In December 2009 we invited you to submit your questions to us regarding the practical experience requirements (PER) for completing CIMA. Here we publish Part Two of the questions and answers.

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Question 7:

I am a CIMA student currently in managerial level. I want to know about practical experience requirements. This experience/training/internship/ whatever it is - do we have to do it from Chartered Accountancy firms or can we get our experience requirement fullfilled by working in a managerial post at any company??? Looking forward for a response.

Answer 7:

The CIMA qualification is focused on accountants in business, so you may find better scope for experience in companies rather than accountancy firms.

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Question 8:

As CIMA requires 3 years experience within 4 years after completion of TopCIMA; if I skip one year and start working from the second year after completing TopCIMA, will I still be eligible to apply for membership after three years or should I anyway apply in the third year after completing TopCIMA?

Answer 8:

From completing your last subject, you have 4 years in which to submit a completed application for CIMA membership. The experience gained can be prior to the commencement of your CIMA studies, during or after. Bus as stated above, you must make a completed submission within 4 years of sitting your last examination.

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Question 9:

[The following question was posted on CIMA's LinkedIn group].

I am wondering how the transition is going to work for CP/RPE under the new structure:
- Will the process and requirements remain virtually unchanged under the new syllabus?
- If I submit my experience now, will I receive 50 credits for it under the new structure?

Answer 9:

Although the syllabus structure and where the experience requirement sits has changed, the requirements themselves will remain the same. Under the new syllabus, yes, if you submit your experience now and it is approved, you will receive 50 credits towards the final subject.

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Question 10:

Will the work experience of HSBC securies service enable a passed finalist to get the relevant experience required to gain ACMA?

Answer 10:

Please review the practical experience requirements against your job role and responsibilities. This will indicate what relevant experience you are gaining.

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Question 11:

My current role involves cash forecasting, variance analysis, stock accounting and budgeting. Does this look like I have the experience requirements from this?

Answer 11:

These are elements contained within the requirements. Can I suggest that you review the requirements in detail to see how you are gaining your experience, so that you can track your progress.

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Question 12:

I've done my CIMA certificate level, I'll start next level in January. I don't understand practical experience, please guide me. I'm also looking for a job as a traninee accountant in a firm.

Answer 12:

When looking at the requirements, it gives you an idea of what CIMA is looking for when it comes to relevant experience. When you are looking for possible job opportunities you can check the job descriptions for the appropriate experience. Also when approaching prospective employers, you can indicate that you are studying CIMA and will require the relevant experience that goes with that.

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To see the other questions and expert answers in this session visit:

Ask The Expert: Practical Experience - Part One
Ask The Expert: Practical Experience - Part Three

To discuss this further - go to the Practical Experience board.