cima case study exam schedule

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CIMA Exam Dates 2024: W hen (and how) should you take your next exam?

Introduction

Here we are again. Another year for you to achieve the management accounting qualification you’ve always wanted. 

CIMA affords thousands of students yearly the ability to achieve the most highly prized professional qualification in the world. And every student knows that sacrifices and careful planning are required.

‍ But where do you start?

In this article, we’ll make things easier for you by exploring the structure of the CIMA qualification for 2023 and providing you with information that will help you prepare for your exams.

As industry leaders in CIMA Online Tuition , VIVA can provide you with everything you need. Simply keep reading.  

How are the 2023 CIMA Exams Structured?

Quick Overview of CIMA Exams 

You will write 12 exams called Objective Tests plus 3 Case Study Exams.

Objective Tests

Each level has three objective tests. They are 90 minutes long , computer-based and can be taken any time during the year.  

Case Study Exams

Each case study exam is 3 hours long. They are computer-based and must be taken at specific times (February, May, August, November).

Certificate Level - Providing Introductory Principles of Accounting

Formally called CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting . This level is the formal entry route into the CIMA Professional Qualification.

Underpinning the foundational knowledge provided at this level is BA4 covering the fundamentals of ethics, corporate governance and business law.

The three objective tests are:

• BA1 - Fundamentals of Business Economics
• BA2 - Fundamentals of Management Accounting 
• BA3 - Fundamentals of Financial Accounting

The certificate level teaches core business and financial skills to those with no or limited accounting experience.

Operational Level - Providing Introductory Technical Skills

Consisting of 3 pillars - Enterprise, Performance and Financial. This level will provide you with technical skills in each pillar.

• ‍ Enterprise Pillar - Develops technical skills in risk management, financial strategy and financial management. ‍
• Performance Pillar - Develops technical skills in performance management, cost management and budgeting ‍
• Financial Pillar - Develops technical skills in advanced financial reporting and taxation
• E1 - Managing Finance in a Digital World
• P1 - Management Accounting 
• F1 - Financial Reporting

On completion of the objective tests and case study exam, you will be awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting.

Management Level - Providing Practical Management Skills 

The focus of this level is to equip you with practical skills allowing you to manage a team within a real-life context. 

• E2 - Managing Performance
• P2 - Advanced Management Accounting 
• F2 - Advanced Financial Reporting

On completion of the objective tests and case study exam, you will be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting

Strategic Level - Providing Strategic Management Skills

The focus of this level is to equip you with high-level skills in team and organisational management. Managing strategic relationships at this level enables you to lead a company into a sustainable financial future.

• E3 - Strategic Management
• P3 - Risk Management
• F3 - Financial Strategy

Project and Relationship Management Skills are also covered on this level. 

On completion of the objective tests and strategic case study exam, you will be assessed on the practical requirements of the qualification. Then awarded CIMA Membership with the designation of CGMA.  

Management Accountants worldwide have trusted VIVA to take them through the CIMA Exams. If you want tuition at a price that makes sense, contact us today !

CIMA Masters Gateway Exam - Fast Route to Strategic Level

If you have a graduate degree in Accounting, you may qualify to enter the qualification at Strategic Level. By passing the Masters Gateway Exam, you will receive permission to skip the lower levels of the qualification.

Permitted Exemptions

If you have an accounting qualification with a recognised provider in the UK, you may be eligible to receive credits for certain exams in the qualification. The CIMA Global website provides an exemption calculator to check your exemption status. We also have a useful free guide to CIMA Exemptions, which you can read here .

CIMA Exam Format

This can seem daunting. But VIVA has comprehensive course syllabi that cover all aspects of the exams to prepare you for success.  

You can preview each subject course here .  

Scheduling Your CIMA Exam

Exams can be completed online at any time during 2023. In some countries, test centres are available. You can use the test centres if your laptop, computer or internet does not meet the system requirements for the online exam.  

Register with CIMA Global as a student to gain access to a MyCIMA Account. This student portal will allow you to schedule exams in your time zone. 

