NEW CIMA 2019 Syllabus Changes – What, Why and When

By  •  Updated: 11/15/22 •  5 min read

CIMA Syllabus Change 2019 – New Syllabus Introduction

CIMA 2019 Syllabus KEY POINTS

Let me address a few questions that might be on your mind.

  • When: 2019 syllabus was enforced on 04.11.2019. That means that till November, 2015 syllabus is the one that is being examined. The CIMA syllabus for 2021 is the same new 2019 syllabus that was enforced.
  • 1st “new” case study was conducted in Feb 2020.
  • Only professional level exams (meaning e.g. E1, P2 or F3) are affected. 
  • BA papers will stay unchanged (they are from 2017 syllabus).
  • The structure (3 pillars, 3 OT exams + 1 case study per level) and the format of the exams(online based, Pearson Vue etc) is going to be the same.
  • The difficulty should remain the same.

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?

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.