The CIMA Fast-Track is an executive program designed specifically for senior professionals, focusing on advanced financial and business leadership skills, strategic decision-making, and financial planning. It aims to equip leaders with expertise in managing complex financial challenges at the executive level.

This program is aimed at senior executives, C-level professionals, and senior managers in finance, business, and related fields who want to enhance their strategic skills and gain CIMA’s recognition in leadership.

• Gain in-depth knowledge of strategic financial management and leadership.
• Obtain the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation.
• Enhance strategic and financial decision-making skills.
• Build valuable networks with fellow senior professionals.

Typically, the program requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with at least five years in a senior management or executive role. Applicants are expected to demonstrate substantial knowledge in finance, management, or business strategy.

You need to send the following documents to training@berkeleyme.com to assess and guide you on the application process.

• Detailed work experience CV/Profile
• Educational Certificate and Transcripts
• Passport page

You will have to attempt the Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam only. 

The program is typically offered through live online interactive classes for 6-8 weeks including lectures, case study analysis, practice, and mock sessions that allow participants to manage your studies alongside their work commitments.

Yes, experienced senior professionals may qualify for exemptions from 15 exams (out of 16 exams) of the curriculum based on your prior knowledge and experience, which can shorten the completion time.

The CGMA designation, a globally recognized credential that signifies excellence in management accounting and finance.

Candidates will become CIMA Qualified and earn the titles:
‣ Associate/ Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA/FCMA)
‣ Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) the professional global designation common between the CIMA UK and the CPA USA Members.

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is a globally recognised distinction of accounting and finance professionals who guide strategic decision-making and drive business performance in organisations around the world. CGMA is the professional global designation common between the CIMA UK and the CPA USA Members.

Management accountants with the CGMA designation are strategic counsellors for businesses. CGMA designation holders are able to bridge the gap between business, strategy and finance to make informed, insightful decisions. The CGMA designation identifies finance professionals with analytical skills and the strategic vision to meet short-term challenges and create long-term sustainability for organisations. Anyone who wants to cultivate their commercial skills, strategic ability and transformational mindset can work towards the CGMA designation.

The practical experience requirements (PER) are an essential part of CIMA’s CGMA® Professional Qualification. Once you have completed both the CGMA exams and your PER application you will be awarded CIMA® membership and the CGMA designation.

The PER requirements complement your exams and measure whether you have gained enough experience in management accounting. You will need a minimum of 3 years of verified practical experience in a relevant role, some or all of which you may have gained before registering as a candidate.

Your PER submission will be assessed to determine whether you have:

• accrued enough experience in a finance role,
• achieved core work activities, and
• developed critical professional skills and behaviours.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and its predecessors have served the public interest for 137 years. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) was founded in 1919 and has helped shaped the profession for over a century. In 2017 both professional bodies came together as AICPA & CIMA to forge a powerful international alliance that promotes accounting and finance in every corner of the world.

Yes, the CIMA Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam is 100% computer-based. Candidates complete the exam at designated Pearson VUE test centers or via remote online proctoring, where they use a computer to respond to tasks and scenarios based on a fictional business case.

In the CIMA Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam, minor spelling and grammatical errors are generally acceptable as long as they do not interfere with the clarity or understanding of your response. Examiners focus primarily on assessing your analysis, decision-making, and application of strategic knowledge rather than perfect language accuracy. However, frequent or major errors could potentially distract from the professionalism of your response and impact the impression it creates.

Using clear, concise language and proofreading quickly for obvious errors can help maintain the clarity of your answers.

In the CIMA Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam, an on-screen calculator is provided within the exam software. This calculator can be accessed directly on the computer screen and includes basic functions suitable for any calculations you may need to perform during the exam. If you’re taking the exam at a Pearson VUE test center, physical calculators are not permitted, but you’ll still have access to the digital version.

In the CIMA Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam, marks are awarded based on how well you address the specific requirements of each task in relation to four key competencies: Technical, Business, People, and Leadership skills.

