Set up and check your CIMA account
Before you can book an exam, you need to ensure your CIMA account is set up correctly. When you register with CIMA, you will receive a contact ID and password. These are essential for logging in to your MyCIMA account, where all exam bookings take place.
If you have any issues accessing your account, visit the CIMA website where you will find contact details for support.
Ensure your details are up to date
Make sure your personal details and payment information are accurate. You will not be able to book an exam if there are any outstanding fees on your account.
How to book a CIMA exam
All exam bookings start via your MyCIMA account. You may be redirected to the Pearson VUE website to complete your booking, this is completely normal.
When booking, you will:
- Choose the exam you want to sit.
- Select an exam centre or opt for an online proctored exam.
- Pick a date and time that works for you.
- Confirm your booking and make payment.
Keep in mind that even if the exam booking window is still open, CBE (Computer-Based Exams) and Case Study test centre spaces can fill up quickly, especially in certain locations.
After booking, you will be automatically redirected back to your MyCIMA account. Pearson VUE will also send a confirmation email with your exam date, time, and location (if attending a test centre). Keep this email safe as it is your official confirmation.
Need to reschedule?
You can reschedule your exam, but there are strict deadlines:
- Certificate in Business Accounting exams: up to 48 hours before the exam.
- Objective test exams: up to 48 hours before, provided the Case Study booking window remains open.
Changes cannot be made outside these windows, so always act early if your plans change.
Understanding the CIMA exam timetable
To plan effectively, you need to understand how CIMA exams are scheduled.
Certificate in Business Accounting
- Available on demand.
- Book at a time that suits you, perfect for flexible study alongside work.
Professional Qualification
This is split into Objective tests and Case Study exams:
- Objective tests: These are available on demand, meaning you can book and sit them at any time (subject to test centre availability) either at a local Pearson VUE test centre or online via remote proctoring
- Case Study exams: Held four times a year in February, May, August, and November. Each exam window runs Wednesday to Friday, with pre-seen material released 3-4 weeks beforehand.
To progress through the Operational, Management, and Strategic levels, you must pass all three Objective tests at a level before attempting the Case Study. If you have any exemptions, CIMA will confirm which exams you need to take when you register.
Online or test centre: which is best for you?
You now have the option to sit many CIMA exams from home thanks to Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system. While convenient, it is not right for everyone.
Choose online if:
- You have a reliable, high-speed internet connection.
- Your equipment passes the Pearson VUE system test.
- You have a quiet, private space with no distractions.
- Your computer is free from firewall or VPN restrictions.
Choose a test centre if:
- Your equipment fails the system test or your internet is unstable.
- You have previously struggled with online exams.
- You need a distraction-free environment guaranteed.
- You require special accommodations.
- You prefer using a physical whiteboard, which is provided at test centres.
Key eligibility reminders
Your exam booking will only be confirmed if you meet the eligibility requirements for that specific exam. For Case Study exams, this means that all prerequisite Objective Tests must be completed and passed in advance.
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For students on the traditional exam-based route, you need to ensure that all three Objective Tests at your level are passed at least two weeks before your Case Study exam. If this requirement isn’t met, CIMA will automatically cancel your booking.
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For those on the FLP (Finance Leadership Programme) pathway, all required competencies must be completed at least five weeks before your Case Study exam. If these conditions aren’t met, your Case Study booking will be cancelled automatically.
Next steps
Knowing your CIMA exam dates in advance helps you build a realistic study plan and avoid last-minute stress. Use our Dates and Deadlines blog as a helpful guide.
When you are ready to book:
- Log in to your MyCIMA account.
- Select your exam type and preferred location (online or test centre).
- Confirm your booking and check your confirmation email.
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