cima case study exams

Exam timetable

View key dates to help you plan your studies. Plan your CIMA’s CGMA® exams. On-demand tests are available all year. There are four windows a year when you can sit the Case Study Exams (February, May, August, and November).

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Strategic Case Study

Exam windows, exam resources.

Resources to help you prepare for your case study exam.

Exam Resource

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Case study performance descriptors, a walkthrough of real exam answers, calculator guidance, resitters guide - ot and cs exams, learning resources catalogue, free exam and question tutorial strategic case study, what do my exam results mean, further reading.

Exam Technique

Case Study support 1 – preparing for the Case Study exam

Case study support 2 – planning a good answer, case study support 3 – developing a fuller answer.

Study Support

How to use the CGMA Blueprints

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Online testing for  The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA®)

Test with confidence and convenience.

Take your exam online, on your schedule, from your own home.

Navigate your online testing experience with ease

Before test day

On test day, testing policies, faqs and more, run a system test.

Complete a system test and exam simulation before exam day.*

Run system test

*Issues? Check out the  technical requirements .

Choose your testing space

Find a private, distraction-free area to take your exam.

Get your space ready (Opens in new window)

Get your ID ready

Make sure your personal identification meets requirements.

View ID requirements

Once you’ve completed these preparatory steps, get familiar with the unique requirements for testing online .

For even more in-depth information, download our helpful guide to taking your exam online PDF (Opens in new window) .

Schedule, reschedule or cancel your exam.

Manage exam appointment

STEP 1. Do any last-minute prep

Be sure your computer and internet pass the pre-exam system test. Clear your desk/workspace of prohibited items and prep your equipment. Get your ID ready to present. Review our  Exam rules / testing advice  for specifics.

STEP 2. Check in

You can begin the check-in process up to 30 minutes before to 15 minutes after your appointment time. Get started here.  

STEP 3. Start your exam

While testing, it’s best to focus on the questions and not get distracted. Observe all the environmental and behavioral rules. If you need help during your exam, use the chat icon to request assistance.

Exam rules / testing advice

To maintain high security throughout online exams, protect exam content, and confirm you’re following online-testing rules, you will be monitored at all times. Audio and video may be recorded, and an exam monitor/proctor may contact you or even stop your exam if they witness any questionable behavior.

• You must stay in your designated testing space, in view of your webcam throughout your exam
• You cannot get up and walk around or leave your testing environment, unless breaks are permitted by your exam program
• Unless requested by a greeter or proctor, do not move your webcam once your exam has started
• No one can enter or pass through your testing environment
• You may not communicate with anyone other than your proctor
• Do not read the test questions aloud; mumbling or speaking out loud will lead to a warning
• Keep your mobile phone in the room where you’re testing, but out of arm’s reach
• You must be fully clothed throughout your entire exam
• A beverage in any container is allowed, as is chewing gum, but eating, smoking, or other tobacco use is prohibited
• Headphones and headsets (wired or Bluetooth) are not allowed unless explicitly approved by your test sponsor

Advice for a successful online testing experience

When testing online, preparation is key. We have several areas of advice to help you get the most out of your online testing experience.

• Make sure you have the right equipment (Opens in new window)
• Use the best internet connection possible (Opens in new window)
• Take the system test (Opens in new window)
• Prepare your testing environment (Opens in new window)
• Start the check-in process (Opens in new window)
• Tips for capturing your photos (Opens in new window)
• Remember you’ll be recorded (Opens in new window)
• Dealing with technical issues (Opens in new window)
• Creating a support ticket (Opens in new window)

For additional details and even more helpful info, download our guide to taking your exam online (PDF, Opens in new window) .

ID requirements for testing online

Make sure you have acceptable id.

Before testing online, you’ll need to provide a headshot photo of yourself, your identification (ID), and your testing space. If for any reason your current headshot does not closely match the picture on your ID, please contact your exam sponsor to discuss whether an ID exception can be granted.

