CIMA·OPERATIONAL · Operational Level·UnitCase studyAccess: Premium
OCS: Operational Case Study
The Operational Case Study (OCS) is a 3-hour exam that tests your ability to apply knowledge from E1, P1, and F1 to a realistic business scenario. Unlike objective tests, the OCS requires written responses and is human-marked. It is sat in one of four exam windows per year and is the gateway to the Management level.
Case study structure
Exam information
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Format
- Written responses to tasks based on a pre-seen scenario, integrating knowledge from E1, P1 and F1
Constituent units
This case-study unit integrates the technical content from the units below. Practise each one separately first if you’re not yet ready for a full mock.
- 01E1: Managing Finance in a Digital WorldAccess: Premium
- 02P1: Management AccountingAccess: Premium
- 03F1: Financial ReportingAccess: Premium
Frequently asked questions
4 questionsHow is the OCS exam structured?
The OCS is a 3-hour computer-based exam with several tasks based on a pre-seen scenario published in advance. You write responses to realistic business problems that integrate knowledge from E1, P1, and F1. The exam is human-marked against published assessment criteria.
When can I sit the OCS?
The OCS is available four times per year in February, May, August, and November exam windows. You must pass all three Operational level objective tests (E1, P1, F1) before you can sit the OCS.
What is the pre-seen material?
CIMA publishes a detailed case study scenario several weeks before the exam. This pre-seen includes financial statements, organisational background, and industry context. You should analyse this material thoroughly before the exam, as the exam tasks will be based on this scenario.
What is the pass mark for the OCS?
The OCS pass mark is not a fixed percentage. Your script is marked holistically against competency criteria, and a pass/fail decision is made based on your overall performance across the tasks. Examiners assess your ability to apply knowledge in practice, not your ability to recall theory.