000 before earning the certification.
Nathan Liao

Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!

42 Comments on “CMA vs CIMA – Which Should You Choose?”

  1. Reply

    Hi Nathan,
    Thank you for all your valuable advices . I am ACMA CGMA ( CIMA-UK) & CMA ( India), with relevant professional experience of around 18 years ( age 45+) , would CMA -USA help me for leverage my career .
    Also considering may age can I be benefited by getting overseas jobs after completing USA CMA ( USA, Middle East Australia, NZ, Singapore etc.)
    Thanks
    Sudeep

    1. Reply

      Hi Sudeep,

      An advantage of the USA CMA is that it’s a globally recognized certification. With the USA CMA, you’ll have the skill set to make financial decisions for a company and hold management accounting or executive positions. CMAs tend to have higher salaries.

      Keep in mind that the IMA offers all members the jobs.imanet.org platform where they can find and apply for jobs that are the best match for their skills.

      Nathan

  2. Reply

    I am from India, Karnataka, I am studing bcom 1st yr so I am confused which professional qualification has more scope for job
    CMA (USA) or CIMA ( UK)
    Kindly suggest me.

    1. Reply

      Hi Kala,

      Something to consider is that that CIMA is mostly recognized in the UK and the commonwealth countries. The US CMA, however, is a global designation recognized worldwide.

      Nathan

  3. Reply

    Hi Nathan, currently I am working as an management accountant in Australia. Could you please suggest me, if I should do CMA or CIMA. Thanks shruti

    1. Reply

      Hi Shruti,

      The CIMA is mostly recognized in the UK and the commonwealth countries. The US CMA, however, is a global designation recognized worldwide. I compare the two certifications in my blog post here

      If you have any other questions, just hit reply.

      Nathan

  4. Reply

    Dear Nathan

    I understand that the UK accepts CIMA, but does this mean that she does not accept CMA?

    Thank you

    1. Reply

      Hi Cagla,

      The IMA is making a big push in Europe and it’s becoming widely recognized, and acceptance of the CMA designation is on an upswing.

  5. Reply

    hi, Nathan Liao …

    I am CMA (India ) Qualified . I want to go to Canada for job . Which Course in Better?
    CMA US —– Certified Management Accountant: shall i get good opportunity with CMA US.

    1. Reply

      Hi Bhatt,

      The CMA is recognized globally, including in Canada.

      There’s been a lot of interest from accounting professionals in Canada and many of my Academy students are from there too.

      To learn the step to become a CMA, here’s an article that’ll help.

      Nathan

  6. Reply

    Hi Nathan,
    I am living in Viet Nam where is Southeast Asia, please suggest me which one(CMA or CIMA) can I choose
    Thanks & Regards,

    1. Reply

      Hi Minh,

      Definitely the CMA, it’s a global certification. The CIMA is mostly recognized in the UK and and commonwealth nations.

      Thanks,
      Nathan

  7. Pingback: CMA vs CIA - Which Designation Is Right One For You

  8. Reply

    Hi Nathan

    I am the resident of India. I am pursuing CMA right now .But now i am confused about my courses .
    I want to know Whether i should do CIMA (LONDON) and CMA Both or only CMA ,if i want to work In India in future

    So please suggest me the most appropriate answer

    Thanks And regards

    1. Reply

      Hi Nisha,

      Since the CMA designation is very well recognized in India, I don’t think there will be an added benefit from getting the CIMA certification as well.

      Thanks,
      Nathan

    1. Reply

      Hi Roberto,

      The IMA is making a big push in Europe and it’s becoming widely recognized, and acceptance of the CMA designation is on an upswing.

      Brexit has no impact on the value of the CMA designation because the skills CMAs possess is relevant in all business scenarios, i.e. pre or post Brexit.

  10. Reply

    Hi Nathan
    I just want to find out that after CMA whether I am eligible ti go for US CPA .it’s beneficial for my carrier in USA or not.i am looks forward to settle in USA

    1. Reply

      Hi Ravikant, According to IMA’s salary survey, professionals holding the CMA and CPA earn more than those who only have one of these designations. But those who hold the CMA alone earn more than those who only hold the CPA license.

      The CPA exam has different eligibility requirements than the CMA.

