CIMA Exams Dates (Updated 2025)

If you're planning to take your CIMA exams in 2025, you're likely wondering when you can sit them—and how best to organise your study schedule. This guide sets out the full list of CIMA exam dates for 2025, alongside a breakdown of the CIMA exam structure. Whether you're just starting out or preparing for a case study, we've got everything you need to stay on track.

How many CIMA exams are there?

There are 16 exams in total across the full CIMA qualification, including both objective tests and case study exams. These exams are split across several levels, with each designed to build your knowledge and professional skills as you progress.

CIMA modules

The CIMA syllabus is structured into four main stages:

Certificate in Business Accounting
Operational level
Management level
Strategic level

Each level contains three objective tests. At the end of the Operational, Management and Strategic levels, you’ll sit a case study exam that assesses your ability to apply your learning in a real-world scenario.

CIMA exam list

Here’s a breakdown of what’s included at each stage of the CIMA journey:

Certificate in business accounting exams

These foundation-level exams are:

BA1 – Fundamentals of Business Economics
BA2 – Fundamentals of Management Accounting
BA3 – Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
BA4 – Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law

Professional qualification exams

The professional levels are split into three areas: enterprise, performance, and financial pillars.

Operational level:

E1 – Managing Finance in a Digital World
P1 – Management Accounting
F1 – Financial Reporting
Operational Case Study

Management level:

E2 – Managing Performance
P2 – Advanced Management Accounting
F2 – Advanced Financial Reporting
Management Case Study

Strategic level:

E3 – Strategic Management
P3 – Risk Management
F3 – Financial Strategy
Strategic Case Study

CIMA case study

The case study exams are a key part of the CIMA journey. They test your ability to apply what you’ve learned to a practical business scenario.

CIMA management case study

Taken after completing the Management level objective tests. Focuses on translating strategy into action.

CIMA operational case study

Assesses your understanding of operations and short-term decision-making. Taken after Operational-level tests.

CIMA strategic case study

Your final exam before becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Tests strategic decision-making at the highest level.

CIMA exam dates 2025

August 2025 CIMA exam dates

Operational Case Study: 13–15 August
Management Case Study: 20–22 August
Strategic Case Study: 27–29 August

November 2025 CIMA exam dates

Operational Case Study: 12–14 November
Management Case Study: 19–21 November
Strategic Case Study: 26–28 November

Note: All dates are subject to change. Visit CIMA’s website for the latest updates.

How to book CIMA exams?

All CIMA exams are booked via your MyCIMA account. You'll choose your exam centre or online proctored option and schedule your tests. Case study bookings open several months before the exam window, so plan ahead to secure your preferred slot.

Final thoughts

Knowing the key CIMA exam dates in advance helps you build a realistic study plan and avoid unnecessary stress. Whether you're just starting out with the Certificate in Business Accounting or approaching your Strategic Case Study, staying organised is the best way to stay on track.

For a full breakdown of what CIMA exams cost, see our CIMA exam fees guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There’s no limit to how many objective tests you can take in a year. Case studies, however, are only available four times a year.