how to pass cima case study

You must complete both practice exams and one of the mock exams and send them to your allocated marker by the deadlines set out in the course schedule.

You must not copy the mock exam solutions. If you do so this will invalidate your pass guarantee.

You must achieve an average mark of at least 30% in your submitted practice and mock exams. This is to ensure you are putting in enough effort.

You must attend or watch the recorded versions of the masterclasses and make notes on the pass guarantee form.

Use the pass guarantee form to document your key learning points throughout your studies, submit within 1 week of the final exam.

You must confirm that you have read and understood the pass guarantee terms.

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Get more insight on how CIMA’s professional qualifications will help you build a successful career in business or finance.

Register now for the digital-first pathway to completing CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification. 

Earn CGMA designation with guided learning.

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The Self-Tailored Learning and Assessment Route

The self-tailored study and assessment route to completing the Professional Qualification is made up of nine subjects that are organised into three pillars and three levels.

The three pillars are designed to cover finance and a range of other business areas:

• The Enterprise Pillar - Develop and implement strategies
• The Performance Pillar - Track activities and ensure that strategies are realistic and effective
• The Financial Pillar - Prepare and understand financial statements to keep an eye on performance and inform company decisions

As you progress through the qualification, the content of each of the three levels encourage progressive, constant development of knowledge across the three pillars, ensuring you have the skills business need the most, positioning you to take on leadership roles within your organisation

Self-Tailored Learning and Assessment route structure

Nine subjects organised into three pillars and three levels

Objective Tests

Nine 90 minute computer-based and on-demand exams

Case Studies

You can take three three-hour exams at each level during four windows per year. You will need to pass all three objective tests (or have an exemption) before sitting the case study exam

Completion time

Three to four years

The Structure

The operational level.

At the Operational level, the focus is on short term decision making. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be able to work with others in your organisation and use appropriate data and technology to translate medium term decisions into short term actionable plans.

Once you’ve finished the Operational level, you’ll be awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA).

Managing finance in a digital world

In this first subject of the Professional Qualification, you’ll learn about the central role that finance plays in an organisation, and how and why technologies used impact the finance function. 

You’ll learn how to use and examine data collected and processed by machines to create and preserve value for organisations. 

And you’ll get to know how the finance function is structured and shaped, and how it interacts with other parts of the organisation to achieve the objectives of the whole organisation.

Syllabus at a glance:

A. Role of the finance function

B. Technology in a digital world

C. Data and information in a digital world

D. Shape and structure of the finance function

E. Finance interacting with the organisation

Assessment: Objective Test

• Format: Computer Based
• Availability: Online and on-demand from the comfort of your own home or office or at any of the 5,500 Pearson VUE centres around the world
• Length: 90 minutes
• Questions: 60 objective test questions
• Marking: Computer marked
• Results: Provisional results available immediately followed by confirmation no more than 48 hours later

Management Accounting

Here, you’ll learn why costing is done and what it is used for, including appropriate costing methods and techniques and where digital costing might be used.

Then you’ll cover how budgets are prepared and implemented across the organisation and the impact these have. You’ll also learn how techniques are applied to ensure sound short term decision making against a backdrop of risk and uncertainty by using appropriate risk management tools.

A. Cost Accounting for decision and control

B. Budgeting and budgetary control

C. Short term commercial decision making

D. Risk and uncertainty in the short term

Financial Reporting

In your first Finance subject, you’ll find out who the regulators are, what they do and why and how regulations are applied.

You’ll learn how to prepare basic financial statements using financial reporting standards and how to distinguish between types of taxes, calculate corporation taxes and issues affecting taxation.

Finally, you’ll learn which tools are used to ensure that the organisation has enough cash to ensure its continuing operations.

A. Regulatory environment of financial reporting

B. Financial statements

C. Principles of taxation

D. Managing cash and working capital

• Format: Computer based

Operational Level Case Study

The case study exam tests the knowledge, skills and techniques that you’ve learned throughout the Operational level in a role simulation. You’ll be asked to respond to authentic work-based activities, mimicking a job role linked to the Operational level e.g. an entry-level finance professional.

