CIMA Professional Operational

Take the next step on your journey to becoming a chartered management accountant in India by completing CIMA’s CGMA Professional Operational Level. This is the first level of CIMA's complete CGMA Professional Qualification.

After passing CIMA’s CGMA Operational level, you will gain CIMA's Diploma in Management Accounting and a designation from the leading professional body specialising in this industry.

At Kaplan, we’ve designed our online CIMA courses with flexibility in mind. This means learners in India can complete their CIMA qualifications from wherever they are in the country choosing from two award-winning remote learning packages.

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Entry requirements

To complete CIMA's CGMA Professional Operational Level, you need to have passed your CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, AAT Level 4 qualification or have a related accountancy or finance degree.

There is a full list of CIMA exemptions available online. You can also use the AICPA and CIMA exemptions calculator to see if you qualify.

CIMA's CGMA Professional Operational syllabus

Operational is the first level of CIMA's CGMA Professional qualification. Learners completing this level learn about managing finance in a digital world, costs and analysis used in production, and financial reporting and taxation.

To complete your Professional Operational Level you need to pass three Objective Test subjects and one Case Study. Afterwards, you can move on to the next levels, CIMA's CGMA Professional Management and CIMA's CGMA Professional Strategic.

Subjects (4)

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Managing Finance in a Digital World (E1)

Essential

You’ll learn about the role of finance in organisations, the structure and shape of the finance function, and how it interacts with the organisation to create and preserve value.

done

Live Online

From US $ 662.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 88/month

Management Accounting (P1)

Essential

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.

done

Live Online

From US $ 662.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 88/month

Financial Reporting (F1)

Essential

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.

done

Live Online

From US $ 662.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 88/month

Operational Case Study (OCS)

Essential

You’ll be tested on your overall knowledge of E1, P1, and F1. Using the skills gained during the level, you’ll resolve issues that a management accountant may come across at work.

done

Live Online

From US $ 857.00

done

OnDemand

From US $ 88/month

Final exams

There are three computer-based Objective Tests and a Case Study exam at the CIMA Operational level. You must pass all three Objective Tests before you can move on to your CIMA Operational case study. The Objective Tests are 90 minutes long, are computer-based and can be completed in any order and at any time of the year.

The Case Study exam is three hours long and computer-based. This CIMA exam evaluates your research and analysis abilities, how you present information, and your persuasion and communication skills. You can sit your Operational case study throughout the year in four windows: February, May, August, and November.

A pre-seen is released approximately 7 weeks before the exam window, which will be the exam's focus. This pre-seen is valid for two sittings: one pre-seen for May and August and another for November and February.

How long does it take to pass CIMA's Professional Operational level ?

It takes 12 months on average to complete this course. However, the duration of CIMA's CGMA Operational level studies largely depends on how many hours you can commit to your learning.

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Why do Indian learners study with Kaplan

There are many reasons why Kaplan is the preferred provider for learners in India looking to complete their CIMA qualifications. Not only are our pass rates consistently 27% above the global average,* but we've been helping learners from around the world develop their careers in accountancy for over 85 strong years.

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Award winners

Our industry-leading pass rates have led to us winning the prestigious CIMA Global Pass Rate Excellence Award for three consecutive years. We’ve also been recognised for our impressive remote study methods, receiving the 2023 Learning Technologies Award for Excellence in the Design of Learning Content.

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Value for money

Everything you need to succeed is included in the cost of your CIMA course fees, so there are never any hidden surprises.

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Flexible payment plans

We want to make our CIMA online courses accessible for everyone. That’s why learners can pay for their CGMA Professional Operational Level through three flexible payment plans: monthly, every 3 months, or every 12 months.

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Expert tutors

Our team of lecturers have years of working experience in the industry and are ready to teach you everything they know to further your professional career in India.

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Round-the-clock support

Our academic support team is available 7 days a week for whatever you need - whether that's exam feedback, progression plans, or a tricky topic explained.

*Kaplan's Case Study pass rates versus the global average pass rate of 64%, across all levels in 2023. Valid as of March 2024.

Learning materials

Kaplan’s CIMA course fees include all the learning materials you need to pass your exams first time. The specific CIMA study materials you receive are based on the study method you choose, and whether you're completing an Objective Test or Case Study course.

