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Introduction The future of finance Changes to the qualification

The world of work is transforming by the second. While on one hand, finance professionals are tackling today’s business challenges, on the other, they need to position themselves and the business for big leap into the digital age. The finance function needs someone to see it through the transformation – You.

We've updated the CIMA Professional Qualification based on extensive research conducted with over 5,000 finance professionals in over 2,000 businesses in 150 countries world-wide, to ensure what you're learning today will meet the challenges thrown at you tomorrow.

The updated qualification will equip you with the knowledge, knowhow and relevant digital skills to lead the transformation – you’ll gain an understanding of the power of blockchain, AI, data analytics and other technologies and discover how to guard the business from cybercrime. You'll also develop the core finance, technical, business, people and leadership skills that continue to set you apart from the competition.

A New Syllabus

No matter where you are in your studies, your knowledge and skills remain relevant and and will now be enhanced by a focus on new and emerging technologies reshaping the finance function and the business world.

Most notably, you will be able to:

Demonstrate your knowledge of the finance function in this new digital world.
Influence, drive and transform the business through a detailed understanding of digital costing, Blockchain, AI and robotics to meet internal and external customer needs.
Participate in the development of digital strategy and mitigate threats from cyber security.

Download the syllabus

Exam Blueprints

In an industry first, we will provide you with examination blueprints which will take the mystery out of the our examinations process and clearly articulate what will be assessed in your exams.

The blueprints will evolve allowing us to keep examinable content fresh and relevant. The blueprints don't make your exam questions any easier, but it will allow you to more clearly demonstrate knowledge and skills acquisition to your current and future employers.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you updating the CIMA Professional Qualification?

The CIMA Professional Qualification is still fit for purpose but changes are required to keep up to speed with our rapidly evolving profession. We keep our members and students at the forefront of business throughout their careers, and regularly update our qualifications and learning resources to deliver the competencies employers tell us they need in the modern business world.

Has the structure of the qualification changed?

No. The structure of the qualification remains the same - 3 pillars, 3 levels with 9 Objective Tests and 3 Case Study Exams.

Has the format of the exams changed?

No. 3 Objective Tests and 1 Case Study exam make up each level of the qualification.

When are the first exams under the updated syllabus?

The first Objective Test exams will be available to sit from 4 November 2019 (2015 OTs will cease on 3 November 2019)
The first Case Study exam window will be in February 2020

Will exams be easier or harder?

Our exams and assessment will continue to follow existing educational principles. They remain as rigorous as the current ones and we don’t foresee any significant impact on pass rates. 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.

If I am currently studying the qualification, what should I aim to do in 2019?

If you are currently studying the CIMA Professional Qualification, please check our transition planner for personalised advice.

Will credit be applied for exams already taken?

You will receive credits for any exams that you already passed.

What if I fail an exam under the current syllabus and need to re-take it under the updated syllabus?

For Objective Test exams, you will need to familiarise yourself with the changes in content prior to starting your preparations for the exam.
If you fail the Case Study exam in the November 2019 window you will have one final chance to sit the current exam under a special re-sit window in February 2020, using the same pre-seen material.

Plan your transition

We've built a planner to deliver personalised transition advice based on your current progress through the qualification, and to help you chart the best course as we get closer to the transition from 2015 to 2019 syllabus. Simply log in with your CIMA Contact ID and password to make a start.

Start planning