CIMA Case Study Exam Dates 2026–2027: Operational, Management and Strategic
The next CIMA case study exams are in November 2026, followed by four official 2027 windows. Find every OCS, MCS and SCS exam date, booking deadline, pre-seen release and results date from the official AICPA and CIMA timetable.
The next CIMA case study window is November 2026. The Operational Case Study sits on 4 to 6 November, the Management Case Study on 11 to 13 November and the Strategic Case Study on 18 to 20 November 2026. Booking closes on 20 October (OCS), 27 October (MCS) and 3 November (SCS). The pre-seen will be released on 18 September (OCS), 25 September (MCS) and 2 October 2026 (SCS), and will also be used for the February 2027 window.
The CIMA case study exams run four times a year, in February, May, August and November. Each level (Operational, Management and Strategic) sits in its own week within the window. This page leads with the next sitting and the complete 2027 timetable, while retaining the February, May and August 2026 windows as a historical reference. It also explains how the windows, pre-seen material and results cycle fit together, so you can plan your sitting with confidence.
Last reviewed and updated , against the official AICPA and CIMA exam timetable.
- Next window: November 2026. OCS 4 to 6 November, MCS 11 to 13 November, SCS 18 to 20 November. Booking deadlines: 20 October, 27 October and 3 November
- Four windows a year: February, May, August and November
- Three levels: Operational (OCS), Management (MCS) and Strategic (SCS), each sat in its own week within the window
- Three exam days per level: Wednesday to Friday
- Format: computer-based, sat at Pearson VUE test centres or remotely where available
- Pre-seen material is released several weeks before the exam, and each pre-seen covers two consecutive windows
- Results are published roughly seven weeks after the exam window, with a longer gap over the November to January period
November 2026 CIMA case study exam dates
The November 2026 window is the next opportunity to sit a CIMA case study exam. Booking deadline means the date the scheduling window closes, after which you can no longer enter for that sitting. Schedule well ahead of the deadline.
November 2026
Window 4 · Next windowThe November 2026 pre-seen will be released on 18 September (OCS), 25 September (MCS) and 2 October (SCS), and is shared with the February 2027 window. Results fall in January 2027 because of the year-end break.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 22 Apr 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 | 7 May 2026 |
| Pre-seen released | 18 Sep 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Booking deadline | 20 Oct 2026 | 27 Oct 2026 | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Exam dates | 4 to 6 Nov 2026 | 11 to 13 Nov 2026 | 18 to 20 Nov 2026 |
| Results published | 7 Jan 2027 | 14 Jan 2027 | 14 Jan 2027 |
Never miss a booking deadline
Tap any deadline below to add an all-day reminder to your Google Calendar for the remaining November 2026 booking deadlines.
CIMA case study exam dates 2027: official timetable
AICPA and CIMA have published the official 2027 case study timetable. There are four windows, with the Operational, Management and Strategic case study exams sitting in separate Wednesday-to-Friday weeks.
| Exam window | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2027 | 3 to 5 February | 10 to 12 February | 17 to 19 February |
| May 2027 | 5 to 7 May | 12 to 14 May | 19 to 21 May |
| August 2027 | 4 to 6 August | 11 to 13 August | 18 to 20 August |
| November 2027 | 3 to 5 November | 10 to 12 November | 17 to 19 November |
February 2027
Window 1The November 2026 pre-seen is also used for this window.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 22 Jul 2026 | 29 Jul 2026 | 5 Aug 2026 |
| Pre-seen released | 18 Sep 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 | 2 Oct 2026 |
| Booking deadline | 19 Jan 2027 | 26 Jan 2027 | 2 Feb 2027 |
| Exam dates | 3 to 5 Feb 2027 | 10 to 12 Feb 2027 | 17 to 19 Feb 2027 |
| Results published | 25 Mar 2027 | 1 Apr 2027 | 8 Apr 2027 |
| Post-exam materials | 9 Apr 2027 | 15 Apr 2027 | 23 Apr 2027 |
| Certificate available | 17 Jun 2027 | 24 Jun 2027 | 1 Jul 2027 |
May 2027
Window 2| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 21 Oct 2026 | 28 Oct 2026 | 4 Nov 2026 |
| Pre-seen released | 19 Mar 2027 | 26 Mar 2027 | 2 Apr 2027 |
| Booking deadline | 20 Apr 2027 | 27 Apr 2027 | 5 May 2027 |
| Exam dates | 5 to 7 May 2027 | 12 to 14 May 2027 | 19 to 21 May 2027 |
| Results published | 24 Jun 2027 | 1 Jul 2027 | 8 Jul 2027 |
| Post-exam materials | 11 Jul 2027 | 16 Jul 2027 | 23 Jul 2027 |
| Certificate available | 16 Sep 2027 | 23 Sep 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 |
August 2027
Window 3The May 2027 pre-seen is also used for this window.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 20 Jan 2027 | 27 Jan 2027 | 3 Feb 2027 |
| Pre-seen released | 19 Mar 2027 | 26 Mar 2027 | 2 Apr 2027 |
| Booking deadline | 20 Jul 2027 | 27 Jul 2027 | 3 Aug 2027 |
| Exam dates | 4 to 6 Aug 2027 | 11 to 13 Aug 2027 | 18 to 20 Aug 2027 |
| Results published | 23 Sep 2027 | 30 Sep 2027 | 7 Oct 2027 |
| Post-exam materials | 8 Oct 2027 | 15 Oct 2027 | 22 Oct 2027 |
| Certificate available | 16 Dec 2027 | 16 Dec 2027 | 16 Dec 2027 |
November 2027
Window 4| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 21 Apr 2027 | 28 Apr 2027 | 6 May 2027 |
| Pre-seen released | 17 Sep 2027 | 24 Sep 2027 | 1 Oct 2027 |
| Booking deadline | 19 Oct 2027 | 26 Oct 2027 | 2 Nov 2027 |
| Exam dates | 3 to 5 Nov 2027 | 10 to 12 Nov 2027 | 17 to 19 Nov 2027 |
| Results published | 6 Jan 2028 | 13 Jan 2028 | 13 Jan 2028 |
| Post-exam materials | 21 Jan 2028 | 28 Jan 2028 | 28 Jan 2028 |
| Certificate available | 17 Mar 2028 | 24 Mar 2028 | 31 Mar 2028 |
Always confirm the latest dates on the official AICPA and CIMA timetable before booking.
