Course Overview
Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis Course Overview
Our Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) course helps finance and business professionals move beyond pure accounting into strategic planning, competitive analysis and strategy implementation they can apply directly in their organizations.
By the end of this course, you will be able to
- Lead or contribute to the strategic planning process using structured environmental and internal analyses.
- Prepare for and clear the IMA CSCA exam with focused guidance on all three exam domains.
- Translate strategy into measurable performance and communicate insights confidently to senior leadership.
Course Snapshot
- Mode: Live online and classroom where available, with recordings and LMS access
- Level: Advanced (for CMA, CFM and experienced finance professionals)
- Ideal for: CMAs, CFMs, finance leaders, business analysts, strategists and senior executives
- Certification Body: IMA / ICMA (CSCA credential)
Upcoming Batches
Weekday evening batch
Fast-track / Exam crash batch for next CSCA window
Is this for you?
Who Should Take This Course
This programme is ideal if you relate to at least one of these profiles:
- Strategic Planners and Strategy Managers working on organizational roadmaps.
- Business Analysts and Senior Business Analysts supporting strategic projects.
- Corporate Strategists and Management Consultants advising on growth and competition.
- Marketing and Product Managers involved in positioning, portfolio and market expansion decisions.
- Executive leadership including C-suite and senior management seeking a structured strategy framework.
- Finance Managers and Controllers responsible for planning, budgeting and performance.
- CMAs and CFMs seeking an advanced strategy credential to complement their finance expertise.
- Professionals in FP&A, Corporate Finance and Business Planning aiming to move into strategy roles.
- Aspiring Chief Strategy Officers (CSO) and Heads of Strategy building a long-term leadership path.
Eligibility & prerequisites
CSCA is an advanced IMA credential with specific eligibility rules defined by ICMA.
- CMA/CFM or authorized certification: You must have passed the CMA or CFM exams, or hold another accounting or finance certification approved by ICMA.
- Senior executives: Highly qualified senior executives from other backgrounds may be approved individually by ICMA via CSCAqualification@imanet.org.
- Documentation: CMA exam passers must submit education and experience documents, and non-CMA/CFM candidates must submit eligible certification proof within two years of passing CSCA.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, our advisors will provide a free profile assessment and guide you step-by-step.
Curriculum
What You’ll Learn in Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis Course
Comprehensive coverage of Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis Course topics and exam domains.
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- The strategic planning process
- Environmental scan and competitive analysis
- Internal analysis
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- What is competitive advantage?
- Strategy in a global context
- Business level strategies
- Corporate level strategies
- Functional level strategies
- Sustaining competitive advantage
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- Analyzing strategic alternatives
- Risk management
- Strategy implementation
- Strategy measurement and organizational performance
- Governance, social responsibility, and ethics
We teach each module with concept classes, case studies, problem-solving and targeted exam practice so you are fully ready for the CSCA exam.
Learning outcomes by module
- Strategic Analysis: Build a structured view of your external environment, competitive forces and internal capabilities.
- Creating Competitive Advantage: Design business, corporate and functional strategies to build and sustain advantage.
- Strategy Implementation & Performance Evaluation: Translate strategy into action, manage risk and measure results ethically.
Download full syllabus
Get the complete, updated Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis Course syllabus with module-wise topics, exam weightage and a recommended study plan for the next CSCA window.
Meet your mentors
Learn from Certified, Practicing Professionals
You will be guided by seasoned strategy and finance professionals with global certifications and extensive corporate experience in strategic planning, FP&A and corporate development.
Faculty advantage
Certified & Professional Trainers
Every Delphi instructor goes through a rigorous screening process and teaches with one clear goal: helping you clear the CSCA exam and grow into strategic roles.
- Global certifications such as CMA, CPA, CA and CSCA with strong industry backgrounds.
- Exam-oriented teaching with real business case studies and practical insights.
- Track record of mentoring working professionals to success in global finance and strategy credentials.
Lead Mentor
Shyam Sarrof
CPA (USA), CMA (USA), ACA, ACMA, CS, CFA, ACTM, MBA, B.Com (H)
Shyam brings over 22 years of hands-on advisory, control and risk management experience and is known for simplifying complex CSCA concepts with practical, real-life examples in class.
- 22+ years in Advisory, Control & Risk Management.
- Expert in translating complex strategic frameworks into actionable business results.
- Deeply committed to student success through focused mentorship and exam-winning strategies.
Exam & certification
How the CSCA Exam Works
Understand the official IMA CSCA exam format, scoring and windows so you can plan your preparation and registration timeline confidently.
Exam pattern
- Exam type: Computer-based examination conducted at Prometric centers worldwide.
- Duration: 3 hours total exam time.
- Number of questions: 60 multiple-choice questions plus 1 case study.
- Passing score: Scaled score of 280 on a scale from 0 to 400.
Exam windows & attempts
- Exam windows: Offered during March and September each year.
- Registration deadlines: Typically March 22 and September 22 for respective windows.
- Results: Emailed and posted to your IMA profile around eight weeks after the end of the exam month.
Certification & recognition
Upon successfully clearing the exam, you will be awarded the Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA) credential from IMA / ICMA.
- Issued by: Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) through ICMA.
- Recognised in: Global markets across the US, GCC, India and beyond for strategic finance roles.
- Validity: Professional designation with ongoing IMA membership and continuing requirements as per IMA policy.
Please refer to the official IMA website for the latest CSCA exam dates, fees and regulations. Our team will guide you through membership, program entry and scheduling with Prometric.