System Requirements

CIMA advises that you successfully test each requirement before scheduling an examination. The requirements are:

ID Requirements

CIMA requires valid (unexpired) government-issued original IDs. No photocopies will be accepted. The ID must include your name and a recent, high-quality photo. The first and last name on the ID must be the same as the name on the examination.

Acceptable forms of ID:

• International travel passport
• Driver's license
• Identification card (national, state or province ID card)
• Alien registration card (green card or permanent resident/visa)

CIMA Exam FAQs

- when can i schedule my objective test.

You can schedule objective tests up to 24 hours before you want to sit for the exam. You can pick any available slot but cannot reschedule or cancel your exam if you have less than 48 hours before the examination. 

For case study exams, you must check the exam schedule on CIMA Global, as these exams are scheduled four times a year in February, May, August, and November.

- Can I use a calculator, paper or a whiteboard during the exam?

Calculators from the approved list can be found on the CIMA Global website. Online functionality does not allow the use of erasable notes or whiteboards. However, the site does provide a whiteboard that allows you to enter numbers. 

- Will I be able to leave the exam session at any time?

If you leave your exam at any time, the invigilator will close your session, and you will not be able to return. Breaks are not given during the exam. 

- What other rules should I be aware of during the exam?

Mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or Bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, books, notes, notebooks, study guides, and food or tobacco products will not be allowed during the exam. 

In this article, we have covered important information pertaining to the CIMA Exams for 2023. We have explained each level and given you an idea of what the exams test. Furthermore, we have provided helpful tips to get your mind around writing the exam online. 

A key to success will be the learning provider you choose to help you through the CIMA qualification. This cannot be overstated.  

You do not want to find yourself in a situation where the provider cannot support you or provide adequate learning material. 

From years of experience, we recommend you consider providers that meet the following criteria:

• A holistic approach to learning that is flexible and adapted to the digital framework
• Skilled and knowledgeable tutors that have personal studies and working experience in the accounting field
• A multi-method approach that enriches the learning experience, e.g. live webinars, online videos, course notes, mock exams and practice questions 
• Recognition from CIMA as a training partner
• A high CIMA exam pass rate

VIVA meets every one these criteria and provides affordable tuition that makes sense. (See student testimonials here ).

‍ You can purchase an All Access membership today for £399.  This price reflects our innovative delivery strategy in which we deliver premium online education at scale, giving thousands of students a chance to achieve a qualification at a reasonable price.

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.

Strategic level examination blueprint - 2024-2025

This is the examination blueprint for the Strategic level of the CGMA Professional Qualification. It will set out in detail what is examinable in the Case Study Examination and the Objective Tests for the period stated on the cover of this document. It also provides information about the format, structure and weightings of the assessments. It complements the syllabus document and provides details specifically related to the different type of assessments and is our most comprehensive statement to date on CIMA’s examinations.

Download the Strategic Level Exam Blueprints 2024-2025

File name: Strategic-Exam-Blueprints-2024-2025-final for web.pdf

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Exam Resource

May-aug24 management pre-seen material.

Management Accounting Mastery

Master the skills needed to pass the cima exams and become a chartered global management accountant, cima operational case study: a winning study schedule.

I mage: Courtesy of Flickr user Dafne Cholet

CIMA Operational Case Study (OCS) Overview

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you that there’s a lot to do in preparation for your CIMA operational case study

As you will have seen from an earlier blog post I wrote, your approach needs to involve:

• Careful analysis of the pre seen material
• Familiarity with what is going on in that industry in the real world
• Thorough revision of your technical knowledge from the three objective test papers
• A good understanding of your “role” in the fictitious organisation
• Practicing the many elements of exam technique needed to pass

Now you’re probably pretty scared of awaits you in the CIMA Operational case study, right?

And you’re wondering: is it even possible to be fully prepared in such a short space of time?

But don’t worry, I’ve broken down what you need to do in a step-by-step, week-by-week, structure for you to follow.

It’s based on the same blueprint that CIMA case study experts Astranti use on their CIMA OCS Exam Course .

And this schedule has been proven to work over and over again by students who have passed their CIMA Operational case study exam, despite working full time and having other commitments taking up their time.

