1. Structure
The syllabus cycle runs from 1 December 2024 - 30 November 2025 (Version 22)
The qualification is made up of two units: Unit 1 (Investment Environment) and Unit 2 (Investment Practice). You will need to have passed both units to be awarded the qualification.
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements needed to study IMC, but ideally candidates will have 5 GCSEs A* to C or Grade 4 and above. If it's been a while since you studied Maths, we recommend you take the one day Core Skills Online Course.
Syllabus
Unit 1 - Investment Environment
You’ll gain an understanding of the UK and international financial services industry and markets. You’ll be able to understand the UK regulatory environment, taxation in the UK, client advice, and the conduct of investment businesses.
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£348 - £678
(£290 - £565 excl.VAT)
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Unit 2 - Investment Practice
After completing this unit, you’ll be able to apply statistic and financial mathematical techniques, understand micro and macro economics, analyse the characteristics and risks of equities, and understand and analyse the principles of investment management. You’ll learn how to use investment tools, and how to construct and manage investment portfolios.
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£381.61 - £861.61
(£318.61 - £718.01 excl.VAT)
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Optional
Core Skills Online
If it has been some time since you last studied maths or used it in an exam, this introductory online course (including recordings plus questions) will help you with the core skills you need to pass your exam. Topics include an introduction to quantitative methods and basic derivatives.
2. Study methods
Do you prefer face-to-face classroom, live online or studying using distance learning at a pace and time that fits around your work and home commitments? Whichever study method you choose, you'll benefit from highly experienced tutors, practical learning methods and ongoing support, right up until your exam. And if you already have the CFA UK Official Training Manual, this can be discounted from your package price.
Study methods available for this qualification
To see which IMC study option is best for you, please see our infographic .
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| What |
Live Online |
Classroom |
Distance Learning and recorded classes |
Distance Learning |
| Official Training Manual |
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| Question Book |
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| MyKaplan Online Questions |
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| MyKaplan Recorded Classes |
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| Calculator (Unit 2 Package) |
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| Weekday Tuition |
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| Evening Tuition |
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| Tutor Support |
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local_library
Distance Learning
Study at your own pace from wherever you like. Our Distance Learning study option offers maximum flexibility for independent study and comes with MyKaplan access including online questions helping you to study on the go.
You’ll also receive hard copy materials.
Unit 1 & 2 from
£547.21
(£456.01 excl. VAT)
local_library
Distance Learning with recorded classes
Study at your own pace from wherever you like. Our Distance Learning study option offers maximum flexibility for independent study and comes with MyKaplan access including online questions helping you to study on the go.
You’ll also receive hard copy materials and access to all of the recorded classes delivered by an expert tutor.
Unit 1 & 2 from
£826.21
(£688.51 excl. VAT)
A scheduled programme with face-to-face tutor led classes.
- Classes with your peers at set times of the day
- Includes distance learning material plus recorded classes
- Weekdays available.
Unit 1 & 2 from
£1,385.65
(£1,154.71 excl. VAT)
A scheduled programme with live online tutor led classes
- Live online classes with your peers at set times of the day
- Includes distance learning material plus recorded classes
- Evenings available.
Unit 1 & 2 from
£1,385.65
(£1,154.71 excl. VAT)
Timetables - Classroom
Unit 1 takes place over 2 days from 9-5pm or 5 evenings from 6-8pm.
Unit 2 takes place over 3 days from 9-5pm or 8 evenings from 6-8pm.
date_rangeView 2025 timetable
location_on Classroom location
All classes take place at our London Bridge training centre:
London Bridge training centre: 179–191 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1HR
Inhouse training
We also offer inhouse training for your staff, allowing bespoke exam courses designed specifically for your staff. Please contact us on 020 7920 3060 or email us at citybookings@kaplan.co.uk or to find out more about how we can help train your team.
3. Exams, sittings and resits
Exams
All exams are delivered by computer based testing (CBT) on demand and can be sat across the UK, overseas and also remotely. You'll need to register with the CFA UK directly for CFAUK exam entry.
The IMC syllabus is updated every year on 1 December. This is to ensure that the content of the IMC remains relevant to the current financial services industry landscape.
Testing is via a mixture of standard multiple-choice questions, item set questions based around short scenarios, and gap-fill questions requiring a value to be typed in an answer field. Unit 1 has 85 questions and takes 1 hour 40 mins and Unit 2 has 105 questions and takes 2 hours 20 mins.
Provisional exam results are available online within three working days.
How long does it take to pass?
Students typically take 3 - 6 months to achieve the qualification, but this depends entirely on your preferred way of learning and study method.
We recommend 80 hours of study time for Unit 1 and 120 hours for Unit 2.
What IMC resits are available?
We do everything we can to help you pass your IMC exam first time. However, should you need a second chance, then don’t worry. With Pass Protection, we can support you as you prepare for your exam resit. For further information, please refer to our pass protection policy.
Are there any exemptions available?
You may be eligible for an exemption from one or more of the exams depending on your prior qualifications, check the CFA UK website.
4. Study materials and delivery costs
Study materials - Valid from 1st December 2024 - 30th November 2025 (Version 22)
Whichever study method you choose, you’ll receive the following materials:
Delivery costs
How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.
For detailed information on delivery prices please refer to our delivery page.
5. MyKaplan: Online Learning Portal
MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.
Online features
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Online Study Portal
Get everything you need at your fingertips. You’ll have access to the course home page which gives you a recommended learning pathway.
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Online Questions
Practice makes perfect with hundreds of online practice questions. Our questions are designed to assess your understanding of the chapters and include mock exams to reinforce your learning of the syllabus.
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Tutor recordings
Exam focused tutor recordings and slide packs that bring the syllabus material to life. You can watch and replay classes whenever you like to help your understanding and retention of key facts and concepts.
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Help and support
Our tutors are here for you every step of the way. You can get clarifications, support and advice as you progress with your studies.
Access duration
You can access your online content for 12 months from your enrolment date.
computer Minimum system requirements for MyKaplan
6. Tutor support
We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your IMC learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need, with a response time of under 48 working hours.
In addition, classroom tutors will provide you with their contact details.
7. Course pricing and funding options
Pricing structure
Prices below are based on purchasing unit 1 & 2 and include a discount for purchasing both units together. If you only need one unit, then you can purchase them separately.
| Unit 1 & 2 Package |
Price (excl. VAT) |
Price (incl. VAT) |
| Weekday Classroom |
£1,154.71 |
£1,385.65 |
| Evening Live Online |
£1,154.71 |
£1,385.65 |
| Distance Learning |
£456.01 |
£547.21 |
| Distance Learning with recorded classes |
£688.51 |
£826.21 |
All prices include study material for Version 22 of the syllabus (valid from 1st December 2024 - 30th November 2025)
Funding options
Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you’re already working in a related field and want to develop your learning. You’ll need to speak to them to see if you’re eligible and confirm that they’re happy to pay for your studies.
The IMC qualification is covered with our interest-free payment plan, providing the total cost is £500 minimum (including VAT). The plan lets you spread the cost of your studies over a period of time, with no extra costs.
You may eligible for an Apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. Speak to your employer to find out more.
How to enrol
Enrol online, call us on 020 7920 3060 or enrol with a form which you can email to citybookings@kaplan.co.uk.
picture_as_pdf Download enrolment form