The new CIMA CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP)

There is something new and exciting in the world of CIMA, and it is called the CIMA CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP). Whether you’re an existing or potential CIMA student, you need to know more about it! CIMA is now offering an additional route to qualification! Your choice of route could impact your CIMA exam structure, the cost of your course, and potentially your career.

Let us start at the beginning!

What Is The FLP?

The CIMA Finance Leadership Program is a new, alternative route to becoming CIMA qualified that will sit alongside CIMA’s Professional Qualification. You might already be familiar with CIMA’s professional qualification, as it is the traditional path to becoming a Chartered Management Accountant. However, the introduction of the FLP CIMA offers a flexible and innovative way to achieve your qualification.

Why has the CIMA CGMA FLP been introduced?

The answer is simple: growing demand. Students now seek more online learning and assessment options, as well as increased flexibility—and that’s exactly what the CIMA FLP route provides. It’s an entirely different approach to CIMA study and assessment, allowing you to study and undertake assessments at your convenience.

How Will I Be Assessed On The CGMA Finance Leadership Program Syllabus?

This is the biggest surprise of all… If you take the CIMA FLP route, you don’t need to sit the Objective Test (OT) exams under exam conditions. In fact, there are no OT exams at all! You will still need to take the 3 case study exams, but there are no traditional end-of-course objective tests.

Instead, your assessment will be based on how well you answer sets of questions embedded within the learning materials. These assessments are much shorter and more frequent than traditional CIMA exams, and the best part is, you can use your notes while completing them. The system will automatically mark your answers and provide feedback instantly, making learning much more interactive.

How much does the CIMA FLP cost?

The CIMA FLP fees are subscription-based, and the prices that CIMA is quoting for ‘CGMA Skills Plus FLP’ are as follows:
1 year £2,400
2 years £4,080
3 years £6,120

That includes everything you would need to qualify: tuition, assessments (including case study exams) and CIMA membership fee.

You must be aware, though, prices are subject to changes – check the CIMA website for up-to-date pricing and cima exam dates. Although the CIMA FLP fees sound like quite a lot of money, they include all costs: membership fees, learning materials, and assessment and exam fees.

And, as you pay on a subscription model, you will only pay for the time you need the materials, incentivising you to complete the CIMA CGMA FLP course at a reasonable pace.

What are the benefits of studying the CIMA CGMA FLP?

Benefit #1 – The only study timetable you must stick to is your own!
Benefit #2 – Learn in bite-sized chunks
Benefit #3 – You could save yourself some money

What are the drawbacks of studying the CIMA CGMA FLP?

Drawback #1 – Remote learning is not for everyone
Drawback #2 – Budgeting for CIMA’s subscription fe
Drawback #3 – No going back (for the moment, at least!)

Will the CIMA FLP route have the same value as the traditional route?

With an excellent syllabus and the challenging case study exams, the CIMA CGMA FLP is likely to hold just as much value as the traditional route. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors to ensure that its qualifications remain relevant and up-to-date with industry standards.

Employers care more about your ability to apply the knowledge you’ve learned in the workplace than about the specific route you took to acquire it. As long as you complete the CIMA practical experience requirements and pass the case study exams, your qualification will be well-respected.

Which Route Should You Choose?

In short, the CIMA CGMA FLP will be the best choice for you if you are focused, capable of self-directed learning, and want to qualify as quickly as possible. It’s also a great option for those who struggle with objective testing, as the CIMA exam structure under FLP differs from the traditional route. If you’re someone who needs more structure or prefers in-person learning, the traditional CIMA route may suit you better.

Ultimately, both the traditional CIMA route and the CIMA CGMA FLP lead to the same prestigious qualification, and which one you choose will depend on your learning preferences, career goals, and how you plan your cima study around important cima exam dates.

Staying on Top of CIMA Exam Dates

Whether you’re following the traditional route or the CIMA CGMA FLP, knowing your cima exam dates is essential for effective planning. For FLP students, case study exams are scheduled at specific times throughout the year. Missing these could delay your qualification, so make sure to frequently check CIMA’s official timetable.

For students on the traditional route, keeping track of both Objective Test and case study cima exam dates ensures that your preparation aligns with the required deadlines. Having a clear timeline can help you avoid last-minute stress and better organize your cima study sessions.