CIMA (CGMA) Exam Survival Guide

Window: Global | BA/MA/FA objective tests + Case Studies (Operational/Management/Strategic)

Must-do topics

• E (Enterprise): strategy, change, digital, project & relationship mgmt
• P (Performance): cost accounting, budgeting, variance, risk, performance mgmt
• F (Financial): financial reporting, capital investment, treasury, controls
• Case studies: pre-seen analysis, role play, recommendations with justification

Top traps (avoid)

• Case: writing theory without tying back to pre-seen data
• Variances: mixing price vs quantity; planning vs operational
• Investment appraisal: ignoring risk, real options, or working capital flows
• Weak governance & controls arguments; missing risk registers

Time split

• Objective tests: 90 min on-demand; quick pace, clear calculations
• Case studies: 3 hrs; plan structure; answer as the role you’re assigned

Last-48h checklist

• Pre-seen: stakeholders, risks, KPIs; likely issues & opportunities
• Variance analysis sheet; beyond budgeting ideas; balanced scorecard
• Capital budgeting methods; financing options pros/cons
• Ethics and CGMA code touchpoints for case responses

Quick facts / formulas

• RI/EVA logic (as in CMA); NPV is king for investment appraisal
• Balanced Scorecard: financial, customer, internal, learning & growth
• Risk = likelihood × impact; mitigation strategies & owners
• Working capital: cash conversion cycle levers (inventory/receivables/payables)

Speed tactics

• Structure case answers: Issue → Analysis → Option(s) → Recommendation → Risk/Next steps
• Use data from pre-seen to evidence your point; quantify when possible
• In OTQs, eliminate distractors via logic before computing

Day-of mini-plan

• 10-min pre-seen recap; list top 6 risks & 6 KPIs
• Keep role perspective (e.g., finance manager vs analyst)
• Final minutes: ensure each requirement is explicitly addressed