New CIMA Syllabus:
Everything You Need To Know About The 2026 CIMA Syllabus Update
CIMA is updating its syllabus in 2026.
There are some important changes that will impact your studies, and importantly, what will be tested as part of the CGMA qualification.
In this guide, we’ll explain what’s changing, when it applies, and how to make sure you’re fully prepared.
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Why is CIMA updating the syllabus?
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| Access our range of free CIMA study materials and get started with your CIMA journey today! |
Why is CIMA updating the syllabus?
The 2026 syllabus update is part of a shift towards what CIMA is calling the Evergreen approach. This is a new model where the syllabus is reviewed and refreshed more regularly.
Instead of a complete overhaul every five years, CIMA will now make smaller annual updates to reflect changes in the business and finance world.
This helps to keep the qualification up to date, while minimising disruption for students and reducing the chance of needing to restart or switch syllabuses mid-study.
What’s new in the CIMA syllabus update?
CIMA has confirmed that no new learning outcomes have been added for 2026. However, there are content additions that will be tested under existing outcomes.
The 2026 CIMA syllabus update includes:
- Clearer wording of existing learning outcomes (e.g. “explain” instead of “perform”)
- Updated case study blueprints with more transparent expectations
- Expanded content on Generative AI and Digital Finance, especially relevant for FLP students
These updates reflect the increasing role of technology in finance, risk management, and decision-making.
You’ll be glad to hear, the structure and format of CIMA exams are not changing.
You’ll still complete:
- 3x Objective Test (OT) exams at each level
- 1x integrated case study exam at each level
The changes affect what is being assessed (due to updates in the syllabus content and blueprint), not how you’re assessed.
When will the new CIMA syllabus be used in exams?
The updated syllabus applies from 1st January 2026, but the impact depends on which exams you’re taking:
Objective Test (OT) exams
- You’ll be examined under the updated 2026 CIMA syllabus from 1 January 2026.
Case Study exams
- These will be based on the updated 2026 CIMA syllabus from the May 2026 sitting onwards.
This applies to all three levels (Operational, Management and Strategic) for students on both the traditional (PQ) route and the FLP (Finance Leadership Programme) route.
How do the updates affect students already studying on the 2019 syllabus?
If you’re already studying under the 2019 CIMA syllabus, you can continue your journey as planned. There’s no need to switch syllabi or start over.
However, if you’re sitting any exams in 2026 or beyond, you’ll need to ensure the materials given to you by your study provider are aligned with the 2026 update.
What this means in practice:
- From 1 Jan 2026, OT exams will test the updated syllabus content
- From May 2026, case study exams will assess students based on the updated blueprint
- You may encounter questions relating to Generative AI and Digital Finance, especially at E1, P1 and E3
- Learning outcomes may be worded differently – with more emphasis on explanation and application
What’s the difference between the 2025 and 2026 syllabus updates?
So while the 2025 update was a smaller interim adjustment, the 2026 syllabus combines those earlier changes with a more formal update to how the exams are explained and assessed.
Do I need to buy new study materials for the new syllabus?
If you’re taking any exams in 2026 – yes, you’ll need ensure that your study materials are based on the updated 2026 syllabus.
Again this applies to:
- OT exams from 1 Jan 2026
- Case study exams from May 2026
Your tuition provider should clearly state that their content reflects:
- The expanded AI and Digital Finance coverage
- The updated wording in the syllabus blueprint
- The new case study structure and examples CIMA has released for 2026
More support coming from CIMA
Along with the news about the syllabus update, CIMA also announced that they will be releasing some of their own study materials, specifically aimed at getting students up to speed with the syllabus changes.
CIMA has created more than 50 hours of support content, which is scheduled to be launched in October 2025.
How Astranti is getting 2026-ready
All Astranti materials will be fully updated to reflect the 2026 CIMA syllabus by the time it goes live – across both the PQ traditional and FLP routes.
You’ll benefit from:
✅ Updated OT study materials for E1, P1, E3 and beyond
✅ Rewritten case study mocks and model answers based on the new blueprint
✅ Tutors who understand how the 2026 blueprint will be assessed
✅ Feedback and support aligned with CIMA’s Evergreen model
✅ Clear signposting of any content changes, especially AI and Digital Finance topics
Whether you’re continuing your current studies or preparing for 2026, we’ll make sure you’re ready for what’s next.
Sign up to our CIMA advice email newsletter to be the first to hear about all our 2026 CIMA syllabus study materials, when they’re available…
Have any questions?
If there’s anything you’d like to discuss further about the new CIMA syllabus, please be sure to drop a comment below and a member of the team will be in touch!
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