Overview

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) offers seven grades of membership:

• Post-Graduate Level: Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

• Graduate Level: Associate Management Accountant (AMA) and Graduate Management Accountant (GMA)

• Technical Level: Registered Business Administrator (RBA); Registered Cost Accountant (RCA) and Certified Accounting Technician (CAT)

• Affiliate Level: Management Accounting Affiliate (MAA)

In addition, there are Student Memberships and Honorary Memberships.

• The admission requirements (in terms of qualification and experience) varies for each grade of membership. Honorary membership are conveyed by the Institute to distinguished persons whose services to Management Accounting and related disciplines merit this award of membership.
  

• A non-refundable Application fee of A$44.00 now applies for new members. Please submit this along with your application (Bank Draft, Visa, MasterCard acceptable).
  

• Once a member has been accepted by the Membership Committee, a once-off joining fee of A$55 is applicable to cover the cost of the membership certificate and associated joining fees.
  

ICMA Members will be provided with the following services:

• Membership Certificate recognising qualifications and experience in the specialist field of management accounting

• The use of post-nominals in the CMA, AMA, GMA, RBA, RCA, CAT and MAA membership categories

• Up to 4 credit exemptions in many Australian and overseas MBA programs for those successfully completing the Institute’s Education Program

• Eleven issues per year of the world-class CFO Magazine, published by the Australian Financial Review

• Full access to the cmawebline.org membership sections with links to all associated management accounting web pages around the world

• Access to a range of Continuing Professional Development opportunities in the leading edge topics of management accounting

• Access to the Institute’s commissioned research publications

• Participation in branch and center activities

• Access to membership in special interest groups

• Networking opportunities with management accounting academics and professionals around the world.

• Institute's newsletter On Target
  

In addition, members can obtain the following at discounted prices :

Educational Philosophy of the ICMA

Entrance via University :

Entrance via Recognized Provider Institution :

In addition, members can obtain the following at discounted prices :

Educational Philosophy of the ICMA

Entrance via University :

Entrance via Recognized Provider Institution :

Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Qualification

This is a technician (bookkeeper) level qualification that comprises of the 4-subjects in Stage One of the GMA program as follows :

Registered Cost Accountant (RCA)

The Registered Cost Accounatnt (RCA) program is part of the Graduate Program and is available to those satisfactorily passing a University entrance examination of a particular country (e.g. SATs, International Baccalaureates; Advanced Levels; TERs etc.). The program consists of 8-units undertaken via two stages of study. The RCA program consists of the CAT program plus Stage 2 of the GMA program.

Registered Business Accountant (RBA)

The RBA program is RCA program plus Stage 3 of the ICMA's Graduate program.

Graduate Management Accountant (GMA)

There are four stages in the Graduate Member programme, each stage requiring the passing of four subjects. A detailed list of the subjects is provided below shows the articulation process with each stage leading naturally to the next one and building on what has been learnt in previous stages.

Assessment Policies

Assessment is central to the quality of any educational program. It involves gathering evidence and making judgments on whether a person has achieved the competencies or learning outcomes of a course or subject/module of study.

All students who successfully complete their assessments and all other course or subject/module requirements will be issued with the appropriate award or qualification.

How Assessment will Occur

Although the details of the assessment may vary, in general each subject/module of study will contain at least two assessment tasks or events consisting of :

• A mid-subject/module assessment event constructed in a form and conducted in a manner appropriate to the topic.
• Mid-subject/module assessments may consist of online multiple-choice exams, participative case studies, written assignments or other forms of assessment as appropriate.
• An end-of-subject/module assessment consisting of a combination of tasks which may include, but is not restricted to :

o Problem and theory questions
o Multiple-choice questions
o Scenarios requiring short answer responses
o Case studies requiring short answer or essay style responses.

There are 4 categories of Assessments. Please ensure you understand the category you will be assessed under:

A. Those undertaking course as an accredited University Elective in Masters Degree Programs:
Marks Awarded
1. 45% = Learning Assignments (completed individually or in groups)
2. 55% = Final Examination (individually only)

(One 3-hour open book paper set by the University)[It is a course requirement in University subjects accredited by the ICMA that a student must obtain a pass grade overall with at least 50% (i.e. 27.5/55) of the grade given in the final exam. If the final exam grade is below 50%, that final exam grade only will be the student's overall grade, and would result in a Fail in the subject.]

