Certificate in Business Accounting

The Certificate in Business Accounting is your starting point if you’re new to accountancy. You’ll learn the fundamentals of business economics, financial accounting, management accounting, and ethical considerations of commercial activity. Most students take around 12 months to complete this qualification, which consists of four subjects, assessed by computer-based exams. Once completed, you could move on to study the Professional Qualification.

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Structure

Certificate in Business Accounting is made up of four mandatory subjects. You must pass all four subject assessments to be awarded the Certificate in Business Accounting qualification (Cert BA).

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, but you are expected to have good mathematical and English skills.

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You should check whether you're eligible on the AIPCA and CIMA website launch and apply for any exemptions before you start studying.

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Please be aware, you can only buy up to four subjects in a six month period.

Syllabus

The Certificate in Business Accounting, gives you fundamental knowledge of business and accounting.

Subjects (4)

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Fundamentals of Business Economics (BA1)

Essential

You’ll learn about the economic and operating context of business, and how competition, financial markets and government economic policy can affect a company.

done

Live Online

From US $ 285.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 85/month

Fundamentals of Management Accounting (BA2)

Essential

You’ll learn the knowledge and techniques of management accounting and the role of management accounting in the commercial and public sector.

done

Live Online

From US $ 285.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 85/month

Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (BA3)

Essential

You’ll learn how to prepare financial statements for single entities within a conceptual and regulatory framework.

done

Live Online

From US $ 285.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 85/month

Fundamentals of Ethics Corp Gov and Bus Law (BA4)

Essential

You’ll learn how ethics underpins commercial activity. You’ll be able to identify ethical dilemmas, understand the implications, and appropriate resolution.

done

Live Online

From US $ 285.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 85/month

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Course overview

Timetables and study methods

Study methods available for this level

Live Online

The benefits of a traditional classroom but with the flexibility of an online environment. Live interactive classes at a scheduled time delivered by expert lecturers following the same exam focused material and structure as traditional classroom courses.

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OnDemand

OnDemand gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with unique online resources designed to give you structure, keep you motivated, and cement your understanding of the subject.

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Exams and sittings

CIMA's Certificate in Business Accounting assessments are on demand objective tests which can be sat at any time throughout the year. You can sit these in any order but you must have completed all 4 assessments before you can move on to the Professional Qualification. The exams are 2 hours long and are computer based. At the end of the exam you will be given a provisional pass/fail result which will then be confirmed on your MY CIMA account within 48 hours.

Study materials and delivery costs

Your study materials, reimagined

With an ever-growing focus on digital skills in accountancy and computer-based exams, we’re reimagining our Certificate in Business Accounting resources, to offer you efficient and interactive learning at your fingertips.

Included within the purchase of your Certificate in Business Accounting one-time buy Live Online course* you’ll unlock access to Study Text and Exam Kit eBooks. Whilst your Revision Cards and Integrated Workbooks will be printed and delivered straight to your door. When purchasing an OnDemand or Live Online subscription** your study materials will remain digital, with new interactive features included within your Study Text and Exam Kit eBooks.

Our materials are CIMA's only official study materials that cover the full syllabus and are reviewed and approved by CIMA faculty, so you can be sure they include everything you need to know.

*One-time buy Live Online courses starting from October 2023
**Subscriptions for OnDemand courses starting from 2024.

Study Text eBook powered by Bibliu

Our Study Text covers the full syllabus and includes examples and activities. Plus, tools to revolutionise your learning - highlight, note-take and search in seconds.

Integrated Workbook

Is a condensed version of the Study Text, with room to write notes it will help guide you through the syllabus.

Revision Cards

These are brief notes on the essential topics from the syllabus and being pocket sized, they are handy for taking out and about with you.

Exam Practice Kit eBook powered by Bibliu

Includes exam style questions and answers so you can test your knowledge. Gone are the days of heavy textbooks - you can access your Exam Practice Kit, anywhere, anytime, and on any device.

Integrated study programme

Built into the course providing guidance on what to do, and when.

eLearning modules

Interactive tutor-led video modules that teach the whole syllabus and extend learning via tricky topic tutorials.

To buy the materials separately

You can buy CIMA's official books for each subject on this level.

Buy CIMA books

Delivery costs

How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.

Delivery fees are as follows:
Malaysia - RM60
Rest of Asia/America - $47
All other countries - €40

Please note that due to varying interpretations of the post-Brexit EU/UK trading agreement, some EU countries are imposing import duty on the value of the goods received from the UK. It is payable by the end consumer via the delivery company and your delivery may be withheld until paid. This may vary from country to country and be up to a value of 20% of the value of the study material.

Our standard delivery times are:
Malaysia - 3 to 5 working days*
EU – 5 to 7 working days*
Rest of the World – 7 to 10 working days*
*Subject to availability

Delivery charges apply to one-time buy Live Online courses, as they include a selection of printed materials. If delivery charges are applicable for your course, they will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.

Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.

Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):

LiveChat (instant feedback)
Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
Discussion Forum and online community (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)

Testing and mocks

As part of your course you will get access to various tests and mocks on MyKaplan which will help you to prepare for your exams. These include:

Knowledge Checks

These tests are placed throughout your course to check your understanding of a topic before you move on to the next one.

Test Yourself

Use these banks of questions to build your own tests, choosing the subject areas, number of questions and whether to have a time limit.

Mock Exams

Your two mock exams which have the same look and feel as the real exam, will be at the end of your course so you can use these to do final revision and exam practice just before you sit your exam.

MyKaplan: online learning environment

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MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
Contact a tutor directly using live chat or email
Complete tests and get instant feedback
Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app

Access duration

Your chosen study method determines how long you can access your content for. All extensions are for existing content and do not include any updated content.