Identification must meet the requirements outlined below.

• All IDs must be valid (unexpired) government-issued originals (i.e., not a photocopy or an electronic version)
• IDs must include the test-taker’s name and a recent, recognizable photo
• The first and last name on the ID must match the first and last name used to register for the exam
• For test-takers under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must present their own ID during check-in and give consent for the test-taker to be recorded. If they have one, the test-taker must also present a government-issued ID. If they do not, a student ID will suffice.
• International travel passport
• Driver's license
• Identification card (national, state or province ID card)
• Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa)
• Aadhaar card: plastic/PVC hard copy with ghost image, embossed holographic logo, and guilloche pattern (all other forms of Aadhaar IDs such as letter, paper, and digital formats are not accepted)
• Restricted IDs*, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Common Access Card (CAC) or certain secure access IDs
• IDs from countries where OnVUE delivery is restricted: North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, Iran and the Sevastopol/Crimea region of Ukraine.
• Digital IDs

* Pearson VUE cannot accept restricted IDs—those prohibited by law from being photocopied, digitized, or captured on camera—as identification for online testing.

Ready to  check in  for your exam? Sign in now

Technical requirements

Thoroughly review these technical requirements to ensure your system is compatible with the OnVUE online testing software. If your system does not meet the requirements and causes a problem during the exam, you will be responsible for any costs associated with rescheduling your exam.

NOTE: The two most frequent causes of technical issues are (1) testing on an employer-issued computer and (2) unreliable internet connections. Firewalls or security settings from employer-issued computers may prevent the OnVUE software from operating properly. Unreliable internet connections (e.g., wireless networks, hotels, VPNs (prohibited), mobile hotspots) may interrupt connectivity. For these reasons, we strongly recommend using a personal computer (i.e., one not issued by your employer) and a wired, ethernet connection.

OnVUE Technical Requirements (PDF, Opens in new window)

Policies and procedures

Taking an exam with OnVUE is flexible, convenient and easy. However, it also has unique rules and requirements. For the best possible testing experience, we strongly recommend you get familiar with these before taking your exam.

The document below details the standard policies and procedures for online testing. Your program may have additional requirements, which you can find elsewhere on this page. Familiarizing yourself with this information will help your entire testing experience go smoothly—from checking in to logging out.

Download the online testing guide (PDF, Opens in new window)

Frequently asked questions

Prior to testing, checking in, during exam, q. where can i take my exam.

A. You need to test in an enclosed, private space where you can maintain a strong and stable internet connection, prevent interruptions, and protect the integrity of your exam content.

Important: Avoid a testing space with windows or glass partitions that would allow a third party to see your screen, or your exam could be revoked.

Q. How do I know my computer will work with the OnVUE software?

A. To ensure your system will work with our software, first, review the minimum system requirements. Next, perform a system test  and download the OnVUE software prior to your exam day.

On exam day, before your exam begins, we strongly recommend  re-checking your system  by running another system test. If you experience any issues, please  log back into your account  to reschedule your exam. If you can’t reschedule your exam, use the chat feature to ask your program-specific customer service team for assistance.

Q. What does the system test check for?

A. The system test checks for:

• Download of the OnVUE application and secure browser
• Unzipping and launching of the secure browser
• Microphone/webcam/speaker functionality and permissions
• Download speeds
• General communications between OnVUE and Pearson VUE servers
• A live video-streaming connection

Q. How do I schedule my OnVUE exam?

A. Once you’ve verified your computer meets system requirements, sign into your account . Select the exam you want to take, then choose the “home or office” option. Follow the remaining prompts to schedule your exam appointment. You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment details and important information for exam day.

Q. Is my testing space okay for testing?

A. Your proctor will make this decision prior to starting your exam. During check-in, you will be asked to  take photos of your testing space (opens in new window) , which the proctor will review.

