CGMA exams are organized by Pearson VUE and take place either online or at one of nearly 6,000 certified Pearson VUE centers worldwide. All exams are computer-based. Candidates take Objective Tests (OTs) on demand, all year round, while Case Study Exams (CS), which are based on real-world scenarios, are available in four sessions per year.
At which stages of the CGMA program do exams take place?
Objective Tests at the Certificate in Business Accounting level are available on demand throughout the year. The BA2 exam can be taken at any time after registration.
Case Study Exams within the Professional Qualification are available in four exam sessions (February, May, August, and November). To sit a Case Study Exam, candidates must first receive exemptions from the Objective Tests at that level.
The external CGMA exam must be passed before the end of the calendar year in which the student completes their studies — that is, before the annual subscription expires.
Register for the program and schedule your exam
Fast-Track to CGMA Certification: Exam exemptions explained
Exam exemptions are granted to students who have completed all required subjects as outlined in the program terms. Exemptions are awarded conditionally, based on a formal letter submitted to CIMA by the University Coordinator.
At the Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA) level, students may be exempt from:
- BA1 Fundamentals of Business Economics
- BA3 Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
- BA4 Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law
At the Operational level (CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting), students may receive exemptions from Objective Tests:
- E1 Managing Finance in a Digital World
- P1 Management Accounting
- F1 Financial Reporting
How does the CGMA exam work?
Certificate in Business Accounting
Certificate in Business Accounting exams last 120 minutes. Objective Tests are available on demand and are computer-assessed.
Students in the CGMA University Program take only the BA2 – Fundamentals of Management Accounting exam, which consists of 60 questions in various formats, such as:
- Short multiple-choice questions
- Calculation-based questions
- Drag-and-drop questions
- Other interactive formats
These test all learning outcomes for the subject. After completing the test at a Pearson VUE exam center, you’ll receive a preliminary result: “pass” or “fail.” This result will be confirmed and published in the My Profile section within 48 hours.
CGMA Professional Qualification
There are two types of computer-based exams within the professional qualification:
- Objective Tests (E1, P1, F1) – students in the university program are exempt from these based on completed coursework
- Case Study Exams:
Format: computer-based
Availability: 4 times a year at any of the nearly 6,000 Pearson VUE centres around the world or as online exams (check the exam timetable for details)
Length: 3 hours
Marking: human-marked
Results: available on your My Profile 6–8 weeks after the close of the case study window
Further information: the Case Study Exam, at each level, integrates knowledge, skills and techniques from across the three pillars into one synoptic capstone examination. Using pre-seen material, which is available on the CGMA Study Hub, the exam assesses your application of knowledge to real-world situations.
How to prepare for the CGMA exam
Most of the content covered in subjects within CGMA-accredited programs aligns with the material required for CGMA exams. This ensures students are well-prepared to pursue the CGMA Professional Qualification during their studies.
Students registered for the external CGMA exam may receive a free online study text. To obtain it, they must complete this form.
Additionally, every student in the program receives access to the CGMA Study Hub platform, which includes:
- Learning materials for all qualification levels
- Sample exam questions
- “Pre-seen” materials for Case Study exams
Candidates preparing for the Case Study Exam can also join the 7-week “Class of ‘25” prep course, held twice a year (May and November). Registration for the next edition is available here. The course is conducted online and offers intensive preparation using exam materials.
Optionally, students may purchase additional educational resources via the CIMAstudy platform, which offers interactive courses, tests, and mock exams.
Sample CGMA Exam from CIMA
CIMA publishes past exam papers and examiner resources, which are available here.
When are CGMA exams held in 2025?
Objective Tests are available year-round. Case Study Exams are held in four sessions annually: February, May, August, and November.
Check the exam timetable and plan your studies.
