What to expect at CIMA exam

*Jo

Hello,

I'm sitting my first CIMA exam soon (very soon eek!) and I wondered if anyone could shed some light on what to expect different if anything from the AAT exams.

My exam is F1 and the Venue is Birmingham.

For my AAT exams I was in a smallish room and had to leave belongings in another locked room. I sat my AAT exams at Kaplan Birmingham.

More recently AAT brought in a new rule banning the use of tippex -correction fluid- but I can't find a definate answer on CIMA.

The first AAT exam I sat I found really frightning as I hadn't been at school for well over a decade (ok closer to over a decade and a half) and found the not knowing how things worked the worse bit.

I'm hoping some lovely individual will be able to enlighten me on what to expect i.e. room size, where belongings are left, use of tippex and anything else they think necessary.

Thanks in advance

Jo

Rinske

My CIMA exams in May were in a hotel conference room. All bags etc were left at the front of the room and you're allowed to go to the toilets and such.

I don't know for sure whether tippex or correction fluids are allowed, but I think I had someone with tippex opposite of me.

The strategic and operational papers were in the same room and mixed in between each other, so don't worry if someone next to you gets a different colour paper.

Not sure what else to suggest. There was a big clock in front of the room, which was quite helpful and there were two people in front at the desk. Not sure if that's helpful at all, as it seems quite standard, but I sat my exams in Bournemouth, so it might be different from Birmingham anyways.

My biggest shock was the answer booklet. I know that sounds stupid, but I expected a simple A4 paper booklet like the AAT had, but you had relatively little space to write in, as the sides were kept for markers. I think the total space was an A4 reduced with (at least) an inch on both sides and I really will be struggling to get a proper layout in for some of the NPV calculations and such in my P1 exam! However the booklet was big enough not to need a second one (they were available).

Also a small surprise was that you needed to write down what calculator you use on the attendance slip.

I don't really know what else to say. I was quite happy to have a box of winegums (no bag of course) and a bottle with something to drink with me.

*Jo

Rinske thats a fantastic reply thank you.

Box of winegums allowed??? thats good to know. Im veggie but will have to see if a bag of veggie friendly sweeties is allowed along with a drink. Not to sure about the whole drink thing seeing as I don't want to be getting up to pee even if it is allowed

As I said the whole not knowing is one of the most daunting parts.

Thanks for confirming about the clock I never wear a watch and I was wondering what happened as I'm guessing the rooms are somewhat larger and therefore less able to see a normal clock.

The calculator part is somewhat worrying but i think im ok with mine after asking on the CIMA forum last week....CIMA themselves wouldn't confirm for sure after I emailed them.

The reduced paper size is going to be a problem as I write big but its not the end of the world. Is it lined?

Good luck with your exam and to all the others taking exams as well

Rinske

The paper was lined yes, but I write quite big as well, so had to adjust a bit to it.

I assume they have a clock in all exam rooms, but it might pay to take something of a clock for yourself. I never wear a watch either, but bought one specifically for these exams. Stupidly enough after the first exam I had an allergic rash on my wrist from it, so I should have tested it by wearing it for a bit.

Anyways, I brought a drink and just didn't drink much beforehand. Just handy now and then to have a sip while thinking.

As a veggie, I bought some vegetarian wine gums, but I forgot what brand it is!

I believe the calculator bit was the same as AAT, not be able to store formulas, but numbers is fine and it should not be able to show text.

Good luck on your exams! I'm sure you will be fine!

Everyone else too, although I think I will be back here before the actual exam on Wednesday.

*Jo

Yeh vegetarian winegums lol.

Esme

Not sure if it was just my centre but I found the CIMA exams much more relaxed than AAT. We had to put our bags next to us!? People were also allowed to drink and eat what they wanted which was a bit annoying listening to the rustling of sweet wrappers constantly!!

You have to keep your attendance slip for 4 months after the exam I think.

*Jo

Esme wrote: »

Not sure if it was just my centre but I found the CIMA exams much more relaxed than AAT. We had to put our bags next to us!? People were also allowed to drink and eat what they wanted which was a bit annoying listening to the rustling of sweet wrappers constantly!!

You have to keep your attendance slip for 4 months after the exam I think.

Thanks Esme,

That does seem a bit too relaxed doesn't it allowing bags near the desk. Mind you I suppose we are all adults and meant to have professional integrity.

I suppose I will feel better after getting my first exam out of the way and hopefully passing it. I was like it at AAT for the first exam I sat after that it wasn't anywhere near as stressful.

Hows everyones revision going?

Esme

It's going ok, not great... as long as the right questions are asked I can probably scrape through!

I made note last night of the parts I'm still a bit stuck on and going to tackle them this weekend then have Mon and Tues off work and exams on Wed and Thurs, this time next week I'll be happy!

How is yours going?

*Jo

Esme wrote: »

It's going ok, not great... as long as the right questions are asked I can probably scrape through!

I made note last night of the parts I'm still a bit stuck on and going to tackle them this weekend then have Mon and Tues off work and exams on Wed and Thurs, this time next week I'll be happy!

How is yours going?

Wasn't going great as I was getting way too stressed out so I've took a few days off the studying and I will have another look tomorrow. Its done the world of good having a break from it all as its brought my stress levels way down.
I need to heed my own advice and take it one step at a time and if I pass I pass if I don't so be it.