For a positive outcome, make sure your space is private and secure. Clear the room of any preparation materials or unauthorized items. Unplug and/or turn off additional monitors (and, if applicable, systems). Any visible materials on the walls—including sticky notes, whiteboards or chalkboards, etc.—may be inspected by your proctor, and we may ask you to remove any such material.

Important: If your testing space fails the room scan, you will not be permitted to take the exam and may forfeit your exam fees.

Q. Can I take my exam using an employer-issued computer?

A. Yes, however, we don’t recommend it. Test-takers typically have a better experience with personal computers. This is because employer-issued computers are more likely to have firewalls, VPNs, and other security policies that may block video streaming during the exam. If you must use an employer-issued computer to take your exam, it’s crucial to review the  technical requirements .

Q. May I connect by tethering to a mobile hotspot?

A. We don’t recommend it. Hotspot technology is not ideal for maintaining a reliable and consistent connection. To ensure optimal performance on exam day, perform a system test .

Q. How do I check in for my test and download the software?

A. You may have two options:

• Refer to your confirmation, reschedule or reminder email, which might have a Check-in to start exam link. If it does, you can click this link from 30 minutes before to 15 minutes past your appointment start time.
• Click the “ Sign in now ” button on this page or your test sponsor’s external landing page. Once you’ve logged into your account, your exam will appear under Open Online Exams . Select the exam link and then select Check-in .

With either process, you’ll be asked to download and run OnVUE, our online proctoring software.

Q. I don’t see the Check-in button. What should I do?

A. To check in for your exam, log in to your account no earlier than 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Once logged in, you should see the Check-in button. If it's not visible within 15 minutes of your exam appointment time, contact your program-specific customer service team via chat .

Q. What type of identification will I need?

A. Click the  View ID requirements button  on this page to make sure you have the proper ID for online-proctored testing.

Q. My proctor hasn’t started my exam yet. Where is my proctor?

A. Once you've completed the required check-in steps and have completed taking photos of your face, ID and environment, you will see the following message: You are almost done with the check-in process. Next, you’ll be placed in a queue and will wait momentarily while a proctor reviews your check-in steps. Please be aware, other candidates may be ahead of you in line. The OnVUE application should tell you where you are in queue. Most exams are launched by a proctor within 15 minutes of the appointment start time.

Any delay might mean there’s a problem with your photos or internet connection. For issues with your photos, a proctor will attempt to reach you over chat or via your cell phone. You may not recognize the phone number, which will either have a 617 US area code or say “Pearson VUE” on the caller ID, but please answer so we can assist. If we haven't contacted you within 30 minutes, we may have lost connection to you. In such cases, please contact our customer service team via Pearson OnVUE Support live chat . As a reminder, mobile devices must be kept out of arm’s reach during the testing sessions.

Q. Can other people be in my testing space during the exam?

A. No. You cannot allow anyone else—including children, roommates, colleagues, etc.—to enter or even pass through your testing space once you’ve started your exam.

Q. Can I receive any exam assistance during the test?

A. No. The proctor cannot answer questions related to exam content, and you may not get help from other individuals while taking the exam.

Q. Is technical software assistance available during the exam?

A. Should you experience technical difficulties during your exam, simply raise your hand using the OnVUE application at the top of your screen and a proctor will assist you. If for some reason this is unavailable, you can get help via the chat button on this page or the OnVUE download page.

Most issues can be avoided by completing a  system test  and ensuring that you meet all  system requirements  in advance of testing. Common issues include an unreliable internet connection and third-party applications trying to run during your exam. We strongly recommend that candidates confirm that all applications have been closed and that there is a sufficient and reliable internet connection prior to testing.

Q. What are the rules regarding personal belongings?

A. In general, all personal belongings must remain out of arm’s reach during your exam. However, if your exam program allows personal belongings or testing tools like calculators during an exam, you will find that information in the program-specific policies section of this page.