Assessment: Case Study Exam

• Availability: Four windows each year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) at any of the 5,000 Pearson VUE centres around the world or online at your home or office
• Length: 3 hours
• Questions: Role-based business simulations
• Marking: Human marked
• Results: Available around 6 weeks after the completion of the exam window

The Management Level

At the Management level, you’ll focus on translating long term decisions into medium term plans. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be able to use data and relevant technology to manage organisational and individual performance, allocate resources to implement decisions; monitor and report implementation of decisions; as well as prepare and interpret financial statements to highlight business performance.

Once you’ve finished the Management Level, you’ll be awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA).

Managing performance

You’ll learn the fundamentals of business subject and how new business and operating subjects can be developed to improve the performance of organisations.

Discover how different styles of leadership can be used to improve the performance of individuals to achieve organisational goals and how to use performance management concepts and techniques to implement strategies effectively and efficiently.

You’ll be able understand use of project management concepts and techniques useful in implementing strategies.

Syllabus at a glance 

A. Business subjects and value creation

B. Managing people performance

C. Managing projects

Advanced Management Accounting

You’ll learn how to use cost management, quality and process management and value management to provide organisations with cost advantage.

You’ll understand the criteria, process and techniques that are used to decide which projects to undertake, how to manage the performance of organisational units to ensure that they achieve their objectives.

Discover how to analyse risks and uncertainties that organisations face in the medium term, especially capital investment decision making, and how to manage those risks in the implementation of such decisions.

Syllabus at a glance

A. Managing the costs of creating value

B. Capital investment decision making

C. Managing and controlling the performance of organisational units

D. Risk and control

Advanced Financial Reporting

You’ll learn about sources and types of funds and how much they cost, as well as the key financial reporting standards on which financial statements will be based and the application of those standards to prepare group accounts.

You’ll also learn about the International Integrated Reporting Framework and its components and how to conduct analyses of financial statements and their limitations.

A. Financing capital projects

B. Financial reporting standards

C. Group accounts

D. Integrated reporting

E. Analysing financial statements

Management Level Case Study

The case study exam tests the knowledge, skills and techniques that you’ve learned throughout the Management level in a role simulation. You’ll be asked to respond to authentic work-based activities, mimicking a job role linked to the Management level e.g. a finance manager.

The Strategic Level 

The Strategic level focuses on long term strategic decision making. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be able to support organisational leaders to craft strategy; evaluate and manage risks that might prevent organisations from successfully implementing strategy; value organisations; and source financial resources required to implement of strategy.

Strategic Management

You’ll learn about the foundation of strategic management and get an understanding of the dynamics of the organisational ecosystem and how it affects the strategy of the organisation.

Next, you’ll learn all about strategic choice and how options are generated, linking them to the purpose, values and vision of the organisation and how the options are evaluated, chosen and integrated to form the strategy of the organisation.

You’ll cover how strategy is implemented, how implementation objectives are achieved and how change is managed.

And you’ll learn about the different technologies that underpin digital transformation and various elements of digital strategy.

A. The Strategy process

B. Analysing the organisational ecosystem

C. Generating strategic options

D. Making strategic choices

E. Strategic control

F. Digital strategy

Risk Management

How to identify, evaluate and manage enterprise risks.

Where strategic risks emanate from, how to evaluate them and understand how oversight of these risks is critical to the governance of the organisation.

How internal controls can be used effectively in the risk management process and how to identify, analyse, remedy and report strategic risks including cyber risks.

A. Enterprise risk

B. Strategic risk

C. Internal controls

D. Cyber risk

Financial Strategy

You’ll learn about the different strategic financial objectives and policy options that are open to organisations.

Next, you’ll cover the types of funds available to organisations to finance the implementation of their strategies, including where and how they access these funds at the right time, in the right quantities and at the right cost.

