Self studying CIMA

1trainer1

Hi,

I am just wondering if anyone out there has sat their CIMA exams without attending any courses (i.e. Kaplan and BPP) or intend to qualify using this route. I am considering this route as I am struggling to find a college near my home that I can attend and the cost of going to the nearest course provider is a lot (employer cut the training to stay on top).

It would be helpful if you could advise what study method you used, how many hours a week you did the studying, the study material used and what you had in place for support with topics that you struggled with.

It would be beneficial and well to hear from people who are currently self studying.

LadyMissA

Kaplan do a self study and you can do it online too

http://financial.kaplan.co.uk/TrainingandQuals/DistanceLearning/CIMA/Pages/default.aspx?gclid=COXbiPbpjK0CFVBlfAod2F51lQ

marlasinger

I'm currently studying CIMA, but I'm at very early stages. I've passed two exams at Certificate level, and am currently about to start studying my third subject. I'm doing it all via self-study, as I just don't think I can take enough time out to go to lectures/tutorials.

I'm studying using BPP textbooks (ebooks), and have managed to pass my two exams on the first attempt.

I was a bit slow studying the first two subjects, as there is no deadline for the exam, so I lacked a bit of motivation in pushing myself. However, for the next three Certificate exams I'll be doing one per month.

Current study plan is 1-2 hours a night, with two days off a week. I will probably put in more hours on the weekend, but I suppose it depends on whether or not it is necessary.

Liz_Myers

Hey

I have just completed half of my CIMA exams and wanted to do something to boast up my understanding, job prospects and mostly importantly income. Found this company (alphafts.com) that does the complete Financial Modelling course but cause of money issues i didn't want to pay thousands of pounds. Spoke to a woman name Kate who talked me through the training package. Booked me into a one day course which covers all the core modules.

It was perfect the course took place on a Saturday and was for the whole day. They gave me all the training modules, manuals and CDs to take away with me. The best bit was the course was only £399.99 (special student offer). Basically if you can provide docs to show that you are studying CIMA,ACCA,ICA, CFA etc you can do the training at student discount.

Acc72

Liz_Myers wrote: »

Hey

I have just completed half of my CIMA exams and wanted to do something to boast up my understanding, job prospects and mostly importantly income. Found this company (alphafts.com) that does the complete Financial Modelling course but cause of money issues i didn't want to pay thousands of pounds. Spoke to a woman name Kate who talked me through the training package. Booked me into a one day course which covers all the core modules.

It was perfect the course took place on a Saturday and was for the whole day. They gave me all the training modules, manuals and CDs to take away with me. The best bit was the course was only £399.99 (special student offer). Basically if you can provide docs to show that you are studying CIMA,ACCA,ICA, CFA etc you can do the training at student discount.

The cynic in me always gets suspicous when I see a brand new member making a single post about how great a company is ....

I had a look on the website and it is very poor - in fact, the only course on offer is a one day Financial Modelling course available at a "Fantastic New Year offer of £799.99".

timnicebutdim_2

Liz_Myers wrote: »

Found this company (alphafts.com) that does the complete Financial Modelling course but cause of money issues i didn't want to pay thousands of pounds. Spoke to a woman name Kate who talked me through the training package. Booked me into a one day course which covers all the core modules.

I would have thought as a Senior Training Consultant you would have got some kind of staff discount??

Shark

marlasinger wrote: »

I'm currently studying CIMA, but I'm at very early stages. I've passed two exams at Certificate level, and am currently about to start studying my third subject. I'm doing it all via self-study, as I just don't think I can take enough time out to go to lectures/tutorials.

I'm studying using BPP textbooks (ebooks), and have managed to pass my two exams on the first attempt.

I was a bit slow studying the first two subjects, as there is no deadline for the exam, so I lacked a bit of motivation in pushing myself. However, for the next three Certificate exams I'll be doing one per month.

Current study plan is 1-2 hours a night, with two days off a week. I will probably put in more hours on the weekend, but I suppose it depends on whether or not it is necessary.

I am currently self studying CIMA certificate level using the BPP ebooks aswell. I passed C1 first time a few weeks ago and am now learning C2.

It is tough to always find motivation as there is no time constraints. Hard to know if what I am studying is actually useful or if I am forgetting it 30 minutes after reading.

It is definitely possible to pass these exams by doing this self study, but you may drive yourself a bit insane in the process.

marlasinger

Shark wrote: »

I am currently self studying CIMA certificate level using the BPP ebooks aswell. I passed C1 first time a few weeks ago and am now learning C2.

I just passed C1 a few weeks ago as well, and have started C2 today. I'm hoping C2 will be a bit easier than C1 as I am more familiar with the material.

I've set myself a deadline of May/June 2012, so hopefully I will stick with it!!

1trainer1

Thank you all for your posts and advice. :T I am now at least that bit more confident that it is possible and not impossible or a total waste of my time.

My new year resolution is to study for two papers and pass on the first sitting. Fingers crossed!!!