P1: Management Accounting

220 questions

P1 builds on the management accounting foundations from BA2, covering cost accounting for decision-making and control, budgeting and budgetary control, short-term commercial decisions, and techniques for dealing with uncertainty. This is the Performance pillar subject at Operational level, examined through a 90-minute objective test.

Topics

  • Cost Accounting for Decision and Control
  • Budgeting and Budgetary Control
  • Short-Term Commercial Decision-Making
  • Dealing with Uncertainty

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Frequently Asked Questions

What topics are covered in CIMA P1?

P1 covers four areas: cost accounting for decision and control (including ABC and lifecycle costing), budgeting and budgetary control, short-term commercial decision-making (including relevant costing and pricing), and dealing with uncertainty using probability and risk analysis.

How is the P1 exam structured?

P1 is a 90-minute computer-based objective test containing 60 questions. Question types include multiple choice, multiple response, drag and drop, and number entry. It is available on demand at Pearson VUE test centres.

What is the pass mark for P1?

You need to score at least 70% to pass the P1 objective test. Results are available immediately after completing the exam.

Is P1 very calculation-heavy?

Yes — P1 is one of the most numerically demanding CIMA subjects. You should be comfortable with costing calculations, budget preparation, variance analysis, and probability-based decision-making. Regular practice with numerical questions is essential.