B. Those undertaking course at an ICMA Recognised Provider Institution, and examined by the ICMA:
Marks Awarded
1. 0% =  Learning Assignments (done for feedback purposes only)
2. 100% = Final Examination (individually only)
(One 3-hour open book paper set by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants)

[Here a student must obtain a 50% pass grade to pass the unit, and it will be the only means of assessment. Students obtaining less that 50% in the final exam would Fail the subject.]

C. Those undertaking course at an ICMA Recognised Provider Institution, with over 10-years of managerial experience:
Students can elect to undertake either a final examination only (then see B above) or undertake Learning Assignments and a Final examination (as detailed below).
Marks Awarded
1.  50% = Learning Assignments (individually only)
2.  50% = Final Examination (individually only)
(One 3-hour open book paper set by the University)

[Here a student must obtain a pass grade overall with at least 40% (i.e. 20/50) of the grade given in the final exam. If the final exam grade is below 50%, that final exam grade only will be the student's overall grade, and would result in a Fail in the subject.]

D. Those undertaking course in On-Line mode:
Students completing the course in On-Line mode will be assessed based only on the final examination, which must be undertaken EVEN IF the student has more that 10-years of relevant experience.
Marks Awarded
1.   0% = Learning Assignments (done for feedback purposes only)
2.   100% = Final Examination (individually only)
(One 3-hour open book paper set by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants)

[Here a student must obtain a 50% pass grade to pass the unit, and it will be the only means of assessment. Students obtaining less that 50% in the final exam would Fail the subject.]

Information on the type of assessment and the weighting of each assessment component of exams for specific subject/modules is contained in the subject/module outlines on the ICMA website (http://www.cmawebline.org).

How Assessment Tasks and Events are Designed

Assessment tasks and events are designed :

• In consultation with Industry Reference Groups and Subject Task Forces, comprising experts in the particular subject field
• With input from adult learning and assessment professionals
• To reflect the integration and application of skills and knowledge required for the competencies or learning outcomes being assessed.
• •  

Types of assessment tasks

• Assignments

Assignments test your ability to apply concepts in a practical way and generally require a considerable amount of research. The length and nature of each assignment varies according to the module or subject learning outcomes. Guidance on completing assignments is provided in the study notes.

On completion of the assignment, the marker or assessor will provide individual or group feedback (where applicable) with the return of the assignment to the student.

• Examinations

Examinations test your knowledge of the study material, generally under open- book conditions. You should refer to your individual subject/module information in your subject room for specific examination conditions.

An examination timetable is based on two examination periods per year (usually) in May and November. It is expected that students will complete a course schedule at a particular location at least one month before exams. It is your responsibility, as a student, to ensure that you are available for all examinations. It is not possible to sit for an examination at any time or date other than that scheduled by the Institute.

If you live in an Australian mainland capital city you will sit your examination in that city. If you are a distance education student outside these cities, you will need to complete an Independent Exam Supervisor Nomination form available below. Ensure you complete and submit the Exam Supervisor Nomination form at least one month prior to the examination date.

• Download Independent Exam Supervision Nomination Form here

You will also need to arrange for a suitable venue and a local supervisor for the examination. Alternatively, you can sit your examination in one of the capital city locations as long as you advise the Institute, in writing, of your intention do so. Independent Exam Supervisor Nomination forms must be submitted by the due date for each study period.

Further information for distance education students is available on the Institute's website.

Refund Policy

Fees will not be refunded if a student withdraws after the program has commenced, study notes have been dispatched or student access to Subject Rooms has been activated, except under the following circumstances; where the student’s application for enrolment is declined by the ICMA, where by reason or reasons beyond the student’s control, including acts of government authorities, civil strikes and riots, the student is prevented from studying a module or subject, where the ICMA cancels a module or subject in which the student has enrolled or where the commencement of the module or subject is postponed for more than four weeks.

Result Policy

Assessment results for all subjects will be recorded as Grades.
In determining a student’s overall result, all marks allocated for assignments, examinations and participation, as applicable, are combined to give a final grade.
As part of the ICMA’s quality assurance process results may be moderated prior to release.

Results are graded as follows :

• 85% – 100% = High Distinction
• 75% – 84%  = Distinction
• 65% – 74% = Credit
• 50% – 64% = Pass
• 0% – 49% = Fail

Students learning in classroom mode must attend at least 80% of seminars.

Please refer to the subject outline on the website or to the subject notes for the weighting of each assessment task.

Assessment results for open entry competency-based modules will be ‘Competent’ or ‘Not Yet Competent’.