How the CIMA case study exams work
The case study exams are the milestone assessments that complete each level of the CIMA professional qualification. You sit one case study at the end of each level, after passing the three objective tests for that level.
- Operational Case Study (OCS) completes the Operational level and leads to the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting
- Management Case Study (MCS) completes the Management level and leads to the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting
- Strategic Case Study (SCS) completes the Strategic level and is the final step toward the ACMA and CGMA designation
- Each case study is a three hour, computer-based exam built around a realistic business scenario
- Within each window, Operational sits first, Management the following week, and Strategic the week after that
- You must pass all three objective tests at a level before you can sit that level's case study
CIMA pre-seen release dates and how the pre-seen works
Before each case study, CIMA releases pre-seen material: a set of documents about the fictional organisation at the centre of the exam. You study it in advance, so that on exam day you can focus on analysis and application rather than reading.
| Exam window | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 (shared with Nov 2025) | 19 Sep 2025 | 26 Sep 2025 | 3 Oct 2025 |
| May and August 2026 (one shared pre-seen) | 20 Mar 2026 | 27 Mar 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 |
| November 2026 (carries into Feb 2027) | 18 Sep 2026 | 25 Sep 2026 | 2 Oct 2026 |
One point catches many students out. Each pre-seen covers two consecutive windows. The November and the following February sittings share the same pre-seen, and the May and the following August sittings share the same pre-seen. That is why the August 2026 pre-seen dates are the same as the May 2026 dates, and the November 2026 pre-seen will carry into February 2027.
Plan around the pre-seen, not just the exam. Deep, structured pre-seen analysis is one of the biggest differences between a pass and a fail at case study level. Begin the moment your pre-seen is released, not the week before the exam.
Other dates worth knowing
- Objective tests are on demand. The objective tests at each level (E, P and F subjects) and the Certificate in Business Accounting exams (BA1 to BA4) are computer-based and can be sat all year round, not on fixed dates
- Booking deadlines are firm. Each case study window has an entry closing date. Make sure all your objective tests for the level are passed before that deadline, or you cannot enter
- Scheduling opens months ahead. The booking window for each sitting opens well in advance, so you can secure your preferred date and centre early
- The annual CIMA subscription renews every 1 January. Keep it current to stay eligible to book and sit exams
How to plan your next CIMA case study sitting
The dates above are only useful if you build your study plan backward from them. A simple, reliable approach:
- Pick your target window and level, then note the booking deadline and put it in your calendar now
- Confirm you can pass the level's three objective tests before that deadline, and book them early since they are on demand
- Mark the pre-seen release date, and plan to start structured pre-seen analysis from day one
- Sit full mock exams under timed conditions in the weeks before the window
- Keep the results date in view so you know when to plan your next level
Previous CIMA case study exam windows in 2026
For a complete 2026 record, the February, May and August windows remain below. Open any window to see its scheduling, pre-seen, booking, exam and results dates. The November 2026 window appears above because it is the next sitting.