Q. Can I eat or drink during the exam?

A. Drinking beverages is allowed during your exam, as is chewing gum. Eating or using tobacco products during your exam is prohibited.

Q. Can I take a break during the exam?

A. Each exam program establishes its own break policies. If your program allows breaks, you’ll find that information in the program-specific policies section of this page.

Q. Could I be interrupted by a proctor during my testing session?

A. Yes. Proctors may interrupt exams and take action if they witness any suspicious behavior or rule violations. They may need to offer a reminder (e.g., no talking) or investigate something (e.g., show me the room, your desk, etc.).

Q. What types of prohibited behaviors will the proctor watch for during the exam?

A. Examples of prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to, failing to follow proctor instructions, looking off the screen, mumbling or speaking aloud, covering your mouth or face, using unauthorized materials (e.g., mobile phones, recording equipment, writing materials), interacting with third parties intentionally or unintentionally, or leaving the webcam view.

Q. What happens if I lean outside the view of the webcam or leave completely?

A. Unless it’s during a scheduled break built into your exam, leaving the webcam view for any reason or duration , even if you have already completed the exam questions, will result in your exam session being terminated and the exam result being invalidated.

Important: Upon exam completion, you must fully close the OnVUE application before leaving the webcam view.

Q. What happens if my mobile phone rings or issues a notification during an exam?

A. Once your exam has started, keep your mobile phone in the room where you’re testing, but out of arm’s reach in case the proctor needs to call you. Your phone may not be kept in your immediate testing workspace. We recommend placing it on the floor beneath you or a desk/table behind you.

If your phone rings during the exam, limit your interaction to identifying the caller. To do so, you may reach for your phone, but you must stay within the webcam view . The proctor must be able to see you access the phone. Any mobile phone use other than speaking with a proctor is grounds for exam revocation.

When a proctor needs to reach you, they will call, not text. The number will always display as 617-379-0635, and/or caller ID may identify the number as “Pearson VUE.” If this information appears, please answer the call. If your phone rings and the call is not from a Pearson VUE proctor, do not answer it.

If you receive a text or other notification, ignore it and continue testing. If you wish to silence your phone, alert the proctor so they know you are accessing your phone only to silence notifications.

Q. Can tablets or mobile devices be used for OnVUE exams? What about touchscreens?

A. At this time, OnVUE exams may only be taken on desktop and laptop computers running Windows or macOS operating systems that meet these minimum specifications . OnVUE does not support the use of tablets or touchscreens. As noted above, mobile devices are not allowed and should be placed out of arm’s reach.

Q. What happens if my internet connection is disrupted during an exam or the proctor asks me to restart my application?

A. If a disconnection occurs, the exam timer will pause, and a proctor will attempt to contact you either through your computer or by phone. Note: You must respond or your testing session will be revoked.

Should you lose connection, or if a proctor asks you to restart OnVUE, you can relaunch the application as follows:

• Locate your Downloads folder and reopen the OnVUE application.
• Complete any necessary check-in steps and then click Next. Your exam should reload and begin. If your exam does not relaunch, contact our customer service team via  chat  for additional support.

Once your connection is reestablished and if necessary, the application restarted, you will resume your exam from the question or moment you left.

Q. Can I adjust my font size during my exam?

A. Yes. Even when the testing computer is locked down during an exam, you may still use CTRL+ and CTRL- to magnify content up to 200%. Do not use touchscreen technology at any time during your exam.

Q. Can I read questions aloud during OnVUE exams?

A. No. If this happens, a proctor will ask you to stop reading the questions aloud. If you continue, your exam may be revoked.

Q. What is the digital whiteboard?

A. Because scratch paper or note boards are not allowed when taking an OnVUE exam, some exam programs allow you to use a built-in digital whiteboard  to do scratch work or take notes (Opens in new window) .

Q. Where can I locate my score report?

A. This differs by exam program. Please review your program’s processes to learn when and where you can access your score report.