Now it won’t be easy.  Preparing for CIMA exams never is.

But if you follow the plan below over the coming weeks it will set you up for success…AND don’t worry if you feel you are falling behind.   You will soon catch up if you are determined to pass.

Activity #1: CIMA Operational Case Study Pre Seen Analysis

In particular you are looking to find out:

• A clear picture of what the organisation does and the industry it operates in
• How the business is performing and where it is currently heading
• The potential threats and opportunities for the business
• Who the stakeholders are and how you would advise they be managed
• A list of the key issues facing the organisation that are likely to come up in your exam
• How you would deal with such issues to provide practical business advice
• The key topics from the E, P and F papers that are relevant to this particular case
• Your own interpretation of the figures provided (what they mean for the business)
• Any potential ethical issues that may arise
• A list of key facts you can summarise onto one page and read over regularly

Activity #2: Start Learning More About the CIMA Operational Case Study Exam

In particular you’ll want to discover:

• The key ingredients to passing the Operational Case Study
• A general overview of the exam format
• Your Role and how it will shape your exam answers
• How to analyse the pre seen
• How to Identify ALL the requirements
• Why you must plan your answers
• The 9 stages of exam planning
• How you can practise your answer plans
• The best approach to typing up your answers for a clear pass
• How to practise your writing style
• How the OCS exam is marked
• How to master time management in your exam
• The optimum approach to preparing for the OCS exam

Recommended resources:

• Relevant OCS Pre Seen Material from CIMA Connect
• Matt’s FREE guide to analysing the pre seen quickly and effectively
• Astranti Detailed Video Guides walking you through the OCS pre seen
• Astranti OCS Study Text no.1 covering in depth what is needed to pass the exam
• Astranti OCS Tuition Videos on exam time management, writing style and answer planning
• Recent OCS Examiner reports from CIMA Connect

Activity #1: Start Revising Theory from Papers E1, P1 and F1 (and how to apply it)

Your CIMA Operational case study exam is not just testing your technical knowledge but also your application of this knowledge.

“Application” basically means knowing when and how to use a theoretical model appropriately in your exam so that you can provide the best advice possible to your boss in the case.

Here you’ll want to learn:

• Which theories are most applicable to the CIMA Operational case study exam
• The underlying concepts of those theories so you can explain them
• The pros and cons of using them in different business scenarios
• What the examiner is really after when it comes to earning marks for technical skills
• How to interpret and analyse key financials to help the decision making process
• How to apply different theoretical models to the pre seen
• How to use theory as a useful tool for providing sound business advice in the exam

Activity #2: Start revising the different aspects of Ethics (an area often examined)

Ethical issues can come up in any CIMA Operational case study exam.   Such as the ethics of trying to manipulate a tax bill (February 2017) or producing the primary financial statements in an ethical manner (February 2015)

The CIMA Operational case study examiner has also made a point of saying that Ethics needs to be dealt with better by students as  “Many candidates demonstrated a lack of technical knowledge in this area.”

So if you want to score well in your exam you need to be prepared to deal with the different aspects of ethics should they come up.

In particular you want to learn:

• Why ethics is so important at case study
• Ethics – the theory and how to apply to the exam
• Corporate Social responsibility – the theory and how to apply it
• How to use CIMA’s ethical code – which the examiner for the CIMA OCS exam said could come up at any time
• Controlling ethics – a checklist on how to deal with ethical problems faced in the exam
• Why students ethical sections are typically so poor
• A checklist of ethical headings to consider to analyse ethical issues in depth and maximise marks
• How to write ethical recommendations in depth
• What the examiners say about ethics and the exam
• A standard structure to use in the exam to maximise marks on ethics questions

Activity #3 (Optional): Watch a live/recorded webinar on the keys to passing the CIMA OCS exam.

