CIMA Operational Level
Overview
At the end of this level, you will undertake a Case Study Exam, which assesses your comprehensive understanding of the Operational Level.
Average duration
12 months
Assessments
4 Exams
Award
CIMA Fees
Who It’s For
Entry Requirements
The first level of CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification. You’ll need to have completed Certificate in Business Accounting, AAT Level 4 Diploma, or have a relevant degree before beginning this level. Certain degrees may also grant exemptions from this level, you can check your recommended entry point with CIMA’s exemptions calculator.
Learning Outcomes
The Operational Level focuses on short-term decision-making. You’ll be able to work with others in your organisation and use appropriate data and technology to translate medium-term decisions into short-term actionable plans.
Course content
Managing Finance in a Digital World (E1)
You’ll learn about the role of finance in organisations, the structure and shape of the finance function, how the finance function interacts with the organisation to create and preserve value, data usage by the finance function and the technology landscape and its impact on organisations and the finance function.
Topics covered:
- Role of the finance function
- Technology in a digital world
- Data and information in a digital world
- Shape and structure of the finance function
- Finance interacting with the organisation
From R790 pm
inc.VAT
Management Accounting (P1)
You’ll learn the importance of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision-making in companies. P1 covers short-term budgeting, and making short-term decisions on products and services, as well as digital issues in costing.
Topics covered:
- Cost accounting systems
- Budget and budgetary control
- Short term decision making
- Dealing with uncertainty in the short term
From R790 pm
inc.VAT
Financial Reporting (F1)
You’ll learn about the regulation and preparation of financial statements, giving you the skills to produce basic financial statements for individuals. You’ll also learn about working capital and business tax.
Topics covered:
- Regulatory Environment
- Financial Statements
- Principles of taxation
- Managing Working Capital
From R790 pm
inc.VAT
Integrated Case Study
You will be assessed on your comprehensive understanding of E1, P1, and F1, applying the skills acquired during the Operational Level to address real-world challenges faced by management accountants.
The course provides tailored resources to help you prepare for the pre-seen material, which forms the foundation of the exam. These resources are designed to enhance your ability to analyze and resolve practical business issues effectively.
From R790 pm
inc.VAT
Examinations
Computer-Based Exams
At this stage, you will undertake four Objective Tests, which can be attempted in any sequence and at your convenience. The on-demand format offers flexibility, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits you.
More info:
Case Study Exam Schedule and Key Details
Case Study exams are conducted four times a year – in February, May, August, and November – over a three-day exam period. For exact dates and deadlines, refer to CIMA’s exam timetable.
Pre-Seen Material
- The exam is based on a pre-seen scenario, released approximately 7 weeks before the exam window.
Each pre-seen is valid for two sittings:
- May and August share the same pre-seen.
- November and February share the same pre-seen.
Resit Rules
If you take your exam in May or November and need to resist, the same pre-seen will be used in the subsequent sitting (August or February).
However, if you sit your exam in August or February, your resit will use a different pre-seen scenario.
For additional details about CIMA’s exams, visit the AICPA & CIMA website here.
inc.VAT
Study Options
1.On-Demand Online classes (Recommended)
Our Online learning platform provides an exceptional learning experience for individuals seeking complete flexibility in their studies. This platform empowers learners to decide when, where, and how they study, while offering the assurance of expert tutor support whenever needed.
GraduateSA Online is tailored for students who value flexibility and access to diverse study resources. This program is ideal for self-motivated and driven individuals balancing their studies with a busy work-life schedule. GraduateSA Online offers a convenient and effective solution for achieving academic success without compromising on personal or professional commitments.
What is included:
- Integrated Study Plan: Your course includes a built-in study plan to guide your progress and help you stay on track. Each structured online session outlines the time required for the topic and provides recommended questions for practice.
- Access to GraduateSA Learn: Benefit from our award-winning Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), designed to enhance your online learning experience.
- Comprehensive Pre-Recorded Lectures: Gain flexibility with pre-recorded sessions that allow you to learn at your own pace and revisit key concepts as needed.
- Extensive Question Practice: Test your knowledge with a wide range of practice questions, including mock exams, complete with detailed feedback to strengthen your understanding.
- Materials: Receive all essential course materials, including e-course notes and a question bank, loaded in your portal.
- Dedicated Tutor Support: Access expert guidance and assistance via email whenever you need it.
On-Demand classes are available in following packages:
6 months access (standard )
12 months unlimited access for full level
With the CIMA Unlimited package, you’ll enjoy the convenience of streamlined booking and scheduling for tuition and revision, as well as access to all the benefits of the Extended Access Package. Moreover, this package offers exceptional value, with cost savings of up to 40% per level compared to booking individual courses.
Choose the CIMA Unlimited package for a cost-effective, efficient, and fully supported path to exam success.
2. Online LIVE classes
The Graduate Online Live course provides a structured learning experience with regular, tutor-led tuition and revision sessions, accessible via your PC or mobile device. In addition to live sessions, you will have full access to pre-recorded video lectures through the Graduate Learn platform, along with comprehensive digital course materials to support your studies.
What is included:
- Integrated Study Plan: A built-in study plan is included in your course to guide your progress and track your achievements. Each structured online session outlines the recommended time allocation and suggested practice questions.
- GraduateSA Learn Access: Enjoy instant access to digital materials upon booking, including comprehensive course notes and a question bank.
- Pre-Recorded Lectures: Learn at your own pace with detailed, pre-recorded lectures that you can revisit as needed.
- Extensive Practice Opportunities: Strengthen your understanding with a wide range of practice questions, including mock exams to test your knowledge.
- Physical Course Materials: Receive essential course resources delivered directly to your doorstep for added convenience.
- Dedicated Tutor Support: Reach out to expert tutors via email for personalized guidance and assistance.
- Scheduled Online Live Sessions: Attend interactive, tutor-led sessions via Zoom or Teams, offering a structured and engaging learning experience.
- Interactive Learning: Participate in live discussions with expert tutors and take advantage of opportunities to ask questions and clarify concepts in real-time.
- LIVE classes run between 6 – 9 weeks
3. Integrated ICS exam masterclass
The CIMA Case Study Exams are designed to help you apply the knowledge gained from the three objective test papers in a practical, workplace context. These exams assess your ability to integrate and demonstrate Technical Skills, Business Skills, People Skills, and Leadership Skills effectively.
Our expert tutors provide coaching and guidance to prepare you for roles such as Finance Officer, Finance Manager, and CFO, ensuring you can confidently apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios.
What You’ll Receive:
- Online Live Classrooms: Interactive sessions delivered via Zoom or Teams.
- Comprehensive Pre-Seen Material Analysis: Full debriefs and detailed analysis of pre-seen materials.
- Focused Hot Topics: Identification and practice of key areas to maximize exam readiness.
- Pre-Seen Tasks: Graded and marked tasks to integrate and assess your understanding.
- Mock Exams: Fully marked with detailed suggested solutions for effective revision.
- Key Exam Techniques: A markers’ expectations guide to help you understand how to approach and excel in the exams.
Related CIMA courses
Benefits of studying CIMA
Globally recognized qualification
Develops strategic decision-making and leadership skills
Increases career opportunities in finance and management roles
Offers competitive earning potential with high-demand expertise
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