Q. Can I use headphones?

A. Headphones and headsets (wired or Bluetooth) are not allowed unless explicitly approved by your test sponsor.

Q. Are OnVUE testing policies different from test center policies?

A. Yes. Because of its remote nature, testing with OnVUE requires that candidates agree to additional policies that help protect exam integrity. These include (but are not limited to) consenting to recording and monitoring throughout the exam, along with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technology techniques. Test-takers must accept these policies during the registration process prior to scheduling an exam.

Q. If an exam is offered in both test centers and via OnVUE, can I book the exam in one delivery method and reschedule it to the other?

A. No, as the rescheduling function cannot be used to change the exam delivery method. Instead, if you wish to change the delivery method, you must cancel the original appointment and then schedule a new one.

Additional CIMA FAQs

Q. What does it mean if my online exam is Terminated or Revoked?

A. If your online exam is Revoked, you will not be able to continue your exam. Please contact Pearson VUE immediately to have a case opened on your behalf if you haven’t already been provided one by your Proctor. You may also choose to schedule to sit for a later exam window. Note that this will require an additional exam credit or payment.

Q. What would cause my online exam to be Revoked?

A. Some reasons that would cause your exam to be Revoked are:

• Another person walking into the room
• Referring to notes or other restricted materials
• Losing internet connectivity
• The Proctor cannot see you on camera (because you’ve moved or lost internet connectivity)

Q. Can I resit my exam later in the day if I run into technical issues on my exam?

A. You will not be able to sit for your exam on the same day if you run into technical issues that prevent you from taking the exam on your initial attempt. Please contact Pearson VUE immediately to have a case opened on your behalf if you haven’t already been provided one by your Proctor.

Q. Can I make any outbound calls on my phone during my exam?

A. No. You cannot make any outbound calls on your phone during your exam. Making an outbound call during your exam will result in your exam being Revoked. If you are having technical difficulties during your exam, making an outbound call to Pearson VUE will result in your exam being revoked. You can seek technical assistance from the Pearson vue exam Proctor. If you are unable to resolve your issues and are not able to complete your online exam, please contact Pearson VUE immediately to have a case opened on your behalf if you haven’t already been provided one by your Proctor.

Prior to your exam sitting, please familiarize yourself with the Pearson VUE OnVUE Reconnection Guide .

Q. Can I answer any inbound calls on my phone during my exam?

A. The only inbound calls that you can answer on your phone during your exam are calls from your Pearson VUE Proctor. If you answer any other calls during your exam, your exam will be Revoked. Your Proctor will indicate if they are calling you.

Q. What if I have technical issues connecting to my exam on exam day?

A. Most issues can be avoided by completing a system test and ensuring that you meet all system requirements in advance of testing. Common issues include an unreliable internet connection and third-party applications trying to run during your exam. We strongly recommend that candidates confirm that all applications have been closed and that there is a sufficient and reliable internet connection prior to testing. If you are unable to resolve your issues and are not able to complete your online exam, please contact Pearson VUE immediately to have a case opened on your behalf if you haven’t already been provided one by your Proctor.

Q. What if I get disconnected from my exam after the exam has started?

A. If you are unable to resolve your issues and are not able to complete your online exam, please contact Pearson VUE immediately to have a case opened on your behalf if you haven’t already been provided one by your Proctor. If you make any outbound calls or other communication outside of the OnVUE testing system, your exam will be revoked. If you are unable to complete your exam, please contact Pearson VUE to have a case opened on your behalf. Prior to your exam sitting, please familiarize yourself with the Pearson VUE OnVUE Reconnection Guide .

Preparing for the CIMA Feb24 Case Studies: Free Resources and Guides

In the lead up to the next CIMA Case Study exam, VIVA's experts share useful free resources and guides that put you in pole position for exam day.

With the CIMA February 2024 Case Study exams just around the corner , it's a good idea for those of you intending to sit the exam to start laying the groundwork for your studies right now. The February exam can catch a lot of students out - the temptation is always to postpone study until after the holidays .

