CIMA goes hi-tech.

CIMA is to embrace technology as a major feature of its revised syllabus, which is expected to begin in September. CIMA said the decision to implement the new qualification this autumn followed extensive consultation with businesses and professional firms. The first exams under the new programme will take place in May next year. The announcement follows hard on the heels of last month’s decision by the English ICA to launch its revised syllabus from September in a bid to win back firms from the Scots ICA. CIMA has also posted record international graduate recruitment levels, with over 2,000 students recorded at the end of January – with the growing worldwide economy highlighted as a contributory factor for the record numbers. The institute has signed up financial software provider EQL International to develop and deliver its computer-based ‘CIMA Inter@ctive’ study system, which will cover the five subjects on the syllabus. The deal represents the first time an accountancy training syllabus will be launched with interactive computer-based training material from the start. ‘I believe this deal signals the beginning of a new age for computer-based training in the accountancy profession,’ said CIMA director of members’ services, Maurice Cheng. ‘Interactive computer-aided learning is a new element of this revised syllabus, right from the beginning, which is a sign of how the industry is now embracing CBT as a viable and, in some subject areas, superior method of delivering training.’ Robert Jelly, director of Student Affairs at CIMA, added: ‘It is apparent that students, employers and education providers are now seeking flexibility in the delivery of training. CBT provides this flexibility. We also believe it is important to give students the opportunity to learn in the same medium as that through which they will be tested.’