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CIMA exam guidance

Congratulations on taking the next step toward your CIMA qualification. Booking your exam is a major milestone, and we want you to feel confident and prepared.

Next steps

Whether you would like to double-check your requirements or find out how to reschedule, here’s everything you need to know to focus on what matters most: passing your exam.

  • Look out for your Pearson Vue email

    Once your exam has been scheduled by Kaplan, you will receive an email from Pearson Vue, who host the exam software.

    Please note: You must NOT rearrange your exam with Pearson directly or via your MyCIMA account. You should only make changes through Kaplan, adhering to our terms and conditions; otherwise, your exam will be cancelled.

  • Check exam details early

    Ensure all details, such as your date of birth, CIMA institute number and name, are correct. You can check this on your email confirmation, or by viewing your exam booking in MyKaplan. Please check the date, time, and location of your exam well in advance. If your details are incorrect, contact us as soon as possible, as you won't be able to sit your exam otherwise.

  • Understand the assessment format

    It's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the format of the CIMA computer-based assessments. You can find further information on CIMA's website.

  • Attempt mock exams

    If you’ve studied with Kaplan, make sure you've had a go at the mock exam.

On the day

To help everything run smoothly, we’ve put together this essential guide, including everything you need to consider on the day of your exam. Due to very limited storage availability, arrive only with the items needed for the exam, as outlined below.

Instructions to follow

  • Arrive slightly ahead of time

    Make sure to arrive at least 40 minutes before your exam start time to allow for the necessary ID checks to be completed. If you arrive before this, we will try our best to provide a quiet area/room for you. If you arrive late for your exam, we may not be able to accommodate this, and you will be charged for the exam.

  • Follow official instructions

    Listen carefully to the exam instructions given to you on arrival and during your time at the exam centre.

  • Leave behind any notes taken during the exam

    We will provide laminate sheets for you to make notes during your exam, instead of paper, as per CIMA's exam regulations, which you must leave behind at the end.

  • No food or drinks permitted

    Other than water in a clear bottle with no label, no food or drinks are permitted in the exam room, as stipulated by CIMA.

What to bring

  • Bring approved identification

    You must bring two original forms of ID on the day of the exam for the invigilator to provide admission to the exam room. Both forms of ID must have your signature on and one must be photographic in the form of:

    • Full UK or country of origin passport
    • Full or provisional UK/EU photo card driving licence
    • Government-issued UK identification card

    We do not accept photocopies or E-Visas.

  • Calculator

    You are allowed to bring into the exam a CIMA-approved calculator that cannot display or store text, as listed on their website.

  • Water

    We recommend bringing a clear, unlabelled water bottle to stay hydrated during the exam.

What's provided

  • On-screen calculator

    There will be an onscreen calculator available should you prefer or need to use it if you bring an unauthorised model, which is not permitted within the exam room.

  • On-screen formula sheets

    For relevant assessments, on-screen formula sheets will be provided.

Extra support

We understand that some students need extra support. If this applies to you, and you haven’t done so already, please contact us and supply us with the following information as soon as possible:

  • Confirmation of CIMA-authorised extra time for your exams
  • Details of any additional exam support you require, such as disability access at the exam centre.

Changing your exam

Rearranging your exam

You must NOT rearrange your exam with Pearson directly or via your MyCIMA account. You should only make changes through Kaplan, adhering to our terms and conditions; otherwise, your exam will be cancelled.

Contact us if you need to rearrange your exam. We need a minimum of 5 working days' notice to make any changes. This doesn't include the day of the exam or the day you request the change.

For CIMA Case Study Exams, a minimum of 5 clear working days' notice will only be available while the exam registration window for your case study exam is open. Therefore, you will not be permitted to rearrange or cancel your Case Study exams once the official scheduling window has closed. For further details on the closing dates, please see the booking window dates.

Cancelling your exam

Cancelled exams are non-refundable. Please refer to our terms and conditions and contact us should you have any queries.

Help and support

Speak to our expert Student Services team, who are on hand to help you seven days a week.

Contact us