| Exam window | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2026 | 4 to 6 February | 11 to 13 February | 18 to 20 February |
| May 2026 | 6 to 8 May | 13 to 15 May | 20 to 22 May |
| August 2026 | 5 to 7 August | 12 to 14 August | 19 to 21 August |
| November 2026 | 4 to 6 November | 11 to 13 November | 18 to 20 November |
View the February 2026 key dates
February 2026
Window 1This window has now passed. It is included for a complete year reference. Its pre-seen was shared with the November 2025 window.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 23 Jul 2025 | 30 Jul 2025 | 6 Aug 2025 |
| Pre-seen released | 19 Sep 2025 | 26 Sep 2025 | 3 Oct 2025 |
| Booking deadline | 20 Jan 2026 | 27 Jan 2026 | 3 Feb 2026 |
| Exam dates | 4 to 6 Feb 2026 | 11 to 13 Feb 2026 | 18 to 20 Feb 2026 |
| Results published | 26 Mar 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 | 9 Apr 2026 |
View the May 2026 key dates
May 2026
Window 2This window has now passed. Results were released from 25 June 2026 (see the table below). Its pre-seen was shared with the August 2026 window.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 22 Oct 2025 | 29 Oct 2025 | 5 Nov 2025 |
| Pre-seen released | 20 Mar 2026 | 27 Mar 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 |
| Booking deadline | 21 Apr 2026 | 28 Apr 2026 | 6 May 2026 |
| Exam dates | 6 to 8 May 2026 | 13 to 15 May 2026 | 20 to 22 May 2026 |
| Results published | 25 Jun 2026 | 2 Jul 2026 | 9 Jul 2026 |
View the August 2026 key dates
August 2026
Window 3 · PassedThis window has now passed. Results are published on 24 September (OCS), 1 October (MCS) and 8 October 2026 (SCS). Its pre-seen was shared with the May 2026 window.
| Key date | Operational (OCS) | Management (MCS) | Strategic (SCS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduling opens | 21 Jan 2026 | 28 Jan 2026 | 4 Feb 2026 |
| Pre-seen released | 20 Mar 2026 | 27 Mar 2026 | 2 Apr 2026 |
| Booking deadline | 21 Jul 2026 | 28 Jul 2026 | 4 Aug 2026 |
| Exam dates | 5 to 7 Aug 2026 | 12 to 14 Aug 2026 | 19 to 21 Aug 2026 |
| Results published | 24 Sep 2026 | 1 Oct 2026 | 8 Oct 2026 |
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CIMA case study exam dates 2026–2027: frequently asked questions
When is the next CIMA case study exam?
The next window is November 2026. The Operational Case Study sits on 4 to 6 November, the Management Case Study on 11 to 13 November and the Strategic Case Study on 18 to 20 November 2026. Booking closes on 20 October (OCS), 27 October (MCS) and 3 November 2026 (SCS).
When are the 2026 CIMA case study exams?
There are four 2026 windows. February (4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20 February), May (6 to 8, 13 to 15 and 20 to 22 May), August (5 to 7, 12 to 14 and 19 to 21 August) and November (4 to 6, 11 to 13 and 18 to 20 November). Within each window the Operational case study sits first, then Management, then Strategic.
How many times a year can I sit a CIMA case study exam?
Four times a year, in February, May, August and November. If you do not pass, you can re-sit at the next available window.
What is the difference between OCS, MCS and SCS?
They are the case study exams that complete each level. The Operational Case Study (OCS) completes the Operational level, the Management Case Study (MCS) completes the Management level, and the Strategic Case Study (SCS) completes the Strategic level and leads to the ACMA and CGMA designation.
When is the CIMA pre-seen material released in 2026?
For the May and August 2026 windows the pre-seen was released on 20 March (OCS), 27 March (MCS) and 2 April (SCS) 2026, and the same document covered both windows. For the November 2026 window the pre-seen will be released on 18 September (OCS), 25 September (MCS) and 2 October (SCS) 2026.
What is the booking deadline for the 2026 case study exams?
Each window has its own entry closing date by level. For May 2026 the deadlines were 21 April (OCS), 28 April (MCS) and 6 May (SCS). For August 2026 they were 21 July (OCS), 28 July (MCS) and 4 August (SCS). For November 2026 they are 20 October (OCS), 27 October (MCS) and 3 November (SCS). Always book well before the deadline.
When are the 2026 CIMA case study results released?
Results are published roughly seven weeks after each window. May 2026 results were published on 25 June (OCS), 2 July (MCS) and 9 July (SCS). August 2026 results are published on 24 September (OCS), 1 October (MCS) and 8 October (SCS). November 2026 results are released in January 2027 because of the year-end break, on 7 January (OCS) and 14 January (MCS and SCS).
When are the 2027 CIMA case study exams?
The official 2027 windows are February (OCS 3 to 5, MCS 10 to 12 and SCS 17 to 19 February), May (OCS 5 to 7, MCS 12 to 14 and SCS 19 to 21 May), August (OCS 4 to 6, MCS 11 to 13 and SCS 18 to 20 August), and November (OCS 3 to 5, MCS 10 to 12 and SCS 17 to 19 November 2027).
Are the CIMA objective tests on fixed dates too?
No. The objective tests at each level and the Certificate in Business Accounting exams are computer-based and available on demand throughout the year. Only the case study exams run in fixed windows.
Can I prepare for the CIMA case study exams online from Ghana?
Yes. MSL Business School delivers CIMA tuition fully online across all three levels, with live classes, recordings, structured pre-seen analysis, mock exams and the MSL multimodal AI study app. You can prepare from anywhere in Ghana and across West Africa.