Those completing one of Kaplan's Objective Test courses receive

Digital Study Text powered by BibliU
A fully interactive digital textbook containing worked examples and activities to use through CIMA's CGMA syllabus.
Integrated Workbook
A key resource for your studies integrated with your course with space to add handwritten notes and pointers on when to use your other study materials. OnDemand learners receive a standard PDF version while Live Online learners receive both a standard PDF version and a printed version.
Application modules
Used to deepen your knowledge of key topics and demonstrate how to apply what you've learnt to real-life practical scenarios.
Study modules
Engaging online modules with bite-sized tutor-led lectures to guide you through CIMA's CGMA Operational level.
Study programme
A detailed outline of your course structure with guidance on when and how to begin each module. For Live Online your study programme is accessed on MyKaplan and is integrated into your course. For OnDemand, the study programme outlines the recommended weekly pace, however, there is a customisable version available if you wish to study at your own pace.
Revision Cards
Pocket-sized revision cards with brief explanations on essential topics - made for studying on the go. OnDemand learners receive a standard PDF version of Kaplan's revision cards, while Live Online learners receive both a standard PDF version and a printed version.
Digital Exam Kit powered by BibliU
Interactive exam kit designed to test your knowledge and prepare you for each CIMA exam at this level.

Learners completing one of Kaplan’s Case Study courses, you will receive:

Digital Study Text powered by BibliU
Digital textbook by CIMA that includes worked activities and examples, and Integrated Case Study Exam preparation.
Familiarisation and Practice Workbook
Workbook designed to help you prepare for your Case Study exam with 10-12 case-specific tasks, familiarisation quizzes and exercises, and tips for how to prioritise and plan your answer.
Case analysis video
Live case study analysis via video where a tutor highlights key points and potential examinable topics.
Technical recap modules and notes
Recordings and notes that recap the key syllabus areas and help you familiarise yourself with ways they could be examined in the Case Study exam.
OnDemand learners will have access to digital PDF materials and will have the option to buy hard copy materials.

Continuous exam practice

Go into your CIMA exam ready to succeed with continuous testing and mock assessments. Learners completing Kaplan’s Objective Test online courses are tested with the following.

Knowledge checks
Regular knowledge tests help assess your understanding of a CIMA topic before you move on to the next.
Consolidation test
A 40-question consolidation test allows you to your progress and identify problems early on during the knowledge/application phase.
Progress test
This exam standard test has been designed to help learners pinpoint areas for improvement so they can refocus their revision plan.
Test yourself
Kaplan's online bank of hundreds of questions allows you to create your own tests focusing on course-specific weak areas.
Two mock exams
Two mock examinations replicate the actual CIMA exam so you can practice your exam technique ahead of the real thing.

Those completing Kaplan's Case Study courses will be assessed with a written exam, based on a business scenario. To support you with this, we provide course-integrated testing that matches the feel of the real Case Study.

3 mock exams based on the live case marked with individual feedback.
Recorded debrief of all 3 mock exams to help you understand the best approach and common mistakes made.

Additional CIMA resources

Learners can also purchase CIMA's official books for each subject on this level at the Kaplan online bookstore and get them delivered to their home in India. Delivery costs $47 and will take 7 to 10 working days.*

Delivery charges apply to all OnDemand and Live Online CIMA qualification courses that include printed materials. If delivery charges are applicable for your course, they will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.

*Subject to availability

Study flexibly with Kaplan

It can be hard to find time to study for your CIMA qualifications, especially if you are already working full-time or have prior family commitments. That's why we've created two flexible study methods for our online courses, so learners in India can choose their most convenient way to learn.

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Live Online

Join other learners from around the world at the same time each week with Kaplan's Live Online classes. These sessions are led by expert lecturers and held in Kaplan's virtual classroom, so you can ask questions in real-time - from wherever you choose to study in India.

Check out the CIMA Live Online Timetable for Indian learners.

Try CIMA Live Online for FREE

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OnDemand

The most flexible way to complete your CIMA course in India, Kaplan’s OnDemand study method allows you to study wherever and whenever is most convenient. Learners are supported through the course with award-winning learning materials designed to guide and motivate them through the CIMA syllabus.

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Course overview

Timetables and study methods

Study methods available for this level

Live Online

The benefits of a traditional classroom but with the flexibility of an online environment. Live interactive classes at a scheduled time delivered by expert lecturers following the same exam focused material and structure as traditional classroom courses.

