What Professional Qualifications and Certifications Does AICPA & CIMA Offer?

Updated

AICPA & CIMA offers two main qualification families: the CIMA management accounting pathway (the CGMA designation and its supporting certificates) and the AICPA US CPA pathway, plus a set of specialist credentials and certificates for accountants and finance professionals. Which one fits you depends on where you want to work, what stage you are at, and whether you are aiming at management accounting, public accounting, or a specialist niche.

The two core pathways

AICPA & CIMA is the combined body formed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Its qualifications split broadly along those two traditions.

Pathway Leads to Typical focus Where it is recognised
CIMA / CGMA CGMA designation (Chartered Global Management Accountant) Management accounting, business strategy, finance in industry Global, with strong presence in corporate finance and business
AICPA / US CPA US CPA licence Public accounting, audit, tax, attest in the US system US-based licensure, recognised internationally in many contexts

The CGMA is the flagship joint designation, positioned as a global management accounting credential. The US CPA is a state-issued licence in the United States, and the AICPA is the professional body behind the exam and standards.

CIMA qualifications

CIMA's structure is built as a progression, so you enter at the level that matches your prior education and work experience.

  • Certificate level – foundational subjects such as business economics, management accounting, and financial accounting.
  • Operational, Management, and Strategic levels – each with objective tests and a case study, moving from day-to-day finance to strategy and leadership.
  • CGMA designation – awarded on completing the CIMA qualification plus the required practical experience.

The case studies at each level test application rather than recall, which is a common point of surprise for candidates used to exam-style memorisation.

AICPA and US CPA qualifications

The US CPA pathway is regulated by state boards of accountancy, with the AICPA providing the Uniform CPA Examination and related resources.

  • Uniform CPA Examination – four core sections (Auditing and Attestation; Business Analysis and Reporting; Financial Accounting and Reporting; Taxation and Regulation), plus discipline-specific options under the current structure.
  • Licensure requirements – set by individual state boards, typically including education credits, exam passage, and work experience.
  • AICPA membership – separate from licensure; membership offers resources, advocacy, and community but does not itself grant the CPA licence.

Because licensure is state-by-state, the exact requirements vary. Check the specific state board rather than assuming a single national standard.

Specialist credentials and certificates

Beyond the two main pathways, AICPA & CIMA offers focused credentials and certificates for professionals who want to signal expertise in a specific area. These tend to be shorter than a full qualification and are aimed at practising professionals. Examples include credentials in areas such as forensic accounting, information technology, and business valuation, along with certificates in emerging topics. Availability and requirements change over time, so confirm current offerings on the website.

Which path fits you?

  • If you work in corporate finance, industry, or want a global management accounting credential – the CIMA / CGMA route is the natural fit.
  • If you want to practise public accounting or audit in the US – the US CPA pathway is the relevant one, and you will need to meet a state board's requirements.
  • If you are a student – CIMA offers entry points based on your qualifications, and the AICPA provides resources for those considering the US CPA route.
  • If you are already qualified and want a niche – look at the specialist certificates rather than a full second qualification.

What the qualifications mean for a global career

Both pathways carry weight internationally, but in different ways. The CGMA is designed as a global management accounting designation and travels well across borders and industries. The US CPA is tied to US licensure, which makes it highly valuable for US public accounting, for companies with US operations, and for roles that require US GAAP and audit expertise. Many professionals hold one and add the other, or pair a qualification with a specialist certificate, depending on the direction of their career.

Practical next steps

  1. Decide whether your target is management accounting (CIMA/CGMA) or US public accounting (US CPA).
  2. Check the entry requirements for your chosen pathway against your existing education and experience.
  3. For the US CPA, identify the state board whose requirements you intend to meet before starting.
  4. Review current specialist credentials if you want to add a focused qualification.
  5. Confirm current fees, exam structures, and exemptions directly on the AICPA & CIMA website, as these are updated periodically.