Here you’ll by taught by an expert tutor where you’ll learn:

• What it takes to prepare fully for this exam, and what YOU will have to do between now and your exam date
• What the examiner says you must do to pass AND what you must avoid
• The skills of effective planning with a live demonstration of answer planning
• A good understanding of the key points from the current pre-seen
• How to use your knowledge of the pre-seen to score marks in the exam
• The 10 theoretical models most likely to be examined, based on the current pre-seen
• The writing style that maximises your marks in the exam
• How to master your time management – often the biggest roadblock to passing this exam
• Astranti OCS study text no.2 which covers all the key areas of the syllabus from E1, P1 and F1
• Astranti’s OCS Ethics pack which goes into detail about how to deal with Ethics confidently
• Astranti Masterclass 1 where you’ll be taught the keys to passing the OCS exam

Activity #1: Attempt Your First CIMA Operational Case Study Mock (and submit for marking)

Without doubt the difference between passing and failing the CIMA Operational case study exam comes down to one thing: How well you have practiced your exam technique under exam conditions.

Mock exams help you with just that.

But also, mock exams help you determine whether the hours you have already spent revising have worked in terms of committing the vital information to your long term memory.  After all, in the heat of your exam, you need to be able to quickly and easily recall how to approach the answers.

As each exam window is based on a different case, you’ll want to make sure that the mock exams you are attempting are on the latest pre-seen and contain realistic scenarios which could occur in the real exam.

Because taking your first mock is always quite an overwhelming task, this mock exam should be “moderate” in terms of difficultly level.   This means it will test your exam skills to date but at the same time should also be quite manageable.  This is provided you have already undertaken the steps above.

Once you have attempted your mock, you’ll want to get your mock marked by an experienced tutor.

It’s really hard to tell by yourself whether you would have picked up marks or not throughout your script and also it’s hard not to be biased.

Your marker will give you a good outside perspective as to the level of knowledge and exam technique you have displayed in your script.  And also point out which areas of improvement you need to focus on most and how to go about making those adjustments.

Activity #2: Review First Mock solution

Here you want to review what a high quality answer looks like as well as the best way to structure your exam answer to the different requirements you are faced with.

It’s important that you don’t simply copy out the solution.  Instead as you read through, think about and note down any key insights you learn.  In particular ask yourself:

• Did I spot ALL of the same requirements?
• Did I format my answer in a similar way?
• Did I apply the same or similar theory to each requirement?
• Did I make roughly the same number of points in each section?
• Did each of my points have a similar amount of depth to them?
• Was my overall advice in each section in line with the solution?

It’s also important to remember that mock exam practice is all part of the learning process.  You’re not expected to be writing a strong answer just yet.   And it’s also better to find out where your strengths and weaknesses lye right now rather than on your actual exam day.

Activity #3: Keep Revising Theory from Papers E1, P1 and F1

Keep testing yourself on how well you explain the theories you cover and your ability to apply them to potential scenarios affecting the case.

Activity #4 (Optional):   Keep Revising Ethics

Keep working on how to deal with ethical issues successfully in your exam

 Recommended Resources;

• Astranti OCS Mock Exam 1 and Solution
• Marking and feedback from experienced Astranti tutor
• Astranti OCS Text Books

Activity #1: Review First Mock Feedback When Returned by Marker

Your experienced marker will review your script in detail, paragraph by paragraph.

They will give specific feedback for each paragraph and determine your areas for improvement. This will enable you to identify weaknesses in your answers and how you can improve on them to get those vital marks.

Specifically they will give you feedback on:

• How well you applied the case to the unseen scenario – are you scoring enough application marks?
• Your application to the pre seen – are you using pre seen information enough?
• The balance of your points under technical, people, business and leadership skills
• Your exam technique – focusing on what you need to do to score more marks
• Your writing style – is the way you make your points scoring good marks?
• Whether you are writing enough to pass – do you need to make more points and in which sections?
• Any key areas of technical weakness that you need to revise.
• Whether your point’s long enough and your explanation’s detailed enough.
• Your overall performance with your final mark – and whether you are on track to pass

Activity #2: Attempt Your Second Mock (and submit for marking)

Use what you learned from your first mock to your advantage.   Particuarly look to put into place those improvements identified by your marker.

In this mock you should expect to score highly. The topics will be wide ranging to test your theoretical knowledge and application skills, but with good time management, this will be a moderate challenge.

