Astranti
2026 CIMA FLP Review
This CIMA FLP review is designed to give you a better idea of how CIMA students and CIMA-qualified accountants view the CIMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) route.
Although the route is still relatively new, we’ve been around since it was launched in the UK in 2022, and have seen a significant uptake of it compared to the traditional exam route, forming a dramatic shift in the landscape of CIMA training.
Explore the trends, key stats and student views from our latest CIMA FLP survey, sent to our database of over 160,000 qualified and part-qualified accountants.
Note: We’ve also released a brand new CIMA FLP Report for 2026, containing some of the most up-to-date insights – details can be found at the end of this review…
CIMA FLP Insights
Let’s kick off our CIMA FLP review with some high-level insights from the FLP surveys we’ve conducted since 2022.
76% of respondents are supportive of CIMA's approach to innovation, including their introduction of the CIMA FLP route.
71% of respondents would opt for the CIMA FLP route if they were to start their CIMA studies today, rather than the traditional PQ (exam) route.
42% of respondents said that price is the most important determining factor when choosing between the CIMA FLP route and PQ route.
44% of respondents studying said they were 'extremely likely' to transfer to the CIMA FLP route before they conclude their studies.
CIMA FLP Reviews: What Are Students Saying?
We’ve asked Astranti FLP students about their experiences with the FLP route, CIMA’s FLP platform, and what advice they might give to other CIMA students considering switching to the FLP route – here are some of the most comprehensive responses we received…
If you're looking for more flexibility...
…and life balance it’s great, however, more challenging when it comes to the case study as the same amount of material is examinable
FLP covers the same content...
…and reduces your stess levels as the OTs are excluded. It makes the course more enjoyable as well
The two main factors are...
…affordability and time factor. FLP enables you to complete the entire course faster and some have even done it within 1 year . But not all may be able to afford it . Revision before CS exams are a must as one is more likely to forget the topics learned in FLP than what one has learned in OTs
FLP is for people who can...
…organise well their study time. As the access is one year and exam availability are limited so it has to be planned. I do 10-15 hours a week to meet my target. (At least 8 topics per week) You will need to be diligent and consistent.
Overall I would recommend FLP...
…over the traditional route if you can afford it. However you must be self motivated/have the support group to help keep you on track. For with the FLP route it’s easier to look at a topic, not really understand it and move on, which may put you in a difficult position, if that topic comes up in the case study exam. Whereas with OT, you may revisit a topic multiple times for you know it’s more likely to come up and may be the difference between passing or failing the exam.
63% of FLP students said the biggest factor for them when joining the CIMA FLP route was the fact there are no objective test exams.
80% of FLP students said they were 'extremely happy' with their decision to join the CIMA FLP route (conversely 0% said they were 'Not at all happy').
100% of Astranti FLP students would recommend Astranti FLP to others.
Top 5 Key Reasons Students Choose FLP
The CIMA FLP route is not going to be suitable for everyone, but after conducting our CIMA FLP reviews, here are a few of the main reasons why people have been attracted to the route, compared to the traditional Professional Qualification (PQ) route.
No Objective Test Exams
Flexibility of Studies
Faster Progression
Online Only Format
Seems Easier to Pass
Astranti Student CIMA FLP Reviews
I used Astranti throughout my FLP programme, particularly for the MCS and the SCS, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. The materials were clear, well-structured and extremely practical, especially in translating exam technique and content into usable knowledge on exam day.
What really stood out was Astranti’s comprehensive approach, covering not just technical knowledge, but also exam strategy, question interpretation, time management, and how to structure answers effectively under pressure.
The mentors were responsive, supportive, and clearly very experienced. I would highly recommend Astranti to anyone preparing for CIMA.
Used Astranti for the FLP Strategic level, the service was outstanding and the quality of the resources
provided for the course was really good. Would recommend them to anyone.
I used Astranti for my CIMA Management and Strategic Case Studies through the FLP route. The materials were spot-on, clear, well-structured, and made the complex topics easy to understand. The case study resources, including the masterclass, preseen analysis, industry and strategic analysis, were exactly what I needed to succeed.
The structure of the premium FLP CIMA course was really good and easily digestable. The masterclasses were a big help, especially the ones focusing on exam technique and how to provide more depth to an answer. The biggest help was receiving invaluable feedback on several mock exams. I signed up to a one year subscription and successfully passed my MCS and SCS within that time while holding down a very high pressured job. I would highly recommend studying CIMA with Astranti.
Download our 2026 CIMA FLP Report
Now that you’ve seen some of the higher-level views in our CIMA FLP Review, why not unlock the latest insights from people who completed our CIMA FLP survey in 2026 by downloading our free CIMA FLP Report?
Simply create your free Astranti account today, and we’ll send the full report straight to your inbox.
Learn More
FLP Guide
Not familiar with the FLP? Read our comprehensive guide to learn all about what’s involved.
FLP Foundational
New to CIMA? FLP Foundational could be your starting point. Learn more with our free guide.
Join Astranti FLP
Learn more about how we can support you through your CIMA qualification, via tha FLP route.