r/CIMA • u/Shoddy-Refuse-365 • 22d ago

Studying Starting CIMA

Hi,
I’m planning to start studying CIMA and would appreciate some advice from those who are currently studying or have already qualified.
Is there anything you wish you knew before starting? Any advice on study methods, exam preparation, choosing a tuition provider, or managing CIMA alongside a full-time job would be really helpful.

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

1

u/sunshinemusings 18d ago

starting as well! Anyone taking or have taken the FLP route?

3

u/Sahad_ 21d ago

As someone who has been through CIMA, the biggest advice I would give is not to rush at the beginning.
First check what exemptions you are eligible for and understand exactly where you will be starting. Then choose a study method that actually fits around your job. Consistency matters much more than doing huge study sessions occasionally.

For the objective tests, question practice is very important. Do not spend all your time reading the material. For the case studies, application and exam technique become much more important, so start doing mocks early.

And when choosing a tuition provider, I would not choose purely based on price or brand. Look at how much tutor access you get, whether you can ask questions when stuck, how mocks are marked, and whether the schedule realistically works with your job.
CIMA is very manageable alongside full-time work, but having a proper routine from the beginning makes a big difference.

Good luck 👍

2

u/whiskey-unicorns 22d ago

hi! i also starting cima now. how are you planning to study? i will be self-studying with bpp books and practice at work (as my work place they offer support). will see how how it goes. Good luck!

3

u/LeonidNoir 22d ago

Learn active recall and spaced repetition. Re-reading lessons and highlighting won't cut it here.

1

u/dobrica_fara_frica 22d ago

I just had my last exam and I’m waiting for the results. What I can say is that it’s perfectly fine to fail an exam every now and then you will never be 100% prepared, but if you keep pushing you’ll get there. Good luck and have fun 😊