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Welcome to CIMA; this onboarding guide gives every new candidate an overview of the qualification and the support available to help you make your first step towards CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification. We hope you will find the resources helpful in your studies.
introduction
to cima
Welcome
Contents
10 easy steps to kick-start your studies
Exam structure and booking
Exam information and blueprints
Study Hub
Cohorting programmes
Planning your studies
Understanding your exam results
Be part of CIMA’s network
Exam coaches
FAQs
Endnotes
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• 10 easy steps to kick-start your studies • Exam structure and booking • What are the blueprints? • Study Hub and study support resources • Cohorting programme • Planning your studies • Understanding your exam results • Be part of CIMA’s network • Exam coaches • FAQs
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Advice and guidance from CIMA’s academic experts to help you commence your studies Perfect for anyone requiring a little direction, to re-engage with their exams following a study break or those studying for the first time. The steps allow you to study more effectively.
To complete the CGMA qualification and use the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA ) designation, students need to: Meet the entry requirements of the professional-level qualification. Study for and complete the relevant professional-level assessments, culminating in the Strategic Case Study Exam. Complete three years of relevant practical experience, which can be gained before, during and after studies.
The full structure and assessment approach The Professional Qualification syllabus is split into three pillars and three levels, and comprises 12 exams: nine Objective Tests, and three Case Study exams. Unless you have been awarded exemptions for prior learning, you will start at the Certificate level and work up the qualification levels. Objective Test examinations in each level can be taken in any order — there is no ‘right order’. It’s whichever works best for you.
Assessment Each subject in the syllabus is assessed by an Objective Test (nine) and by a Case Study exam at the end of each level (three). You will need to complete all three Objective Test exams before entering the Case Study at that level. Once all three Objective Tests and the Case Study exam have been passed, students can progress on to the next level of the qualification. You can sit your Objective Test exams when you’re ready, but we advise you to book your exam as your studies start to provide focus and an end goal to work towards. Objective Tests Format: Computer-based Availability: On demand at any of the 5,000 Pearson VUE centres around the world or online from home or office Length: 90 minutes Marking: Computer-marked Results: Provisional result available immediately followed by confirmation no more than 48 hours later Further information Objective Tests are comprised of a range of items, including short multiple-choice questions, number-entry questions, drag-and-drop questions and other formats. They test all component learning outcomes across the whole subject.
Case Study exams Format: Computer-based Availability: Four windows each year (February, May, August and November) at any of the 5,000 Pearson VUE centres around the world or online from home or office Length: 3 hours Marking: Human-marked Results: Available five weeks after the close of the exam window Further information The Case Study exams are used to test various skills, including research and analysis, how to present information, persuasion and communication skills. The move to more Case Study exams has been deliberate to test a broader range of skills and integrated learning across the syllabus. Case Study exams reflect a real-life business scenario, comprising a series of time-bound tasks set for candidates to complete based on both pre-seen material and new unseen material introduced during the exam. Candidates will undertake a finance role appropriate to their Case Study level and are advised to approach the tasks in the exam as they would if at work. Pre-seen material is released to candidates six weeks before the exam window through the Study Hub.
Schedule your exam in four easy steps. You can take your exams either in a Pearson Vue Centre or remotely from home or office. The booking process is the same; you just need to choose the option you prefer when you select the exam you wish to enter. Scheduling exams online 1. Log in to MY CIMA. Log in with your CIMA contact ID and password, which you receive when you register with CIMA. Log in to MY CIMA If you don’t know your Contact ID or password, email or call +44 (0)20 8849 2251 CIMA with your full name, date of birth and postcode. 2. Confirm your details and check payment status. Make sure your details are up to date on your MY CIMA account. You won’t be able to schedule an exam if you have any outstanding payments yet to be made. 3. Select ‘schedule your exam’. When you select ‘schedule your exam’, you will be transferred to the Pearson VUE website to select your location, date and time. Don’t worry; you won’t need to log in again. 4. Schedule your exam(s). You’ll choose the exam you want to sit and go through the payment and booking process. Once your booking has been processed, you will be transferred back to MY CIMA. Easy! Scheduling your exam by phone You can schedule an exam by calling the CIMA contact centre at +44 (0)20 8849 2251.
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What are the blueprints
The blueprints detail what is examinable in the Case Study Examination and the Objective Tests. They also provide information about the assessments' format, structure and weightings. They complement the syllabus document, and provide details specifically related to the types of assessment and are our most comprehensive statement to date on CIMA’s examinations. They detail what is expected of you in the CGMA Professional Qualification. They clearly explain the work-based tasks that you need to be able to perform in the Objective Tests and Case Study Examination. They will tell you what to prepare for and how to prepare for the Objective Tests and Case Study Examination. They give greater clarity on examinable topics, assessment approach, design and weightings. They document the competencies, skills and knowledge you need to pass the examinations.
Objective Tests Use the blueprint to help you understand the types of questions you might be asked. Practise using the representative task statements. Use it as a checklist to ensure you are confident. Remember that the representative task statements are not an all-inclusive list. Case Study Examination Review the roles for the case study that will help you to get into the right mindset for the examination. Use the core activities and ‘I can’ task statements and make sure you are confident with the assessment outcomes. Remember, this is your link between the syllabus and the examination questions.