Then you’ll move onto the sources of financial risk, how to evaluate and manage financial risk appropriately, and techniques in business valuation to assess whether a company has created and preserved value within the organisation.

Finally, you’ll learn the valuation techniques to calculate the value of organisations and the conditions applicable for such calculations, especially intangibles in the digital world. You’ll learn how to report intangible value and their drivers in integrated reporting.

A. Financial policy decisions

B. Sources of long term funds

C. Financial risks

D. Business valuation

Strategic Level Case Study

The case study exam tests the knowledge, skills and techniques that you’ve learned throughout the Strategic level in a role simulation. You’ll be asked to respond to authentic work-based activities, mimicking a job role linked to the Strategic level e.g. a senior finance manager.

Assessment of Practical Experience Requirements (PER)

Once you complete the Strategic level, your last step before earning the CGMA designation and becoming a CIMA member is to demonstrate that you have a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience (this can be accumulated before, during and after your studies). Your experience is assessed through the Practical Experience Requirements (PER) application.

Award: 

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation and membership of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (ACMA or FCMA).

What study methods can you use?

Your learning is supported with over 60 hours of on-demand video., tuition provider courses.

If you like to learn with others, appreciate the support of having a tutor on -hand and benefit from the structure of the formal study, look at signing up with a tuition provider. You’ll find online-only courses, classroom, and a mixture of both. Costs will vary between providers, so check with them directly for information on fees.

Distance learning

Want to study in your time, on your terms? Choose when and where you study with CIMAstudy.com — the only online learning resource reviewed and approved by CIMA, delivered in partnership with Kaplan. Costs vary depending on the level of the course you’re taking: check the breakdown of fees on CIMAstudy.com.

Online and distance learning with CIMAstudy.com

CIMAStudy.com is the only online learning resource reviewed and approved by CIMA, delivered in partnership with Kaplan. It’s ideal if you live somewhere with little or no tuition provision, or if you prefer to self-study at your own pace.

Can’t decide?

Whatever your learning style, the CGMA Study Hub is your go-to resource. With articles, webcasts, videos, and access to all CIMA- approved study products, you’ll find a study aid that works for you. There’s even a well-being section to help you through your studies, with resources on everything from exam nerves to getting motivated.

Which learning and assessment route should I take?

Shape your studies how you want, using a tuition provider or opting to self-study, or enrol on the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme for a fully guided study experience.

Am I eligible for exemptions? 

If you have a degree or a qualification, you might be exempt from certain Certificate in Business Accounting or CGMA Professional Qualification exams. That means you could qualify sooner than you think.

Start your registration

Before you choose your registration route, make sure you have the following to hand:

• Your contact details, including address, phone and email
• Your current employment details (if you are working)
• Details of your tuition provider (if you are studying)

Register for Self-Tailored Learning and Assessment Route

How to Pass Your CIMA Operational Case Study Exam

Understanding what past students did wrong in their ocs exam & how to avoid repeating such mistakes is by using examiner reports..

In our experience and through feedback from students, the best way to understand what past students did wrong in their exams and ways to avoid repeating those mistakes is by using the Examiner Reports. The main challenge with CIMA case studies is that they constantly change to feature a new company. However, the advice is given in each Examiner Report on what students did well and common pitfalls to avoid can be applied to any case study, therefore, they are an essential resource in your case study preparation.

So, to help you focus and pass, part 1 of this series will focus on the CIMA Examiner’s report for the Operational level integrated case study February 2020 exam session . In future weeks, we will be discussing the examiner reports for MCS and SCS as they become available. Even if you’ve passed this exam level, there are pointers from this review that could benefit your future case study exams.

What is an Examiner’s Report?

Just in case you’re not familiar, Examiners Reports provide a review of the performance of candidates in the examinations and a detailed analysis of the standards of answering. So, in short, it outlines what students did well and not so well as individuals and as a cohort.

