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What is the CSCA Certification?

The CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) program is designed to prepare accountants and finance professionals to become key players in the strategy management process at their organizations.

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    Three Benefits of Earning IMA's CSCA Certification

    Three Benefits of Earning IMA's CSCA Certification

    Three Benefits of Earning IMA's CSCA Certification

    Three Benefits of Earning IMA's CSCA Certification

    The strategy certification for accounting and financial professionals

    Watch this video to see how the CSCA elevates your strategic planning and analysis skills.

    The CSCA: What You Will Learn

    The CSCA program builds your strategic mindset.  It equips you with essential strategic concepts and analytical skills that help you and your organization meet the future with insight, agility, and confidence. The CSCA exam covers three content areas:

    Strategic Analysis

    Creating Competitive Advantage

    Strategy Implementation and Performance Evaluation

    CSCA Program Details

    Strategic Analysis

    CSCAs thrive at diverse organizations including: small, mid-sized, and large companies; non-profits; government entities; and academia.

    Some of our CSCAs work at 3M, Caterpillar, Capital One, IBM, Intuit, Microsoft, Nestle, Oracle, Pfizer, and Shell. CSCAs succeed in positions from staff accountant to CEO.

    CSCA Timeline

    40 to 75 hours of study suggested, depending on your level of expertise.

    CSCA program entry provides two years to pass the exam.

    The CSCA is offered via two exam windows per year in March and September.

    CSCA Cost

    For Professional Members:
    CSCA Program Entry Fee: $75
    CSCA Exam Registration: $300
    IMA Strategy and Competitive Analysis Learning Series®: $349

    For Student/Academic Members:
    CSCA Program Entry Fee: $56.25
    CSCA Exam Registration: $225
    IMA Strategy and Competitive Analysis Learning Series®: $261.75

    Certification Requirements

    Be an IMA member in good standing.

    Have passed both CMA exam parts or earned another eligible accounting or financial certification.

    Enter the CSCA Program and pass the exam.

    Comply with the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice.

    Enroll in the program

    Enter the CSCA program. If you are not already an IMA member, join IMA.

    Register for the exam

    When you register for the CSCA exam, you will receive an exam authorization number.

    Create your study plan

    Leverage the various resources available to prepare for the exam. Decide on the combination of resources needed to craft your study plan.

    Schedule the exam

    Visit Prometric’s website to select your exam date. Exams are offered in March and September.

    CSCA Program Registration

    Enter the CSCA program. If you are not already an IMA member, join IMA.

    CSCA Resources

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