CIMA Professional Qualification Strategic Level (E3, P3, F3)

The CIMA Strategic Level is the final stage of the CGMA certification for finance professionals. The CIMA syllabus has three core modules to help you develop the skills to generate strategic options to support strategic control, strategic decision-making and enhance long-term organisational success. These CIMA strategic level subjects build on your professional development, enabling you to implement high-level strategies and manage enterprise risk and financial risks effectively.

CIMA E3 – Strategic Management

As the final stage of CIMA's CGMA professional qualification, Strategic Management focuses on the formulation and implementation of effective organisational strategies. You'll learn the core principles of strategic thinking, including the strategy process and strategic choices, so you can support corporate leaders and help craft strategy through high-level decision making that drives long term organisational success.

CIMA P3 – Risk Management

Risk Management develops your ability to support organisational leaders as they craft strategy through the strategy process, including evaluating strategic choices, digital strategy for digital transformation and to identify, assess, and manage risks across the business. You'll explore advanced risk control techniques and learn how to handle strategic risk, enterprise risk and cyber risk, with the strategy process including analysing options before implementation, using internal controls to help prevent organisations from derailing long-term organisational ecosystem succes

CIMA F3 – Financial Strategy

Financial Strategy teaches you how to formulate strategic financial policies that support strategic financial objectives, different strategic financial objectives, and digital strategy to help value organisations in the digital world. You'll explore financial policy decision, enterprise risk, business valuation concepts and financial risk management, learn how internal controls help identify and manage risks, including strategic risk and cyber risk, and how to source financial resources required to support strategic goals; these controls also help prevent organisations from being exposed to threats that could disrupt strategy execution.

To achieve the CIMA Strategic Level qualification to become a management accountant, you must complete three computer based objective tests and one case study exam as part of the CGMA professional qualification. These assessments test your understanding of each subject and how well you can apply your knowledge in practical business situations.

The CIMA objective test format is computer marked, with provisional results available within 48 hours. Meanwhile, the case study exam is human marked, and results are typically available within 6 to 8 weeks.

• E3 Strategic Management – 90 minutes
• P2 Risk Management – 90 minutes
• F3 Financial Strategy – 90 minutes, including setting strategic financial objectives and balancing different strategic financial objectives through policy choices

The objective tests are available on demand at 5,500 Pearson VUE centres across 178 countries worldwide. The Management Case Study places you in a simulated context where you assess business valuation to value organisations, including value drivers in a digital world, and apply the required knowledge expected of a senior finance manager. The CIMA case studies are offered in four windows throughout the year, allowing you to choose the best time to sit the exam and learn how to source financial resources required to support strategic goals.

Keep an eye on CIMA exam updates through the CIMA exam blueprints for changes to exam structure and weightings, scheduling, or content coverage to ensure you're fully prepared.

As part of the final level CGMA Professional Qualification, the Strategic Level Case Study exam assesses how well you apply learning from the full CIMA pathway, which comprises 16 exams across the Certificate in Business Accounting, Operational Level, Management Level, and Strategic Level. It draws on the E3, P3, and F3 modules in a simulated context that reflects the responsibilities of a senior finance manager, and these assessments test the required knowledge expected at Strategic Level.

The CIMA role simulated case study format is computer-based and is 3 hours long.

Note: The exam is available via the awarding body and can be taken at one of 5,500 Pearson VUE centres across 178 countries worldwide.

The CIMA (CGMA) blueprint requires completing the Strategic Level of the CIMA Professional Qualification and fulfilling the 3 years of Practical Experience Requirement (PER).

Upon completion of your CIMA journey, you'll receive an official CGMA certificate to validate your knowledge, understanding and expertise. This designation is recognised worldwide and will prove your advanced ability to lead strategic decision-making and manage financial performance at a senior management level.

• Designatory letters: CGMA status (Chartered Global Management Accountant).
• Proof of your advanced ability to lead strategic decision-making and manage financial performance at a senior management level.
• A globally recognised qualification that enhances your professional reputation.
• CIMA recognition that makes you eligible for senior leadership roles in business and finance, with the credentials to back it up.

Our CIMA learning path is fully delivered online, allowing you to study from anywhere and at times that fit your lifestyle. With 24/7 access to materials, expert guidance, and recorded lectures, you can tailor your learning schedule to suit your professional and personal commitments. Additionally, you'll gain helpful CIMA exam tips to guide you through the exam process and improve your likelihood of success.

Enrolling in our course gives you access to everything you need to achieve CIMA exam success. From expert support to high-quality study materials, we ensure you're well-equipped throughout your learning journey.

Enrolling gives you the following CIMA certification resources:

• Industry-leading eLearning platform: Access all study materials and support from our easy-to-use eLearning platform.
• Expert Tutor support: Get unlimited help from Tutors who respond within 24–48 hours.
• Comprehensive course materials: Access various CIMA learning resources, including Kaplan CIMA study guides, workbooks, and question banks, all available via our eLearning platform.
• Exam preparation resources: To become exam-ready, take advantage of our CIMA exam guidance, revision kits, mock exams, and practice papers.
• Flexible learning schedule: Study at your own pace with 12 months of full course access.
• CIMA-accredited textbooks: Receive physical study books for additional offline support.

• Interest-free finance available – Spread the cost with flexible plans.
• Price-match guarantee.
• Choose a plan that suits your budget and start immediately.

Format

CIMA Professional Strategic Level requires you to pass three objective tests and a case study exam before earning the qualification.