These are important documents to review as part of your study as they provide invaluable insights and tips from the examiner’s point of view. After all, these are the people that will be marking your paper, so it’s worth listening to what they have to say!

February 2020 Operational Case Study Exam

The Feb 2020 case study was Lottie Graphite, a manufacturer of graphite and coloured pencils based in Gawland, a country in Western Europe.

As a recap:

• Manufactured just under 300m pencils a year from one site
• Sells them through their own distribution network
• Well recognised brand associated with premium quality

Tested in the exam session:

• Variant 1 – Expansion into a new market
• Variant 2 – Setting up a new production facility
• Variant 3 – Launch and sale of the S-pencil

What was important in the OCS exam?

Each variant had 4 tasks and to achieve level 3 in most traits, you had to demonstrate a good technical understanding that was applied to the Lottie Graphite business. Mistakes in this area were:

• Gaps in technical knowledge and understanding
• Explained issues too briefly with a lack of clarity
• Failed to relate answers to Lottie Graphite

Students did well in the areas of beyond budgeting, costing, use and limitations of expected value, capital expenditure under IAS16, working capital and ratios, raw material variances and KPIs – this is the bread and butter for accountants.

The areas of weakness for students in this exam were:

• Sales mix and quantity variances
• Fixed o/h efficiency and capacity variances
• IFRS 16 leasing
• Activity-based budgeting
• Time series analysis
• Issues with decisions when there is risk and uncertainty

Other points highlighted were that a strong technical understanding usually led to good application and that the knowledge base is key. Oftentimes there were a lot of descriptions but not enough explanations. You should read the detailed feedback on each of the variants on the CIMA site.

Tips from the Examiner’s Reports for Future Students

There are several key points to consider when preparing for future Operational case study examinations. These points are:

The key to achieving a score at level 2 and above is to ensure that:

• You have the technical knowledge and understanding of all topics included in each of the core activities. It is not sufficient to rely on the fact that you remember it from the OTQ exams, because the chances are you won’t. You need to revise technical material: if you don’t have the knowledge, you will struggle to score well.
• You are able to apply your technical knowledge and understanding within the case study context. Simply reproducing rote-learned answers or pure knowledge of a topic area will score very few, if any, marks. Similarly, taking a scattergun approach to an issue and commenting on everything that you know about it from a theoretical point of view will only score a few marks.
• You can explain with clarity and comprehensively rather than making unsupported statements. Writing comments such as, “ this improves decision making ”, “ this graph is essentia l” or “planning is enhanced” is not enough to gain any marks. Candidates must explain “ how ” and “ why ” this is the case. Explanations can quite often be improved by adding: “ because of…. ” at the end of a sentence. Explanations should also utilise the information given to you within the case study itself, especially financial information. For example, reasons for variances are often given to you in unseen information, the skill is to pick this out and use it.

Download Free CIMA Exam Cheatsheet!

How can you achieve this.

There are a number of things that can help you get the extra marks required to pass which include:

• Study the pre-seen material in depth – Ensure that you are very familiar with the business, especially the financial information, before the exam, as this will help you with applying your knowledge and will save you time. Similarly, an awareness of the industry that the business is in will help you to think of the wider issues that might impact decisions that you could be asked to comment on.
• Practice, practice, practice past OCS exam tasks – While this is a new syllabus and new blueprint, many of the old P1 tasks and a number of the old F1 tasks are still relevant. Practising past tasks and then checking against the published answers will help you to understand what the CIMA examiner is looking for.

What you can do on exam day?

1. It is important to take time to plan your answer so that you are able to apply your knowledge to the specifics of the CIMA case. For certain tasks, plan your answers in the answer screen itself.

For example, if you are asked about the potential benefits and problems of activity-based costing, I suggest that you first note down headings for benefits and problems. Under each heading, list your benefits and problems; these will become your sub-headings. Then you can write a short CIMA paragraph under each sub-heading. This will allow you time to think about all of the points that you want to make and will help to give your answer in a clear format. Ultimately, it should save you time.

