The CIMA Exam Formats

There are 2 different types of exam used throughout the CIMA qualification, and you’ll need to get familiar with each of them if you are going to pass!

There are 13 objective test style exams and 3 case study style exams, and you can find out more about each on this page.

Objective test exams are used for the 4 certificate level exams, and the first 3 exams for operational, management and strategic level.

The exams are designed to test your knowledge of the syllabus content, on a module-by-module basis. However, as you make your way through the exams, and up through the levels, some of the content will build upon previous knowledge. Having a solid understanding of the theory for each exam is therefore crucial!

Case study exams occur 3 times during the CIMA qualification. The first is taken once the operational objective test exams are completed, the second after the management objective test exams and the final once you have taken all of the strategic objective test exams

The case study exams are designed to test your overall knowledge of the syllabus content as well as your ability to apply that knowledge to a business scenario.

For case study exams, ‘pre-seen’ material is released by CIMA 6 weeks prior to the exam period. This contains information relating to a specific business/market that is the basis for the exam.