This is a mistake!

With the pre-seen already available, and a tuition provider like VIVA with full on-demand courses already available for the February window, there is no good reason why you shouldn't maximise your chances and jumpstart your studies as soon as possible. With that in mind, we thought we'd share with you what VIVA can do to help put you in pole position ahead of exam day. Below are a variety of tips, free resources and guides for the CIMA Feb24 case studies to help get you started.

1. Get the CIMA Pre-seen Materials Here

Probably the most important "free" resource of all is the pre-seen document that CIMA releases in advance of the Operational, Management and Strategic case study exams! The pre-seen document should be the focal point of your studies. You need to know this document inside-out. Too many students assume that they can casually browse the document a few days before the exam, and that if their theoretical knowledge is good enough, they'll be fine.

This is another mistake. There's a reason CIMA releases the pre-seen well in advance. It's because they want you to know it like the back of your hand. You need to be able to very quickly recall info from the pre-seen on exam day; to know where to look to find information that will help you answer the question. To know all the threats, opportunities, weaknesses, challenges, processes of the company in question.

Below you can find the links to each of the pre-seen documents for the current exam window:

OCS Feb24 Pre-seen: click here

MCS Feb24 Pre-seen: click here

SCS Feb24 Pre-seen: click here

2. VIVA's Pre-course Work

All of VIVA's Case study courses include a "Foundational Materials" component. This includes around 7 hours of video lectures and quizzes that ensure you are in the right mindset as soon as the pre-seen is released. These materials can be accessed immediately if you have purchased access to the Feb24 Case Study courses (whether as part of our CIMA All Access membership, or as an individual course ). The Foundational Materials include video reviews of your Objective Test theories and syllabi, exam technique lectures, study focus sessions, and more. This is particularly useful for any Gateway students sitting the MCS exam. VIVA's foundational materials orient you by introducing you to the key topics and concepts from the Objective Test exams. From there, if you wish you can further unlock the full suite of video lectures from E2, P2 and F2 with the All Access membership - allowing you to do a deeper dive on theories that you might not be familiar with. Unlock VIVA's full courses (with around 40 hours of learning materials, video lectures, live webinars and mock exams per course) via the links below:

3. Free articles and guides

‍ Perhaps VIVA's best kept secret (though we try our best not to keep it a secret!) is our growing library of high-value free content - the Knoweldge Centre . Much of this content is highly practical and relevant to Case Study exam sitters. Below we include a selection of the best free case study materials and videos that you can start working through immediately in order to ensure you are well oriented and motivated come pre-seen release day: ‍ ‍

Free Articles:

CIMA Exam Dates

5 CIMA Study Tips to Keep You Motivated

How to Pass CIMA Case Study Exams: A Detailed Guide to Success

Working through your CIMA Case Study Course

6 Tips to Pass CIMA Fast

Handling CIMA Exam Day Nerves: Lessons from Public Speaking ‍

Free Videos:

How to pass the CIMA OCS exam

How to pass the CIMA MCS exam

How to pass the CIMA SCS exam

Planning your Answer in the CIMA OCS Exam

What goes into a Strong CIMA MCS Exam Answer?

Analysing and Understanding CIMA SCS Exam Questions ‍

4. Add mock exam marking at any time

For so many students, VIVA's professional marking has been the difference maker, the thing that pushed them over the line to a pass (see here for example).

Our student surveys have shown that VIVA students who had their mock exams marked by our team of experts, were 48% more likely to pass than students who had not had their mock exams marked. You don't have to get all your mocks marked, we understand that sometimes it's just not practical due to time or financial constraints. But the great thing with VIVA is that you can add any amount of mock marking to your course/membership at any time. You can purchase marking for anywhere from just 1 mock exam to 5 mock exams. You can purchase at the links below:

• marking for 1 x mock exam: purchase here  
• marking for 2 x mock exams: purchase here    
• marking for 3 x mock exams: purchase here    
• marking for 5 x mock exams: purchase here

We hope you find the above helpful as you gear up for the Feb24 round of CIMA Case Study exams.

