How to Book a CIMA Exam.

Once you're ready to sit a CIMA exam, you need to know how to book it — and the process differs depending on whether it's an Objective Test or a Case Study Exam. This guide explains how to book a CIMA exam, the difference between the two exam types, and some practical tips — in clear, plain language. (Always check the current booking process and policies on the CIMA website, as these can change.) It's part of our support for CIMA students.

The two types of CIMA exam

CIMA has two kinds of exam, and they're booked differently:

• Objective Tests (OTs) — computer-based exams of objective questions, taken at the Certificate level and within each of the three professional levels (Operational, Management and Strategic). These are on-demand, so you can book them more or less whenever you're ready.
• Case Study Exams — longer exams that integrate the knowledge from each level, sat at the end of the Operational, Management and Strategic levels. These run in fixed exam windows (several times a year), so they must be booked in advance for a scheduled sitting.

Knowing which type you're booking is the first step, as it determines your scheduling options.

What you need before booking

Before you book, make sure a few things are in place. You need to be a registered CIMA student with an active account and your subscription up to date. You need to be eligible for the exam — for most exams that means having passed the prerequisite ones (for example, the Objective Tests for a level before its Case Study Exam). You'll need a means of payment for the exam fee. And it helps to have decided where and how you want to sit it (a test centre near you, or online proctored if eligible) before you start, so the booking goes smoothly. Checking these in advance avoids hitting a barrier partway through the process.

How to book an Objective Test

Objective Tests are the more flexible of the two. The typical process is:

• Make sure you're registered as a CIMA student and are eligible to sit the exam (you generally need to have completed any prerequisite exams).
• Log in to your CIMA account (MyCIMA) and go to the exam-booking area, which connects to Pearson VUE (CIMA's exam delivery partner).
• Choose your exam, then your method — a Pearson VUE test centre or online proctored (taken remotely under supervision, where available).
• Select a date, time and location from those available, and pay the exam fee.
• Receive your confirmation with the details you'll need on the day.

Because OTs are on-demand, you have a lot of flexibility — but popular slots and centres can still fill up, so booking ahead is wise.

How to book a Case Study Exam

Case Study Exams are tied to fixed windows across the year, so booking works a little differently. You still book through your CIMA account and Pearson VUE, but you're selecting a sitting within the relevant exam window rather than any date you like. Because places and preferred times can be limited, it's especially important to book early for Case Study Exams. Make sure you're eligible (you generally need to have completed the Objective Tests for that level first) before booking.

Practical tips for booking

A few things make booking smoother. Check your eligibility first — you usually need to have passed the prerequisite exams. Book early for the best choice of date, time and location, particularly for Case Study Exams and at busy periods. Decide between a test centre and online proctoring — online is convenient but has technical and environment requirements you'll need to meet. Check the ID and on-the-day requirements in advance, so there are no surprises. And note the date in your study plan and work back from it, so your preparation peaks at the right time. A little planning around booking avoids a lot of stress later.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a CIMA exam?

Through your CIMA account (MyCIMA), which connects to Pearson VUE. You choose the exam, a test centre or online-proctored option, a date and location, and pay the fee. Objective Tests are on-demand; Case Study Exams run in fixed windows.

What's the difference between Objective Tests and Case Study Exams?

Objective Tests are on-demand computer-based exams of objective questions; Case Study Exams are longer, integrative exams sat in fixed windows at the end of each level.

Can I sit CIMA exams online?

Online proctored exams are available for many CIMA exams, taken remotely under supervision — subject to technical and environment requirements. A Pearson VUE test centre is the alternative.

When should I book?

As early as you reasonably can — especially for Case Study Exams and at busy periods — to get your preferred date, time and location. Check your eligibility before booking.

Pass your CIMA exams with Learnsignal

Learnsignal's tutor-led CIMA courses help you prepare for both Objective Tests and Case Study Exams — with clear teaching, question practice and expert guidance, in flexible online study that fits around work.