Submit your mock for marking to confirm how well you scored and put those improvements into place

Activity #3: Review Second Mock Solution

Follow the same process as for your first mock solution

  Activity #4: Keep Revising Theory from Papers E1, P1 and F1:

Recommended Resources;

• Astranti OCS Mock Exam 2 and Solution

Activity #1: Review Second Mock feedback when returned by marker:

Follow the same process as when you got the feedback for your first mock.  Take comfort from where your strengths are and don’t get too down about your weaknesses.  You’ll never produce a perfect answer.  Simply commit to work on those specific areas of improvement in isolation before your next mock.

Activity #2: Attempt Your Third Mock

This will typically be your final mock before your actual exam.

As such, it needs to be very challenging and probably more difficult than real exam. That way your actual exam will feel like just another mock.

This final mock will cover some of the major topics (ones likely to be tested in the real thing) from E1, F1 and P1.

Submit this mock for marking to see where you really stand a week before your exam date.

Activity #3: Review Third Mock Solution

Follow the same process as per previous mock solutions.

Activity #4: Keep Revising Theory from Papers E1, P1 and F1

As in previous weeks

• Astranti OCS Mock Exam 3 and Solution

  Activity #1: Review Third Mock feedback when returned by marker

Hopefully be now you’ll marker will be reporting that you’ve ironed out most of your weaknesses and you are well on track for passing your exam.

Activity #2:   Final Tweeks

Work on any remaining areas of exam technique and technical knowledge that need improving

Final practice of your application skills to different theories

Activity #4 (Optional): Final Revision Webinar Ahead of Your CIMA Operational Case Study Exam

Here you’ll learn:

• The common mistakes made in the exam according to the examiner
• Which errors you are still making that you’ll want to eradicate
• The top 10 most likely issues in your exam based on the current pre-seen
• Whether you are using the pre-seen information as you should be – the examiner says you must!
• A reminder of the key elements of passing the OCS exam
• Four key areas of improvement for YOU to score more marks on exam day (based on a script you have written)
• Pre-prepared paragraphs based on your pre-seen which you can memorise that are guaranteed to score you extra marks in the exam
• What the markers are saying about OCS scripts they are marking and what they say you should do to improve
• The key time saving tips for the exam to ensure you complete every section on the day
• A number of top industry examples which you can use to score marks in your exam
• What other students are saying which can be of use to you in your exam
• Your revision notes
• Astranti Masterclass 2

This is your CIMA Operational case study exam week!!!

Exams are held between Tuesday and Saturday.

Activities to perform on pre exam days:

• Re read the pre seen & the one page summary of your analysis
• Create a list of key points you want to use in your exam
• Review all the key lessons from your mocks
• Re read the key theories just to refresh your mind
• Try to visit your chosen exam centre
• Make sure you have your admission slip and ID ready
• Take it easy the day before your exam – no last minute cramming
• Sleep well and relax the night before the exam
• Practice thinking positively ahead of your exam – visualise success

Activities to perform during Your Exam:

• Go into exam with confidence – even if you don’t feel like it, try and act like it (trust me this works)
• Work quickly through your exam and aim to make lots of points
• Keep going right to the end and try to maximise your marks
• Keep an eye on the time throughout and stick to your timings
• Stick to what has worked in your mock exam practice
• Your admission slip and ID

Final thoughts

This schedule is not meant to intimidate you.  It looks long and involved but it is manageable even with a full time job and other commitments .  Plus you can always use it as a template to create your own schedule.

I can’t guarantee you a pass if you stick to this plan. I wish I could.

But if you follow ALL the steps outlined in the schedule, you are gearing yourself up for the best chance of passing first time.   After all, it means you are following a proven framework that has been used by many successful students on Astranti’s CIMA OCS course

And if your exam is fast approaching, you can still catch up and complete all these activities in time.  It just means you’ll have to put in the extra effort in the time remaining.  But what you can’t do is skip ahead or miss a couple of these steps out …as this virtually guarantees you will fail.

Just be prepared to put in the hard work now so that you can reap the benefits come results time.

P.S. Have any questions? Drop me a note in the comments section below.

P.P.S. If you know someone who is also taking their CIMA Operational case study, share this plan to help them, too.