2. Take care of how your answer looks. Whilst this examination is not a test of English, some answers are difficult to read because of poor spelling and grammar. It’s important that answers are presented well so that markers can see that you have demonstrated a clear understanding of CIMA of the issues.

Final thoughts

As you can see, Examiner Reports are a vital part of your exam preparation. They are an easy way to understand where past students have gone wrong and what you can do to avoid those mistakes to avoid losing any unnecessary marks. Make sure to integrate them into your study plan for your upcoming Operational Case Study exam.

Read more: 7 Ways to Pass Your CIMA Case Study Exams

CIMA vs. ACCA – Which Qualification is Right for You?

3 emerging roles in finance, accounting & taxation, how to help your team with change management, what is the role of an accountant in a business, how to write a great accounting cv.

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Thanks where will l get past papers

Hey, you can access past papers in the ‘products’ section as ‘mock exams’.

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CIMA Pass Rates - The Most Recent Numbers

In this guide, we’ll explore the most recently released public data on CIMA exam pass rates.

Becoming a CIMA-qualified accountant can seem like a long journey. 

You’ll have to undergo a series of exams that cover several topics and test your skills – from writing business recommendations to interpreting data and calculations. 

The entire process can be exhausting, yet, the rewards are well worth it.

‍ A CIMA qualification can open many doors for you . It will help you gain competitive skills to get the job of your dreams and boost your earning potential.

So, in this guide, we’ll explore the most recently released data on CIMA pass rates .

We hope this will inspire you, whether you are about to take your first CIMA exam or are deep into your CIMA studies and want a glimpse of the topic you’ll be tested on.

CIMA Qualification at a Glance

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants​​ is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants.

By studying the CIMA qualification and becoming a member, you can use the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. 

‍ To earn a CIMA qualification, you must pass a series of tests comprising four levels: certificate, operational, management, and strategic. These degrees are part of the Professional Qualification program. Beginning with the CIMA Certificate to the Strategic level, there are a total of 16 CIMA exams.

However, it’s not as simple as beginning with “CIMA exam 1” and ending it with “CIMA exam 16.” They appear in these levels:

The Four Levels of CIMA Exams

Certificate Level

Also referred to as the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, the Certificate Level exam covers the basics of business and accounting. It is meant to act as a foundation for your CIMA qualifications.

Exams in this level cover:

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

All CIMA Certificate exams are two hours long. You may encounter multiple choice questions, number entries, multiple responses, drag-and-drop types of answering, or hotspot (marking the correct spot). ‍

Operational Level

This is a Professional Level in your CIMA studies. It focuses on daily operations and short-term strategy, with a particular emphasis on working as a member of a larger team and on technology.

Exams at the Operational level covers: 

• CIMA E1 (Organizational Management)
• CIMA P1 (Management Accounting)
• CIMA F1 (Financial Reporting and Taxation)
• Operational Case Study ‍

Management Level

This part of your study turns the monitoring, analysis, and implementation of decisions. Most especially on how you can make medium-term decisions from long-term ones. At this level, the exams you’ll take are

• CIMA E2 (Project and Relationship Management)
• CIMA P2 (Advanced Management Accounting)
• CIMA F2 (Advanced Financial Reporting)
• Management Case Study ‍

Passing the "CIMA Gateway" exam is viewed as equal to passing the Operational and Management levels

For those with a Master’s in Accounting degree or an MBA, they can choose to take the CIMA Gateway exam instead. Essentially, this is the same exam as the Management Case Study . If passed, they’ll be seen as equivalent to passing both Operational and Management levels and go straight to the Strategic Level of their CIMA studies.

But make no mistake, this exam is not easy and has the lowest pass rate (only an average of 18% vs 61% on other exams) among all exams. Remember that having a Master’s Degree doesn’t necessarily mean you are familiar with the CIMA Gateway exam structure. You will need to ensure you are familiar with all the theory covered in the previous "Objective Test" exams (i.e. E1 through to F2). Plugging any gaps in your knowledge here will be key.

