Any one heard of these organisation? What are the differences?
I am very keen on getting some accounting qualifications even though i am not an accounting student.  
2 questions:

1/ do i have to join those above organisation before i take their exam?

2/ how long do i have to study if i want to pass the basic papers? and what resources should i be looking for in helping my studying?

thx

ACCA = ASSOCIAION OF CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS
WEBSITE: www.accaglobal.com
CIMA=CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS
WEBSITE: www.cimaglobal.com

They both are professional accountancy bodies of UK.

You are required to join the professional body as a student before you can take the exams.  For details, you can look at their websites or you can call their local office.  ACCA: 2524 4988; CIMA: 2511 2003

On your second question, there is no definite answer.  At my time, I took 4 years to complete ACCA 18 papers.  For CIMA, I think it should take the same length of time.

thank you very much.

ACCA is much better

why do u say acca is better? in what sense?

ACCA is good at external reporting (financial accounting, taxation) and auditing.  CIMA is good at management accounting, financial management and strategic leadership.

so, can i say they are of different stream?  does it mean if i want to develop on the ACCA stream, there is no need for me to prepare for the CIMA one?

forget to say thank you tim.
thanks, brother

It really depends on your interest and career requirements.  Choose the one that meets your requirements.  Someone has got both titles.

Accounting grad normally sit for ACCA/HKICPA exam. If you target working in HK HKICPA exam is ok.

CIMA will focus more on management reporting than external reporting.

It is hard to say which is better or easier. Please go to the links provided by FCCA brother.

As u're in HK, why not to consider the QP of HKICPA ?