Like to explore how VIVA can help you with your CIMA studies?

Be the first to find out when we release new CIMA resources.

Related resources

Other resources that may be of interest to you.

CIMA exams list 2023: your comprehensive guide

This article provides the CIMA exams list for the main CIMA qualification.  You will need to complete all the exams on the list if you want to become a CIMA qualified accountant. However, you may be eligible for exemptions based on your academic or professional qualifications.

Find out if you're eligible for CIMA exemptions.

This guide to the CIMA exams is updated regularly.

CIMA exams structure

The CIMA professional qualification consists of three levels.

Operational level

Management level, strategic level.

The Operational level  covers the delivery of strategy and its performance for the short term. You'll then progress onto the Management level  which involves a medium-term focus on articulating strategy, monitoring performance and taking corrective action when necessary. Finally, the Strategic level concentrates on long-term strategic decisions and the contexts in which those decisions are applied.

Within each level, you'll need to complete 3 Objective Test exams, followed by a Case Study exam.  You can only attempt the Case Study exam once you've completed all three Objective Tests for that level.

The three pillars of CIMA

Each of the Objective Tests fall into one of three pillars across each level. These are the Enterprise pillar, Performance pillar, and Financial pillar.

The Enterprise pillar  covers the preparation of a strategy and its effective implementation.

The Performance pillar  explores techniques of management accounting and develops risk management skills to ensure that any strategy in place is realistic, while monitoring its delivery.

The Financial pillar  looks at financial accounting and reporting obligations. The fundamentals of business tax and financial strategy are also covered.

How many CIMA exams are there?

There are 12 CIMA exams in total, consisting of nine Objective Tests and three Case Study exams.

The Objective Tests are available on-demand and last for 90 minutes each, while the Case Study exams last for three hours and can be taken during four exam windows throughout the year.

These windows take place in February, May, August, and November .   

Objective Tests and Case Study assessments are computer-based exams which you can complete at one of 5,000 test centres worldwide.

What is the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting?

The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting is an entry route to qualifying through CIMA if you have no accounting experience.

The CIMA Certificate  levels are:

• BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance

The CIMA Certificate  takes roughly 12 to 18 months to complete, after which you can move onto the Operational level of the CIMA professional qualification.

CIMA Exams list

Below is a full list of CIMA modules with details on what each exam covers. Each Objective Test exam represents one of the (E) Enterprise, (P) Performance, or (F) Financial pillars.

Operational level Case Study exam

The Case Study exam for this level simulates the role of an entry-level finance professional. You must demonstrate the relevant knowledge, skills, techniques, and mindset required by a professional in this position.

Management level Case Study exam

The Cast Study exam for this level simulates the role of a finance manager. You must demonstrate the relevant knowledge, skills, techniques, and mindset required by a professional in this position.

Strategic level Case Study exam

The Case Study exam for this level simulates the role of a senior finance manager. You must demonstrate the relevant knowledge, skills, techniques, and mindset required by a professional in this position.

Final thoughts

The CIMA exams list gives an overview of the knowledge and skills you will develop before sitting the Objective Tests and Case Study exams.

When preparing for these exams, make sure you:

• Learn all the materials for each CIMA module
• Answer mock questions to test your knowledge
• Get detailed feedback on your progress and improvement points

CIMA training at BPP sets you up for success with comprehensive study materials, a dedicated Performance Support Team, and regular mock tests.

If you're already in a professional role, then it's likely that you're eligible to complete the qualification through an apprenticeship.

Discover the CIMA levels

Introductory Certificate

First full part of qualification Operational

Build on existing knowledge Management

Become Chartered Strategic

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CIMA Exams in 2024: The Definitive Guide