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CSCA® (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis)
Download six sample exam questions to get a feel for the CSCA exam
Three Benefits of Earning IMA's CSCA Certification
Accelerate your career growth.
Gain in-demand knowledge and analytical skills.
Grow your leadership mindset.
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
Program Requirements
To sit for the CSCA exam, you must:
- Have already passed both CMA exam parts or earned another eligible accounting or finance certification.
- Register to take the exam and pay the CSCA exam fees.
- Individuals who hold one of the 60 acceptable certifications yet are not already IMA members are no longer required to become members in order to sit for the CSCA exam.
To maintain your certification after you pass the CSCA exam, you must:
- Pay a $49 annual CSCA renewal fee (If you are a CMA in good standing, no annual renewal fee is required).
- Comply with the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice.
CSCA Cost
CSCA exam fees ONLY: $600
CSCA exam fees PLUS IMA Strategy and Competitive Analysis Learning Series®: $1,295
IMA Strategy and Competitive Analysis Learning Series® ONLY: $695
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.
How to Earn Your CSCA Certification
Watch Video
"The CSCA gave me the confidence I needed to go into strategic planning sessions because I knew I can make a valuable contribution."
Tanya Shell, CMA, CSCA, CPA
Vice President of Finance, French Oil Mill Machinery Company
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"The CSCA is not just another certification. It really is certifying that you are very knowledgeable in the various aspects of strategy. And that is fundamental to where the financial profession is heading."
Derek Fuzzell, CMA, CSCA, CPA
Chief Financial & Strategy Officer, PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union
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"The CSCA has prepared me for future positions because it validates the knowledge that I claim to have."
Akomu Okoh, CMA, CSCA, ACA
Finance Analyst, Chevron
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"If I see someone's resume come across my desk that's a CSCA, I know that they have ambition, they want a larger role in the organization, and they're able to support me."
Kristina Merrill, CMA, CSCA, CPA
CFO, Sky Racing World
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"One of the skills that I learned in the CSCA was to identify what activities are truly driving value and how they reinforce each other."
Daniel Harley, CMA, CSCA
Director of Data Governance, ABM Industries
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"The CSCA is a huge add-on to the CMA. It also gives you more insight into those avenues of finance and allows you to broaden your horizons."
Lara Jarvis, CMA, CSCA
Planning and Performance Manager, Coca-Cola
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"The first time I heard about the CSCA was after I became a CMA and looking to get an edge to my career."
Mario Lara, CMA, CSCA
Managing Officer, Strenta Family Office
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"The CSCA expanded on my CMA certification by covering areas that I’ve not had any exposure to before."
Ronald Gedeon, CMA, CSCA, CFM, CGFM, CDFM
Business Manager, HX5 Sierra, LLC, NASA
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"In my current role, I participate in the strategic plan, and the CSCA will help build on my decision-making experience and make sure that I build value for our customers and company."
Greg Lewis, CMA, CSCA
Supply Chain Controller, Michelin North America