CIMA Syllabus Change 2019 – New Syllabus Introduction
CIMA 2019 Syllabus KEY POINTS
Let me address a few questions that might be on your mind.
As the role of the finance team is changing, we are embracing more and more the digital aspect, the CIMA Framework is adjusting as well.
I would say that the competency framework is not really changing, it is just adapting to the current work environment by including the digital aspect. Check the comparison of the “old” and “new” framework:
What will change in 2019 syllabus?
- Shortly speaking titles and content of the papers. E.g. current E1 Organisational Management paper will be called E1 Managing Finance in the Digital World.
- As you can imagine, the focus is on the digital aspect of finance.
- I see that as an improved 2015 syllabus – with some topics thrown away, some topics added and some shifted to other papers.
- Using CIMA exact words: “The newly introduced exam blueprints bring more transparency and clarity on what’s examinable to help you better prepare for exams and be more confident when entering the exam room.” Well, you’ll judge that.
Operational Level
Operational level skill level required: remembering and understanding
Below please find the comparison of all the 2015 and 2019 Operational Level papers and their respective syllabus.
I’ve attached the syllabus blueprint there as well:
E1: Managing Finance in a Digital World
CIMA syllabus (E1) – download
P1: Management Accounting
CIMA syllabus (P1) – download
F1: Financial Reporting
CIMA syllabus (F1) – download
Management Level
Management level skill level required: remembering and understanding, application and analysis.
Below please find the comparison of all the 2015 and 2019 Management Level papers and their respective syllabus.
I’ve attached the syllabus blueprints there as well:
E2: Managing Performance
CIMA syllabus (E2) – download
P2: Advanced Management Accounting
CIMA syllabus (P2) – download
F2: Advanced Financial Reporting
CIMA syllabus (F2) – download
Strategic Level
Strategic level skill level required: remembering and understanding, application, analysis and evaluation (but mostly on analysis and evaluation)
Below please find the comparison of all the 2015 and 2019 Strategic Level papers and their respective syllabus.
I’ve attached the syllabus blueprints there as well:
E3: Strategic Management
CIMA Syllabus (E3) – download
P3: Risk Management
CIMA Syllabus (P3) – download
F3: Financial Strategy
CIMA Syllabus (F3) – download
FAQ’s
Why does the CIMA Professional Qualification get updated?
The CIMA Professional Qualification is changing in order to adjust to the rapidly changing profession. CIMA has made a research and found out what are the professional competencies that the employers are looking for nowadays.
Will exams be easier or harder?
The exams will remain as rigorous as they currently are. CIMA also does not foresee any significant impact on the pass rates.
CIMA has introduced exam blueprints and they bring more transparency and clarity on what’s examinable so that you can be better prepared for your exams.
Is the structure of the CIMA qualification changing?
No. The structure of the ICMA qualification stays the same. There are 3 pillars: E – enterprise, P – performance and F – finance.
There are 9 Objective Tests (OT) and 3 Case Study Exams in the professional level.
Is there any support with the exams transition?
CIMA has prepared a transition planner for personalised advice.
Will credit be applied for exams that I have already passed?
Yes, you will receive credits for all the exams that you have already passed.
Has the format of the exam changed?
No. There are still OT (Objective Papers) and Case Studies for every level of the professional qualification.
What will happen if I fail an exam under the 2015 syllabus and need to retake it under the 2019 syllabus?
For OT exams, you can familiarise yourself with the changed in the content prior to starting your preparation. We have pointed them out in the above part of this article. If you fail the November 2019 Case Study, you will have your last chance of re-sitting the exam in February 2020 still under 2015 syllabus, using the same pre-seen material.
When will the new syllabus be enforced?
OT exams will be enforced as of 4th of November 2019 (the last date of the 2015 syllabus is going to be 3rd of November 2019). The first Case Study will be examinable in February 2020.