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CIMA Management Level

The Management level is where CIMA students step from transactional accounting into medium-term decision-making. Three objective tests and one case study build the skills to manage performance across teams and projects, apply advanced costing and decision-making techniques, and i

Objective tests: 100/150 (~67%). Case study: 80/150 (~53%)

Pass mark

3 objective tests (90 min each) + 1 Case Study (3 hours)

Format

Objective tests on demand; case study in Feb, May, Aug, Nov windows

Sittings

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About the CIMA Management Level

The Management level is where CIMA students step from transactional accounting into medium-term decision-making. Three objective tests and one case study build the skills to manage performance across teams and projects, apply advanced costing and decision-making techniques, and interpret complex financial statements for single entities and groups — including consolidated accounts under IFRS.

Completing the Management level earns the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA) and qualifies you for roles such as Senior Management Accountant, Finance Manager, Business Partner, Financial Controller (assistant), Commercial Finance Analyst, and Group Reporting Accountant. It's also the gateway to the Strategic level and full CGMA status.

Subjects in the CIMA Management Level

Click each subject for the full syllabus, exam details, and Learnsignal study materials.

Managing Performance

Objective test

Advanced Management Accounting

Objective test

Advanced Financial Reporting

Objective test

Management Case Study

Case Study

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Everything you get when you subscribe — across every CIMA paper, not just CIMA Management Level.

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How the CIMA Management Level is assessed

Structure of the objective tests and case study for this level.

Format

3 objective tests (90 min each) + 1 Case Study (3 hours)

Structure

Three 90-minute objective tests (one per pillar — E, P, F) assessed independently on demand, plus one 3-hour Case Study (synoptic assessment) sat in one of four windows per year. Candidates must pass all three objective tests before sitting the case study.

Sittings

Objective tests on demand; case study in Feb, May, Aug, Nov windows

Pass mark

Objective tests: 100/150 (~67%). Case study: 80/150 (~53%)

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CIMA Management Level — frequently asked questions

Common questions about this level — structure, pass marks, timelines, careers.

What is the CIMA Management Level?+

The CIMA Management Level is one of three levels within the CGMA Professional Qualification. It consists of 3 objective tests (one from each of the Enterprise, Performance, and Financial pillars) plus one case study that brings the three objective tests together synoptically.

How is the Management Level assessed?+

Each objective test is a 90-minute computer-based exam with 60 equally-weighted questions — available on demand at Pearson VUE centres or online. The case study is a 3-hour written exam sat in one of four windows per year (Feb, May, Aug, Nov) and is human-marked.

What are the pass marks?+

Objective tests require a scaled score of 100/150 (roughly 67%); the case study requires a scaled score of 80/150 (roughly 53%). Both use CIMA's scaled scoring system, which accounts for differences in difficulty between exam variants.

Do I have to sit the objective tests before the case study?+

Yes. You must pass all three objective tests at this level before you can sit the case study. This is CIMA's subject-gating rule — it ensures the case study, which is synoptic, builds on the foundations the objective tests have established.

How long does the Management Level take to complete?+

CIMA's indicative study time is around 150 hours per objective test and 200–300 hours for the case study — so roughly 650–750 hours total per level. Most part-time students complete one level in 12–18 months.

What qualification do I get after passing this level?+

Passing the Operational level awards the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Dip MA). Passing the Management level awards the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (CIMA Adv Dip MA). Passing all three levels and meeting the experience requirement awards the CGMA and full ACMA membership.

How does Learnsignal support CIMA students?+

Your Learnsignal subscription gives you on-demand access to recorded lectures from CIMA tutors, interactive quizzes, structured notes, past-style question banks, and full mock exams for every objective test and case study. You can study at your own pace, pause and resume anytime, and access all content from any device.

Can I study Management alongside full-time work?+

Yes — the majority of CIMA students study part-time alongside full-time finance roles. Learnsignal is built for this: no scheduled classes, unlimited revisits, and mock exams you can run on demand. Most students find 8–12 hours per week is sufficient for steady progress.

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