Here’s how marks are allocated:

Competency Weighting: Each of the four competencies has a specific weight, and marks are awarded based on your ability to demonstrate skills relevant to each area.

Technical Skills – 25%

Business Skills – 25%

People Skills – 25%

Leadership Skills – 25%

Depth and Relevance of Points: Marks are not given simply by listing points but are based on the quality, depth, and relevance of your responses. Examiners look for clear, well-justified answers rather than a tally of individual points.

Demonstration of Professionalism and Judgment: Marks are awarded for showing an understanding of the scenario, applying strategic insight, and making decisions as you would in a real-world management setting.

In essence, the focus is on your ability to apply knowledge practically and strategically, not merely listing points or making calculations. To score well, aim to structure answers that directly address the requirements, showcase your analytical thinking, and align with the competency framework.

In the CIMA Strategic Case Study (SCS) exam, the passing criteria is based on an overall score rather than passing each competency section individually. This means that you do not need to achieve a passing score in each of the four competencies (Technical, Business, People, and Leadership) separately. Instead, your total score across all sections is what determines whether you pass.

Here’s how it works:

• Total Marks Required: The exam is scored out of 150, and you need an overall score of 80 or above to pass.
• Competency Weighting: Each competency contributes 25% of the total marks, but it is possible to compensate for a lower score in one area by performing strongly in others.

This approach allows some flexibility, so if you perform exceptionally well in one or more competencies, it can balance out slightly lower performance in others.

Yes, you can still pass the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam even if your typing speed is not particularly fast. While typing speed can impact how much detail you can include, the exam focuses on quality of response over quantity. Here are a few strategies to help:

Concise Answers: Focus on clear, concise points that directly address the exam requirements. Examiners prioritize relevance and strategic thinking over lengthy answers.

Practice: If possible, practice typing responses to case study questions to build both familiarity and efficiency with structuring answers.

Use Bullet Points: Where appropriate, bullet points or short paragraphs can convey key points clearly without requiring extensive typing.

By focusing on well-thought-out responses and strategic insights, you can succeed in the exam even with moderate typing speed.

Yes, you can absolutely study for and pass the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam, even if it's been years since you last studied. Here are some effective strategies to help you prepare:

Start with a Refresher: Begin with a review of foundational topics in finance, management, and strategy, especially areas covered in the pre-seen materials and key competencies (Technical, Business, People, Leadership).

Set Up a Study Schedule: A structured plan with manageable daily or weekly goals can help ease you back into studying. Short, consistent sessions can build momentum without overwhelming you.

Use Practice Papers: Practicing with past exam papers and timed mock exams is essential for building familiarity with the exam format, improving time management, and regaining confidence in applying knowledge under exam conditions.

Focus on Strategic Application: The case study is about applying knowledge to realistic scenarios rather than memorizing theory, so try to approach study sessions by thinking about how you’d solve practical, real-world business problems.

Getting back into study mode may take time, but with consistency and targeted practice, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed.

In the CIMA Strategic Case Study exam, memorization is not the primary focus for passing. Here are some key points to consider:

Understanding Over Memorization: The exam tests your ability to apply knowledge and demonstrate understanding of strategic concepts in a practical context, rather than rote memorization of facts.

Familiarity with Concepts: You should be familiar with key frameworks, theories, and financial concepts relevant to the exam. However, you don’t need to memorize every detail—understanding how to apply them is more important.

Use of Materials: You will have access to the pre-seen materials, which provide crucial context for the case study. Familiarizing yourself with this material is more valuable than memorizing content from textbooks.

Practice Application: Focus on practicing case study questions and applying concepts to various scenarios. This helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are vital for success.

Exam Technique: Understanding the exam structure and developing effective writing techniques for structuring your answers can be more beneficial than memorizing content.

In summary, aim for a solid grasp of key concepts and how to apply them, rather than focusing solely on memorization. This approach will better equip you to tackle the exam effectively.