CIMA

CIMA Syllabus 2024: Key Changes and What You Need to Know

The CIMA Syllabus 2024 keeps pace with the evolving finance landscape and the demands of modern businesses. As the role of finance professionals expands to encompass digital competencies and strategic decision-making, understanding the latest syllabus changes is crucial for aspiring CIMA candidates. In this guide, we’ll explore the key modifications, exam formats, and strategies to help you navigate your preparation effectively. Whether you’re a new student or transitioning from previous syllabi, this overview will equip you with the insights you need to succeed in your CIMA journey.

CIMA 2024 Syllabus

CIMA Syllabus: Key Points

Which syllabus for CIMA 2024 Exam: CIMA 2024 Exams follow the 2019 syllabus, which was enforced on 04.11.2019. The CIMA syllabus for 2024 is the same new 2019 syllabus that was enforced.
1st “new” case study was conducted in Feb 2020, which is followed in the 2024 Exam.
Only professional level exams (meaning e.g. E1, P2 or F3) are affected.
CIMA 2024 Syllabus for BA papers: BA papers follow the 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.

What changed in the new 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.
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

Operational Level Exam Blueprints

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

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.

Do I need to renew my license?

Marks and devious Semikoli but the Little Blind Text didn’t listen. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way.

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.

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About the Author

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Justyna is a seasoned professional with 8 years of dedicated experience in the computer-based accounting and finance certification coaching industry. She is committed to providing students with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed on their exams.

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CIMA Syllabus 2024: Key Changes and What You Need to Know

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Table of Contents

CIMA 2024 Syllabus

CIMA Syllabus: Key Points

What changed in the new syllabus?

Operational Level

E1: Managing Finance in a Digital World​

P1: Management Accounting

Financial Reporting

Management Level

E2: Managing Performance

P2: Advanced Management Accounting

F2: Advanced Financial Reporting

Strategic Level

CIMA Syllabus (P3) – download

F3: Financial Strategy​

FAQ’s

Why does the CIMA Professional Qualification get updated?

Will exams be easier or harder?

Is the structure of the CIMA qualification changing?

Do I need to renew my license?

Is there any support with the exams transition?

Will credit be applied for exams that I have already passed?

Has the format of the exam changed?

What will happen if I fail an exam under the 2015 syllabus and need to retake it under the 2019 syllabus?

When will the new syllabus be enforced?

Get the real feel of the CIMA Exam. Start Practicing Today!

Share this Post

About the Author

Justyna Wachulka-Chan

Justyna is a seasoned professional with 8 years of dedicated experience in the computer-based accounting and finance certification coaching industry. She is committed to providing students with the knowledge and tools necessary to succeed on their exams.

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