IMA Expands CSCA Eligibility – The IMA has made a game changing announcement for finance professionals around the globe. On December 11, 2024, eligibility requirements for the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) credential have been broadened to no longer require an applicant to possess a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.
So now when we look back in May 2025 a, it’s obvious that we provided opportunities to a whole new generation of finance and accounting professionals by making that choice. This post explains that exciting update in depth, what impact this change will have on your career prospects and how you can make the most of the opportunity to progress in your career.
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Understanding the CSCA and Its Importance
The CSCA is an elite certification from the IMA that signals to finance professionals that they’re ready to handle strategic planning and competitive analysis.
While most accounting certifications are technical in nature, concentrating on skills like financial reporting or auditing, the CSCA is concerned with higher-level skills such as market analysis, strategic decision making, and competitive positioning.
And increasingly in this business environment, as companies aspire to have people in finance who can act as strategic partners, not just number-crunchers, you are going to have to bring some of those skills with you.
The value of the CSCA certificate is particularly high for those planning to make a move up the ladder into senior management positions such as financial analyst, strategy manager, or CFO.
It shows employers that you’re capable of thinking through business strategy, analysing competitive landscapes, and putting forth actionable insights to help move your organization forward. In the past, the CSCA was only available for those who had previously passed the CMA exam, which narrowed down the base of potential takers.
The Game-Changing Announcement
On December 11, 2024, IMA released the big news of a major change to the eligibility requirements of the CSCA, which will now supposedly make CSCA easier to get than it has ever been.
Candidates formerly had to have a CMA certification (meaning completing a demanding two-part exam and fulfilling certain experience requirements). Though the CMA is significant, this requirement acted as a barrier to qualified practitioners who sought the CSCA.
New eligibility requirements: what has changed? You are now able to apply for the CSCA if you have:
- A bachelor’s degree, and
- Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a related field or a recognised qualification in accounting/finance (CPA, CFA or equivalent).
This is a move consistent with IMA’s mission to make certification more diverse and accessible to a broader range of professionals. As the IMA put it in their statement, this update means “More Access. Same Powerful CSCA.”
The certification maintains its rigor and global recognition, but is now accessible to a larger audience that includes prospective professionals just entering the field, career changers and those who hold alternate finance certifications.
Why This Change Matters in 2025
By May 27, 2025, the effect of this expansion of WR eligibility is growing. The financial industry is changing fast due to technology as well as globalization and increasing focus on sustainability. “Corporations want professionals to be able to handle these challenges and add value to strategic projects, and with the CSCA, candidates have the specific tools to meet the needs of businesses.
For people early in their careers, they said, the change is a game-changer. If you’re a college graduate and also have only 2 years of experience — for example, from an accounting, finance, or related entry-level position — then now you can work on the CSCA.
This will enable you to stay ahead of the competition early in your career, and succeed in roles that demand strategic thinking and analysis. In the same vein, those individuals with existing certifications (i.e., CPA, CFA) now have the opportunity to supplement their skills and expertise with the CSCA without having to complete the CMA designation, thus reducing time and expense while adding additional value to their careers.
The timing of this shift is especially important. A 2025 Robert Half report shows that 70% of finance hiring managers are placing more emphasis on strategic skill sets, an increase from 60% in 2024.
This is not only being driven by AI in analytics, but also the surge in significance attached to ESG reporting – and so strategic capabilities have never been more important. By broadening eligibility for the CSCA, IMA is making it possible for more professionals to attain these sought-after skills and help their organizations thrive.
Benefits of Pursuing the CSCA
Benefits. The benefits of having the CSCA can have a big influence on your career development:
- Upgraded Skills: Essential skills explored in the CSCA course work include competitor analysis, planning strategically and data-based decision making. These are the skills that help you to deliver valuable insights that propel business growth and innovation.
- Career Options: Some individuals with the CSCA are invited to fill management positions that demand not only financial know-how but also a talent for big-picture thinking. Whether you’re interested in being promoted or changing careers, this credential can help you rise above the noise.
- International Accreditation: The CSCA is an internationally recognised Certifications and this paves the way for professionals to work in international markets or for multi-national companies.
- Higher Earning Capacity: CSCAs earn on average 15% more than their non-certified counterparts and have a 25% higher median salary, based on a 2025 survey of IMA compensation.
- Networking: You will also have access to our global community of IMA professionals, events, webinars, and resources that can help you connect with industry experts and peers.
How to Take Advantage of This Opportunity
If you are newly eligible, and always wanted the CSCA, this is your time to apply! Here’s how to get started:
- Check Qualifications: Make sure you’ve got a bachelor’s degree as well as either two years of work experience or a certified accounting and finance designation. If you are not sure whether you meet the qualifications, you can contact the IMA directly.
- Register for the Exam: Go to the IMA website apply for the CSCA exam. Registration is easy, with clear instructions from the IMA to assist you.
- Prepare for the Test: The CSCA test is hard but not impossible to pass with good preparation. Whether textbooks, practice questions, or online courses, the IMA has you covered. Most people give themselves 3-6 months to study but that really depends on your previous experience and how much you can study per week.
- Schedule and Sit for the Exam: When you’re ready, schedule your exam at a testing center or select a date and time for an online proctored exam. The test examines your acumen in utilizing strategic frameworks to real-lift business problems so be sure to practice with case studies and do sample questions.
- Obtain Your Credential: Once you’ve passed the exam, you’re formally eligible to receive the CSCA designation and to start utilizing the resources available to certified professionals through the IMA, which include opportunities for continued professional development and networking.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Finance Certifications
The move to offer CSCA certification to a wider audience from IMA represents a wider industry trend towards making finance more inclusive and accessible.
As organizations evolve, the need for strategic capabilities will continue to increase, and credentials such as the CSCA will prove key to preparing practitioners to meet these challenges.” The world’s economy has weathered uncertainties such as geopolitical confrontation and technological disruption, making strategic thinking more important than ever in May 2025.
And for finance professionals, that change is an occasion to assert yourself in your career, and to rise as a leader in your field.
A New Path to Create Stories of Your Own” Accessed in 2020 Whether you’re an entry-level storyteller or have experience, CSCA makes it easier than ever to pursue a successful path to professional success.
Don’t hesitate—get started on the path today and find out how the CSCA can be a resource for you as you launch your career in the field.’
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