Candidates must be deemed competent in all assessment events to achieve overall competence in a module.

Result Codes
The following result codes will be used by the ICMA to record and report student results where a Competent/Not yet competent result or a grade is not achieved :

Result	Definition
Competent	A Competent result indicates that the assessment requirements for the module have been met.
Not yet competent	A Not Yet Competent result indicates that the assessment requirements for the module have not yet been met.
Deferred	Deferred is a temporary code which indicates that the student has been prevented from completing an assessment through illness or exceptional circumstances. This code should be used in cases where a student has been granted special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be made in writing. The result should be finalized by the end of the next trimester or at the earliest possible opportunity.
Disciplinary fail	Disciplinary fail applies where a student fails in a subject or module as a result of misconduct. A Disciplinary fail will be recorded internally and a Fail result reported in the Transcript. A Disciplinary fail is only to be given on the recommendation of the Misconduct Review Panel.
Exempt	This code indicates that the student has achieved the assessment requirements for the module through previous study or through mutual recognition.
Not Sat	This code indicates that the student did not submit or sit an assessment event and there is no acceptable reason given for this.
Withdrawn	A Withdrawn result indicates that the student has formally notified the Institute in writing of their intention to withdraw from the module 48 hours prior to the first assessment date. Their will be no financial penalty in such cases.

 

Notification of results
Results are notified by the Chairman of the ICMA Education Committee individually to students by post, either directly, or via their Recognised Provider Institutions (RPI).

For privacy and confidentiality reasons the Institute cannot release your results over the phone or by email. No results can be given to third parties without your written authority.

Reassessment
No re-assessment opportunity will be provided to any student, all unsuccessful students will therefore be required to re-enrol into the subject.

Resubmission
In cases where you have submitted an Open-Entry assignment which is insufficient to demonstrate competence or the required level of skills and knowledge, the assessor may ask you to resubmit the assignment with additional evidence or information. If the additional evidence or information submitted is sufficient, the assessor may then deem you to be competent. You may only resubmit your assignment once for a module. The Chairman-Education Committee will provide guidance on the resubmission process and the fee.

Re-sit
If you are unsuccessful in an Open-Entry examination you will be given the opportunity to re-sit the examination. There will be a re-sit fee per subject. You can only re-sit an examination once. If you are unsuccessful at the re-sit and wish to be assessed again you will need to re-enrol in the subject/module.

Re-marking
If you are dissatisfied with the mark you receive for any assessment in the CAT and RCA subjects, you may apply to have it re-marked if you consider you have just cause. This is not applicable for GMA, CMA and MBA students.

To apply for re-marking, you must write to the Chairman-Education Committee within two weeks of receiving your results. Justifications for your request must be provided. The Chairman-Education Committee will advise you of their decision. An administration fee equivalent to the current exam fee per subject will apply if re-marking does not change your result.

Assessment Complaints and Appeals Process
The Institute has processes in place to deal with complaints about the assessment process and formal appeals against assessment decisions.

Complaints
If you have a complaint about the assessment process you should put it in writing, outlining your reasons for the complaint, and lodge it with the Chairman-Education Committee. The complaint will be investigated and you will be advised of the outcome. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your complaint and you feel it has had an effect on a related assessment decision, you may lodge a formal appeal against the assessment decision with the President of ICMA, whose decision will be final.

Student Grievance

Apart from complaints and appeals relating to assessment, students might have complaints or grievances concerning other aspects of the services provided by the Institute.

Issues which may give rise to grievances include :

• members (client) service
• dissatisfaction with course/module delivery or outcomes
• dissatisfaction with contractor or employee conduct
• dissatisfaction with the learning environment
• individuals who believe they have been treated unfairly on the grounds of access and equity
• occupational health and safety concerns related to delivery and/or assessment.
• The Institute has procedures in place to deal with such complaints or grievances.

If you have a complaint or grievance, first raise it with the Institute RPI staff member concerned. If the RPI staff member cannot resolve the matter to your satisfaction, take your complaint or grievance to the Chairman-Education Committee.

If the Chairman-Education Committee is unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, it will be referred to the President of the ICMA. Depending on the nature of the complaint or grievance, the President of the ICMA may take a variety of actions to resolve the issue.

The Institute will make every reasonable attempt to resolve all issues brought to its attention.

If, after exhausting all avenues available through the Institute, you are still dissatisfied with the outcome, you may take whatever action you feel appropriate, including referring the matter to appropriate State or Commonwealth departments or bodies, such as the Department of Fair Trading.

