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CIMA Strategic Level
The Strategic level is the capstone of the CGMA Professional Qualification — where you move from managing performance to setting strategy. Three objective tests and one case study build the senior-finance skills of formulating strategy, evaluating and managing strategic and opera
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 Strategic Level
The Strategic level is the capstone of the CGMA Professional Qualification — where you move from managing performance to setting strategy. Three objective tests and one case study build the senior-finance skills of formulating strategy, evaluating and managing strategic and operational risk, and developing financial strategy for the long term.
Passing the Strategic level, combined with three years of relevant practical experience, earns you the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation and full CIMA membership (ACMA). This opens senior roles such as Financial Controller, Head of Finance, Finance Director, CFO, Internal Audit Director, and senior strategic roles across industry and consulting.
Subjects in the CIMA Strategic Level
Click each subject for the full syllabus, exam details, and Learnsignal study materials.
Strategic Management
Objective test
Strategic Management
Objective testRisk Management
Objective test
Risk Management
Objective testFinancial Strategy
Objective test
Financial Strategy
Objective testStrategic Case Study
Case Study
Strategic Case Study
Case StudySubscription includes
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How the CIMA Strategic 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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See CIMA pricing →CIMA Strategic Level — frequently asked questions
Common questions about this level — structure, pass marks, timelines, careers.
What is the CIMA Strategic Level?+
The CIMA Strategic 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 Strategic 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 Strategic 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 Strategic 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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