Once the CIMA Certification Program Application is processed by IMCA, and a candidate is accepted into the program, he/she may sit for the online Qualification Examination at more than 170 Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc., testing centers throughout the United States (examinations to be delivered in other countries are handled on a case-by-case basis, and you may download a list of international testing centers by clicking here). Candidates receive one attempt at the Qualification Examination as part of the initial application fee. For instructions on scheduling into the Qualification Examination, refer to page four of the Candidate Handbook.

To best prepare for the Qualification Examination, candidates should focus on the detailed content outline on pages 7–8 of the Candidate Handbook. This handbook is designed to provide you with more information and answers to your questions regarding the CIMA certification program. Please download the Candidate Handbook and read it in its entirety.

Many candidates find that a good investments text book (suggested titles can be found in the list of independent self-study texts), supplemented by other book offerings like the “Intro to the CIMA Certification Program: Self-Study Texts” or other books listed on the Independent Self-Study texts, help them expand their knowledge of the topics covered in the detailed content outline in the Candidate Handbook. Other IMCA-sponsored and independent education and review resources are featured below.

Candidates should also familiarize themselves with the formula sheet and the operation of an acceptable financial calculator. The formula sheet used in the examination is not labeled; therefore candidates should know how to identify and apply the formulas. Guidance for using non-programmable calculators can be found on the independent Web sites: eLearnAbout or Calculator Tutorial Index.

In addition to the resources mentioned above, candidates need to be familiar with IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Standards of Practice, both of which can be downloaded below.

Key Resources for the Qualification Examination:

• Candidate Handbook
• Formula Sheet
• IMCA Code of Professional Responsibility
• IMCA Standards of Practice

Additional Resources to Consider:

IMCA-Sponsored Offerings (or click here for independent offerings)

Intro to the CIMA^® Certification Program: Self-Study Texts
IMCA Member Price: $95 I Nonmember Price: $145
This set of four texts is designed to help you become more familiar with selected topics covered in the program. Although you will find these books to be helpful resources in your studies, they are not intended to provide exhaustive or comprehensive coverage of all topics found on the Qualification and Certification Examinations. Visit IMCA's online store to purchase the "Intro to the CIMA Certification Program: Self-Study Texts," or you may download the table of contents for each book by clicking the appropriate links below:
  - Investment Policy and the Asset Allocation Process
  - Manager Search and Selection
  - Math for Investment Consultants
  - Performance Measurement and Evaluation

Essentials of Investment Consulting Certificate Program—6-month Access 
IMCA Member Price: $795 I Nonmember Price: $995
This six-month online course provides candidates the opportunity to gain fundamental knowledge of core topics related to the investment consulting process. The EIC learning platform incorporates a comprehensive set of educational content and self-evaluation tools into an online, self-study environment. There are 12 learning modules organized within an online learning center, with each module offering written educational content, a key themes discussion area, and an application assignment (along with a self-assessment tool). For more information about the EIC program click here.

Qualification Examination Review—3-month Access
IMCA Member Price: $395 I Nonmember Price: $595
IMCA’s CIMA^® Qualification Examination (QE) Review is a Web-based tool designed to help CIMA candidates prepare for the Qualification Exam by providing an overview of key concepts of investment management consulting along with practice exam drills. The online platform provides candidates with readings and tools that serve as a refresher of core content to review before attempting the practice exams. Four 60-question practice exams allow candidates the ability to experience sample Qualification Exam scenarios. By completing these practice exams, candidates can familiarize themselves with the exam format and level of expectations. Those who purchase the review will have access to the program for three months; however, the reading materials and practice exam drills should take approximately 20 hours total to complete. The QE Review is not a replacement for a core body of knowledge, and the content within the program should be treated as a review of the fundamental knowledge candidates should already possess. Log-in to IMCA's online store to purchase the QE Review.

Independent Offerings

Independent Self-Study Texts
The books included on this list may be helpful tools for familiarizing yourself with the detailed content outline topics found on pages 7–8 of the Candidate Handbook. Although you will find these books to be useful resources in your studies, they are not intended to provide exhaustive or comprehensive coverage of all topics found on the Qualification and Certification Examinations. These simply serve as suggested titles to consider for enhancing your knowledge in the key areas taught in the CIMA certification program. Ultimately it is up to you to determine how comfortable you are in your knowledge of the topics included in the detailed content outline of the Candidate Handbook. You do not need to purchase every book on this list; however, if you are looking for more information on a particular subject covered in the content outline, this list is a good place to start.

Independent Review Providers

Pierre Lemaire, ABD, CAIA^®
Beta Educational Services, LLC
856.866.1555
Visit the Web site

John Nersesian, CIMA^®, CIS, CPWA^®, CFP^®
Visit the Web site

Proactive Testing, Inc.
917.217.3586
E-mail an instructor
Visit the Web site