CIMA New Syllabus Case Study 2015

So T4 is now leaving us, with the last sittings due this year - to be replaced with the new strategic case study exam. If you don't pass T4 by the end of this year, you will have to take that new case study next February.

That case study will be quite different from T4 - here are the key differences:

• Computer based only
• Consists of a range of tasks (3-5) not one big report
• Once each task is complete you can not go back and work on that later on and you can not complete later tasks before earlier ones.
• No calculations - figures will appear in the questions but you'll be analysing them rather than doing the calculations themselves.
• Greater testing of E3, F3 and P3 knowledge - you'll need to know those syllabuses much better than you do for T4.
• There will be a new preseen every sitting (rather than one for every two).

I saw the CIMA sample mock at the CIMA conference and have recreated one for you so you can see exactly what you'll be faced with. Take a look at our 2015 new syllabus website where you'll find the mock exam. Alternatively visit our case specific webpage www.strategiccasestudy.com where you can find some more specific information on the strategic case study. I've also recorded a you tube video "CIMA 2015 New Syllabus Case Study Sample" running you through the case study.


So what does this mean for those of you currently taking T4. Simply put - you should aim to pass T4 by the end of this year. Why? Firstly it will save you having to refresh all your E3, F3 and P3 knowledge which is a greater part of the new case study. Secondly it's a completely different format which will be unfamiliar - better the devil you know! Finally - the preseen at T4 lasts for 2 sittings, so if you fail one you don't have to familiarise yourself with a new preseen!

CIMA are being bold in this change and I think it's a good thing. The days of paper based exams have finally come to an end and surely that's got be right given how little we physically write things now. Long live the digital age!