  11. Reply

    Hi Nathan,
    I used to live in US but now residing in India. Most of my career has been in US in accounting. I do have a bachelors degree from US university. However, living in India is CMA with any value or am i just limiting myself to work with US companies? Or should i pursue a masters degree?
    Thanks,
    Raj

    1. Reply

      Hi Raj,

      The US CMA certification is consistently becoming more popular in India, and the knowledge you’ll gain while studying for the exam is very practical and will help you excel at work and become a more valuable employee.

      Besides, according to IMA’s salary survey, holding the CMA in India has an impact on average total compensation, too. CMAs in India earn 136% more in average total compensation than non-CMAs.

      I recommend you to opt for the CMA, it’s a global certification which will always stay relevant.

  12. Reply

    Hello Nathan,

    i’m from india.i want to settle in canada.so what is the best career option for me.CMA,CFA or CIMA.please suggest me

  13. Reply

    Hello Nathan,
    Could you please help me to chose the course. I live in New Zealand and would like to know which course is recognised and better to study in New Zealand- CMA or CIMA?
    Many thanks.

    1. Reply

      Hi Minal,

      CIMA is better recognized in New Zealand, because it’s part of the Commonwealth.

      Cheers

  14. Reply

    hello Nathan ,
    am fresh graduate from business administration/finance specialize am Sudanese live in Suadi arabia but i have chance to move to Australia or UK so i want to choose the right certificate that will help me even i live in sudan , suadi , uk or Australia

    1. Reply

      Hi Wafaa,

      I recommend you to go for the CIMA, as it is much better recognized in UK and the Commonwealth.

      Best of luck!

  15. Reply

    Hi Nathan,

    I just want to find out to sitting for CMA exam in USA, do we required any kind to visa .. eg. Visitor visa.

      1. Reply

        Hey, I am currently a CIMA qualified accountant living and working in the uk. However, I will be relocating to join my partner in the US next year. Will I need a to study CMA or something else to get a job in the US? Or will CIMA be suffice? Thanks in advance

        1. Reply

          Hi Danni,

          As a CIMA-qualified accountant, you’re already in a strong position skill-wise, but unfortunately, the CIMA qualification is not widely recognized in the US as it is in other countries. The US CMA reigns supreme here from a managerial accounting certification standpoint. Best of luck with your move.

          Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions. Happy to help.

  16. Reply

    Hi,Nathan i just want to to know can i settle in uk after completion of CIMA from india or it requires 1-2 years of experience in india and after that can i settle in uk in short i just need that how much time it takes to settle in uk on the basis of CIMA

    1. Reply

      Hi Yash,

      Settling in the UK depends on a lot of factors and honestly, we don’t have an expertise about it.

      Thanks,
      Nathan

  17. Reply

    I am confused between the two courses.
    isnt CIMA better than CMA overall because both are in Accounts field.
    And CMA is not even known much by people ?

    1. Reply

      Hi Tanvi,

      The main consideration to decide from when choosing between CIMA and CMA is your preferred location of work. Here is a summary based on my observation:

      US: CMA much more recognized
      UK and commonwealth countries: CIMA much more recognized, less so for Canada and Australia
      Canada: CPA Canada is the best; CMA slighly better than CIMA
      Middle East: CMA and CIMA have similar standing
      China: CMA considerably more recognized

      Thanks and Regards,
      Nathan

  18. Reply

    I want to develop my skills in business,accounting and finance and career goal is to be a entrepreneur or I want to play important role in big firms.i don’t have any dreams to settle down at particular place.if did either cma USA or cima uk I can get more value in future wherever I go?…can I get this skills in cma USA…….

  19. Reply

    hi nathan,
    thank you for giving a valuable information to me.may i know which one gives more opportunity in my future.?? and coming to exam part which one is easy to clear the exam??

    1. Reply

      Hi Dilip,

      It depends what your career goals are and where you want to work as I wrote in the article 🙂

    1. Reply

      Hello Oladipupo,

      The CIMA certification is recognized in Europe. However, it is not recognized in the US.

      Nathan

    1. Reply

      Hi Luigi, I’m very glad it helped 🙂 Out of curiosity, which designation are you going for?

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