Student Misconduct Policy

 

Misdonduct refers to non-academic or academic misconduct by a student of the Institute. Examples of misconduct include :

• interfering with the orderly conduct of an examination, lecture, tutorial or other teaching class, or impairing or hindering the learning or assessment performance of others
• impairing or undermining the reputation of the Institute, its courses or assessments
• gaining or seeking to gain an unfair advantage in relation to any work submitted for assessment or dishonestly helping others to gain an unfair advantage
• removing examination material from a secure examination area
• plagiarism
• collusion.

The Institute may impose penalties on students for proven acts of academic or non-academic misconduct. Examples of penalties that may be imposed are:

• a formal caution or reprimand
• reduction in marks awarded
• recording a ‘Disciplinary Fail’ against a subject
• temporary or permanent exclusion from Institute programs
• payment of a fine.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism refers to any attempt by students to use the work, words or ideas of others without proper attribution, or any attempt to pass off the work, words or ideas of others as their own. Such acts are considered plagiarism whether they occur intentionally or carelessly.

In the context of assessment, plagiarism occurs if a student :

• presents any phrase or extracts, verbatim, without using quotation marks and without any reference to the author
• paraphrases all or part of an author’s work and presents it without any, or with inadequate, reference to the author (this includes published Student Answer Guides)
• copies or paraphrases all or part of another student’s work or otherwise presents another student’s work as their own
• presents all or part of an assessment item previously submitted by them for another subject, for assessment in the subject concerned or another subject
• presents all or part of the work of another student (past or present) as their own

Proven acts of plagiarism will incur penalties under the Institute’s Student Misconduct Policy. Examples of penalties that may be imposed are :

• a formal caution or reprimand
• reduction in marks awarded
• recording a ‘Disciplinary Fail’ against a subject
• temporary or permanent exclusion from Institute programs
• payment of a fine.

Collaboration

The Institute encourages students to study together and discuss their assessment preparation but emphasises that students must ensure that the work they submit for their assessment is their own work and that it is written independently. Students are encouraged to discuss assignment questions but not answers.

Collaboration refers to the following allowable methods of cooperative work:
work produced with other students, for example as part of a group exercise or assignment, with acknowledgement of the source and methods used
work which incorporates or is based on templates or examples provided by the ICMA, with acknowledgement of the source and methods used

Collusion

Collusion is defined as an agreement or cooperation in order to cheat or deceive for a fraudulent purpose. In an educational context, collusion can apply to students (past, present and future) who intentionally cooperate in order to gain an unfair advantage in the gaining of an award, qualification, Statement of Attainment or academic credit towards these.

Collusion may also refer to the following, which are considered contrary to allowable assessment preparation approaches :

• unauthorized and unacknowledged joint effort in an assessment
• unauthorized and unacknowledged copying of material prepared by another person for use in an assessment
• unauthorized and unacknowledged assistance from another person, not necessarily another student, in an assessment

Work produced in collusion with other students will be regarded as academic misconduct. Proven acts of unauthorized or non-allowable collusion will incur penalties under the Student Misconduct Policy.

Student Support

Special consideration

You may apply for special consideration if, through events such as illness, bereavement or personal trauma, you are prevented from completing an assessment or sitting an examination, or you feel your performance has been affected by the event.

Applications for special consideration must be made in writing to the Institute’s Secretariat or to the office of the Recognised Provider Institution (RPI), accompanied by a medical certificate or other documentary evidence. If your application is successful, you may be offered the opportunity to sit another exam or have your mark adjusted. Where an adjustment is made to the final grade, the new grade will not be higher than a pass. You must advise the Institute of your circumstances before the due date for any assignment or examination date. Work pressures and other personal or business commitments will not be accepted as valid reasons for special consideration.

Reasonable adjustment

Reasonable adjustments may be made for candidates with a specific learning need which, if not met, might put them at an unfair disadvantage.

Reasonable adjustments are made to ensure that candidates are not presented with artificial barriers, such as those resulting from a physical disability, to their learning and their ability to demonstrate achievement in the program of study.

Students should inform the Institute of the nature of their learning need at the time of enrolment so that suitable adjustments may be made.

Learning difficulties

You may apply for learning support with basic literacy, numeracy, English or other identified areas of learning difficulty. Students should inform the Regional Office when they enrol so they can be referred to specialists in a particular area.