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OnDemand

OnDemand gives you the flexibility to study when and where you want, with unique online resources designed to give you structure, keep you motivated, and cement your understanding of the subject.

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Exams and sittings

CIMA's Certificate in Business Accounting assessments are on demand objective tests which can be sat at any time throughout the year. You can sit these in any order but you must have completed all 4 assessments before you can move on to the Professional Qualification. The exams are 2 hours long and are computer based. At the end of the exam you will be given a provisional pass/fail result which will then be confirmed on your MY CIMA account within 48 hours.

Study materials and delivery costs

Your study materials, reimagined

Our Study Text and Exam Kit are now provided as interactive digital resources that will support you with your studies and feature tools designed to complement your learning. Not only will you be able to highlight, note-take and search in seconds, but complicated terms will be simply explained with a dictionary at your fingertips, these resources are accessible anywhere, anytime, and on any device through Bibliu.

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Our materials are CIMA's only official study materials that cover the full syllabus and are reviewed and approved by CIMA faculty, so you can be sure they include everything you need to know.

Digital Study Text powered by Bibliu

A fully interactive digital eBook textbook covering the full subject syllabus with worked examples and activities.

Integrated Workbook

A key resource for your studies, it guides you through the syllabus and details when to use your other study resources. Includes space to add handwritten notes.

Live Online courses: a printed version.

OnDemand courses: a standard digital PDF version.

Revision Cards

These are brief notes on the essential topics from the syllabus and being pocket sized, they are handy for taking out and about with you.

Live Online courses: a printed version.

OnDemand courses: a digital version.

Digital Exam Practice Kit powered by Bibliu

The interactive digital exam kit includes exam style questions and answers so you can test your knowledge.

Integrated study programme

Built into the course providing guidance on what to do, and when.

eLearning modules

Interactive tutor-led video modules that teach the whole syllabus and extend learning via tricky topic tutorials.

To buy the materials separately

You can buy CIMA's official books for each subject on this level.

Buy CIMA books

Delivery costs

How much it costs to deliver your study materials and how long it takes depends on where in the world you live.

Delivery fees are as follows:
Malaysia - RM60
Rest of Asia/America - $47
All other countries - €40

Please note that due to varying interpretations of the post-Brexit EU/UK trading agreement, some EU countries are imposing import duty on the value of the goods received from the UK. It is payable by the end consumer via the delivery company and your delivery may be withheld until paid. This may vary from country to country and be up to a value of 20% of the value of the study material.

Our standard delivery times are:
Malaysia - 3 to 5 working days*
EU – 5 to 7 working days*
Rest of the World – 7 to 10 working days*
*Subject to availability

Delivery charges apply to one-time buy Live Online courses, as they include a selection of printed materials. If delivery charges are applicable for your course, they will be shown during the online checkout process, before you complete your payment details.

Tutor support

We’ll support you every step of the way throughout your learning experience with us. You can contact a tutor and get the help you need quickly and easily.

Provided by our Academic Support team (our dedicated team of expert tutors):

LiveChat (instant feedback)
Email (we'll get back to you within 4 hrs)
Discussion Forum and online community (we’ll get back to you within 4 hrs)

Testing and mocks

As part of your course you will get access to various tests and mocks on MyKaplan which will help you to prepare for your exams. These include:

Knowledge Checks

These tests are placed throughout your course to check your understanding of a topic before you move on to the next one.

Test Yourself

Use these banks of questions to build your own tests, choosing the subject areas, number of questions and whether to have a time limit.

Mock Exams

Your two mock exams which have the same look and feel as the real exam, will be at the end of your course so you can use these to do final revision and exam practice just before you sit your exam.

MyKaplan: online learning environment

play_circle_filled Watch our video explaining MyKaplan (1:26)

MyKaplan is an online learning portal with practical resources to help you prepare for your exams.

Online features

View your online materials in one place and access your content in a few clicks
Contact a tutor directly using live chat or email
Complete tests and get instant feedback
Take part in forum discussions with students and tutors and find answers to common questions
Access on mobile, tablet, computer or through the dedicated mobile app

Access duration

Your chosen study method determines how long you can access your content for. All extensions are for existing content and do not include any updated content.