Don’t worry, though, as it can be achieved with careful preparation and the guidance of a great tuition provider (like VIVA!). ‍

Strategic Level

As you reach this level, you’re almost done with your CIMA study, and you already have extensive accounting knowledge. The Strategic level is where you’ll learn about supporting leaders in a company or group and about long-term strategic decision-making.

Exams at the Strategic level cover:

• CIMA E3 (Strategic Management)
• CIMA P3 (Risk Management)
• CIMA F3 (Financial Strategy)
• Strategic Case Study

Be sure to check out our guides on How To Pass CIMA Exams and 6 Tips to Pass CIMA Fast . 

CIMA Exam Pass Rates

CIMA Case Study Exams

In every one of the three levels of exams (Operational, Management, and Strategic), there are another three exams from each of the learning pillars. These include the Enterprise Pillar (E) exams, Performance Pillar (P) exams, and the Financial Pillar (F) exams. These are known collectively as the "Objective Test" exams.

Objective Test Exams

In any OT exam, you are provided with 60 questions and 90 minutes to finish answering them. It means it only takes about 90 seconds per question. 

Some questions require less reading and consideration, while others require more focus to balance the test. The questions are presented differently for each exam as they use randomisation. 

Key Ways To Succeed in Your CIMA Exams (First Time!)

Passing your CIMA exams doesn’t have to be a hard nut to crack. Here are some tips to succeed.

1. Have a plan

Having a robust plan is vital to exam success. Before you even begin studying, sit down and make a feasible plan that fits into your life, ensuring you cover the whole syllabus.

It’s also important to know the type of learner you are. Some people are better at retaining information by reading, others by listening. Some enjoy practical exercises. You can then choose the format that works best for you, whether it’s notes, podcasts, video or a combination.

2. Start early

Don’t wait for the pre-seen material to be released to start studying. Begin early so you’ll have enough time for practice and revision.

‍ The sooner you start, the more you’ll learn and the more confident you’ll become on exam day.

3. Take mock exams

Mock exams simulate the actual exam conditions and provide an opportunity to test your knowledge, identify knowledge gaps, and assess your exam readiness. By taking mock exams, you can practice time management, learn how to approach different types of questions, and improve your exam technique.

Additionally, mock exams can help you develop a deeper understanding of the course content and boost your confidence in tackling the exam. 

4. Find practical ways to manage your stress

At some point, you may feel stressed studying for your CIMA exams. Others have been there too!

So, take a moment to pause and breathe when things get too much. Be kind to yourself. Allow time to rest. If you want, you can give yourself mini rewards once in a while once you achieve your study goals. 

‍ Combing all these tips, you should be exam ready. Be confident of the amount of preparation and work you’ve put in. 

Improve Your Chances of Passing CIMA Exams Today

Pass rates change with each sitting. So, don’t focus too much on one result. Although these pass rates are useful, they don’t necessarily mean that one exam is always going to be harder than another. 

Make the most of these numbers by factoring them into how much study time you feel you may need to devote to each subject. But don’t get too distracted from the immediate task at hand – namely, consistent and effective studying and practice.

And please, don’t forget to look after your well-being! Be in your healthiest mindset always makes it easier to achieve your goals.

VIVA is the only tuition provider you need to pass your CIMA exams first time.  In 2020, CIMA honoured VIVA with the prestigious CIMA Global Pass Rate Excellence Award due to its outstanding pass rates compared to the average.

‍ But don’t just take our, or CIMA's, word for it! Check out these independent testimonials from our delighted CIMA students.

Accelerate your CIMA journey now. Click here .

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

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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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How to pass the Operational Case Study

As you may already know, Operational Case Study (OCS) is the first case study under CIMA's CGMA professional qualification and is designed to test your ability to apply the technical knowledge you’ve learnt from E1, P1 and F1.