What are the blueprints?
What are the main features? A blueprint for each level of the CGMA Professional Qualification can be found here. Each blueprint: Lists competencies, skills and knowledge required to pass the examination, Explains the key examination features, Gives an overview of each level of the examinations, Provides case study role simulation information and assessment outcomes, and Shows the objective tests representative task statements. How do I use it? The blueprint provides a link between the syllabus and the examination, so it helps to interpret the functions and activities you might be expected to know or do to pass each examination.
CIMA’s CGMA Study Hub and study-support resources
The Study Hub is your 'go-to' resource for all your studying and exam needs. Whether you are new to Case Study and want to know what it’s about, aren’t sure which formulae will be provided in your Objective Test exam or are struggling with a particular topic or subject, there will be something to help in the Study Hub. With articles, webcasts, videos and animations, there will be support material that meets your preferred learning style. Professional studies can be stressful, so we’ve even included a wellbeing section with resources to help with everything from exam nerves to motivation. Watch this animation for a walk-through of all there is to discover in the Study Hub.
Study Hub and study support resources
Cohorting programme
Every year, we run a cohorting programme. You can sign up for this interactive award-winning support programme that connects you with candidates at the same stage as you. It’s free, and you’ll get: A step-by-step weekly study calendar, complete with learning resources, Regular online tutorials, Weekly check-in emails and A dedicated Facebook group to network with other candidates sitting the same level as you. It’s the ultimate supportive space to chat, share experiences and find study buddies. We'll invite you to our next cohorting programme by email, in due course.
Follow these tips to be fully prepared for your CGMA examinations. Do some research before choosing how you will study — make sure your chosen option will suit you and the way you learn best. Read the syllabus and blueprint for the subject you are studying, then create a study and revision plan; stick to your plans. Be realistic when creating your study and revision plan — set achievable targets but ensure you have time to cover everything. Keep a record of your progress against your plan. Be protective of your study time. Find somewhere peaceful to study with no interruptions — if this isn’t possible at home, study at work or somewhere else like a library. Put variety into your study sessions — spend some time reading your textbook, do some practice questions or read a related article on the Study Hub. Build review sessions into your study time ensure you fully understand what you are learning. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid concentrating your studies on your good areas. Spend time tackling the areas that might cause you problems. Do plenty of exam question practice and full mock examinations — this preparation is essential for success in the CGMA examinations. Make use of all the study support available from CIMA and your tuition provider, if you have one. Studying can be stressful, particularly around exam time. See our dedicated wellbeing section of the Study Hub for advice on subjects such as anxiety and preparing for exams.
If you want to better understand your results and learn more about our marking processes, read this article. The article covers: • How will you receive your exam results? • How will your results be presented? • What is a scaled score? • The best way to use your exam feedback We feel this article is especially important to anyone who has had an unsuccessful exam attempt. It covers both Objective Test and Case Study examinations. Please read all the sections on Performance Descriptors which detail the presentation of your exam results and feedback, as these can assist in identifying areas where and how performance might be improved.
Be part of CIMA’s network.
CIMA represents a community of candidates with a common interest — to enhance their employability by completing the CGMA Professional Qualification and becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant. As a CIMA candidate, you can be part of a global and local community with the ability to exchange views and experiences with other candidates, more importantly, to speak to other candidates about your studies. Some of the best study advice comes from CIMA candidates, so it’s worth visiting and participating.
The CIMA Facebook Student Group CIMA Facebook CIMA LinkedIn CIMA Twitter CIMA YouTube CIMA Instagram
Our exam coaches provide one-on-one support tailored to your needs. This includes: Providing personalised guidance to help you through your exam journey. Being a helpful contact point for candidates who are taking exams for the first time or are struggling with any aspect of our exams or syllabus. Providing encouragement and enriching awareness of the resources available to you. Elaborating on the exam topics and blueprints. Providing you with clarification on exam feedback. Book a one-to-one appointment now
Please refer to our frequently asked questions for answers to any queries you might have about registering with CIMA. CGMA Exams — covering in-centre and online exams CIMA Apprenticeships
About us
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association) is the most influential body of professional accountants, combining the strengths of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA ) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to power opportunity, trust and prosperity for people, businesses and economies worldwide. It represents 689,000 members and students in public and management accounting and advocates for the public interest and business sustainability on current and emerging issues. With broad reach, rigor and resources, the Association advances the reputation, employability and quality of CPAs, CGMA designation holders and accounting and finance professionals globally. aicpa-cima.com CIMA The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), founded in 1919, is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, with members and students operating in 177 countries, working at the heart of business. CIMA members and students work in industry, commerce, the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its qualification, professional experience requirements and continuing professional development to ensure it remains the employers’ choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders. cimaglobal.com Founded by AICPA and CIMA, the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants powers leaders in accounting and finance around the globe. © 2022 Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. All rights reserved. AICPA and CIMA are trademarks of the American Institute of CPAs and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, respectively, and are registered in the US, the EU, the UK and other countries. The Globe Design is a trademark of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. 2205-432275
We wish you every success with your studies and look forward to welcoming you to membership soon.
