Cheat Sheet · Finance & Accounting

CIMA Cheat Sheet

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A free CIMA cheat sheet: the grid of three levels and three pillars, exam formats and pass marks, the case-study entry rule and membership requirements.

By The Exam Atlas Editorial Team · Verified 2026-08-05

A final-revision summary of the CGMA Professional Qualification structure. Study aid only.

The grid: levels x pillars

LevelEnterprise (E)Performance (P)Financial (F)Capstone
OperationalE1 Managing Finance in a Digital WorldP1 Management AccountingF1 Financial ReportingOperational Case Study
ManagementE2 Managing PerformanceP2 Advanced Management AccountingF2 Advanced Financial ReportingManagement Case Study
StrategicE3 Strategic ManagementP3 Risk ManagementF3 Financial StrategyStrategic Case Study

Entry route: Certificate in Business Accounting (BA1-BA4), four on-demand papers, no degree required.

Exam formats and pass marks

FormatObjective TestCase Study
Length90 minutes3 hours
BookingOn demand, year-roundFour windows: Feb, May, Aug, Nov
MarkingComputer-marked, result confirmed within ~48 hoursHuman-marked, results in ~6-8 weeks
Pass mark100 on the 0-150 scale80 on the 0-150 scale

Requirements to qualify

RequirementDetail
Exams9 Objective Tests + 3 Case Studies (fewer with exemptions; exemptions are free)
Case Study entryAll three of a level’s Objective Tests passed first, or the booking is cancelled
Experience (PER)3 years of verified relevant experience, logged before, during or after study
DesignationMembership after exams + PER: the letters are ACMA, CGMA

Level completion awards

Operational: CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting. Management: CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting. Strategic: qualification complete (membership follows PER).

Reminders

Read the pre-seen pack the day it is released, not the week of the exam. Reschedule or cancel Objective Tests at least 48 hours before. Keep the annual subscription current (due by 31 March). Study from materials matching the 2026-2027 blueprints. Lowest official pass rates: P2 and F2 - revise those hardest.

FAQ

Can I use notes in CIMA exams?
No. Objective Tests and Case Studies are proctored, at Pearson VUE centres or online. Use this sheet for final revision before exam day only.

Sources