CSCA Certification Course
CSCAs thrive at diverse organizations including: small, mid-sized and large companies, nonprofits, government entities and academia. CSCAs succeed in from staff accountant to CEO. They bring their expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and strategic planning to contribute to the success of these organizations. CSCAs are highly sought after for their ability to provide valuable insights and recommendations that drive growth and profitability.
CSCA Course Outline
A. Strategic Analysis (25%) – Levels A, B, and C
🔹 The Strategic Planning Process
🔹 Environmental Scan and Competitive Analysis
🔹 Internal Analysis
B. Creating Competitive Advantage (40%) – Levels A, B, and C
🔹 What is Competitive Advantage?
🔹 Strategy in a Global Context
🔹 Business-Level Strategies
🔹 Corporate-Level Strategies
🔹 Functional-Level Strategies
🔹 Sustaining Competitive Advantage
C. Strategy Implementation and Performance Evaluation (35%) – Levels A, B, and C
🔹 Analyzing Strategic Alternatives
🔹 Risk Management
🔹 Strategy Implementation
🔹 Strategy Measurement and Organizational Performance
🔹 Governance, Social Responsibility, and Ethics
Three Benefits of Earning IMA’s CSCA Certification
🔹 Accelerate Your Career Growth – Attaining IMA’s CSCA certification serves as a catalyst for career advancement. Stand out in a competitive job market, unlocking higher-level roles and increased responsibilities. Employers value the strategic acumen and competitive analysis skills that come with the CSCA, paving your way to leadership positions.
🔹 Gain In-Demand Knowledge & Analytical Skills – The CSCA certification equips you with essential knowledge and analytical expertise to navigate today’s dynamic business landscape. Master strategic planning, competitive analysis, and industry dynamics, ensuring you stay ahead of trends and make informed decisions that drive organizational success.
🔹 Grow Your Leadership Mindset – Beyond technical skills, the CSCA certification develops a strong leadership mindset. Gain the ability to think strategically, make effective decisions, and lead teams toward success. As a CSCA-certified professional, you’ll have the confidence and insight to drive positive change and influence key decisions within your organization.
CSCA Course Eligibility
To be eligible for the CSCA program and take the CSCA exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
🔹 CMA® or CFM® Certification – Candidates must have passed the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) or CFM (Certified in Financial Management) exams or hold another authorized accounting or finance certification. (A list of approved certifications can be found on the official IMA website.)
🔹 Senior Executive Consideration – Highly qualified senior executives from other backgrounds may be approved by ICMA based on their experience and achievements. Interested candidates can initiate their application by emailing CSCAqualification@imanet.org.
🔹 Documentation for Certification –
- Candidates who passed the CMA exams but have not yet received CMA certification must provide documentation of education and/or work experience to obtain certification.
- Candidates whose eligibility is based on an accounting or finance certification other than CMA or CFM must provide documentation of their eligible certification within two years of passing the CSCA exam.
CSCA Course Exam Details
🔹 Exam Structure – The CSCA exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and one case study.
🔹 Exam Duration – 3 hours.
🔹 Exam Results – Results are emailed and posted to each candidate’s online profile approximately eight weeks after the end of the exam month.
🔹 Scoring System – Scores range from 0 to 400, with a passing score of 280.
🔹 Exam Format – The exam is computer-based and administered in-person at Prometric Testing Centers worldwide.
🔹 Testing Centers – A full list of Prometric Testing Centers is available at www.prometric.com/ICMA.
🔹 Exam Availability – The exam is conducted in March and September each year.
🔹 Registration Deadlines – Registration closes on March 22 and September 22, respectively.
CSCA Program Entry and Exam Registration: $600