CSCA - Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis - 2026

The CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) Certification

CSCA is established by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is designed for accounting and finance professionals who are looking to strengthen their strategic planning and competitive analysis capabilities and aim to be at the forefront of business decision-making and strategy implementation within their organizations. CSCA is ideal for:

• Individuals currently engaged in finance and accounting roles, whether they are just beginning their career as staff accountants or are seasoned executives steering their organizations.

• Professionals aiming to enhance their strategic thinking and analytical skills to secure future leadership positions within their field.

CSCA Summary Content Specification Outline.

Strategic Analysis (25% - Levels A, B, and C)

• The strategic planning process

• Environmental scan and competitive analysis

• Internal analysis

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

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

What is the CSCA Exam Format?

The CSCA exam is offered in person at Prometric Centers (click here to see the list of locations). There are two exam windows: March and September. The exam has two components:

• 60 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) - 70% of the exam score

• Case study - 30% of the exam score

Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. Scoring for the CSCA exam is on a scaled basis, ranging from 0 to 400. Candidates must attain a minimum score of 280. Candidates can expect to receive their exam results via email and can also find them updated on their online profiles about eight weeks after the month in which the exam was completed.