Course Overview
Before starting the FMFB course please read through the course programme below.
For a printable PDF version of this page, please click here.
- How to complete the FMFB Course
- The online simulation models
- The tests and assessments
- Study guidance
- Issues
1. How to complete the FMFB course?
The FMFB course is accompanied by the Cambridge University Press Book, Financial Management for Business: Cracking the Hidden Code.
If you do not yet have a copy of this book please purchase this from our online shop, or, if you are not based in the UK, from www.amazon.co.uk, www.cup.com or your preferred bookseller.
This book will guide you through the different simulation models and instructions for how to use them to develop your understanding of Business Finance.
If you are sitting the course with a teaching organisation such as a higher learning provider, school or university, then you may be provided with other course materials that will guide you through the FMFB course, or you may be directed to the "teaching slides" on the "Instructor" menu.
2. The online simulation models
To use the models you will need a licence code that will unlock the models for a certain amount of time.
This can either be purchased from our online shop or will be provided to you by your teaching organisation.
You need to enter this licence on your "Account" page to unlock the models.
When prompted by the text or instructor to open models, simply click on the model number in the Course Contents table.
Provided you have entered a licence that enables you to use the models these will open in a new web browser.
Model Controls
Your accompanying text will take you through how to use the models.
The diagram below shows the format and basic controls of the models.
- The Model number
- The time frame over which the simulation has been running
- A numerical view of the simulation as you would expect to see it in the financial statements.
Clicking on a part of the simulation will highlight the relevant part of the numerical report.
In later models you can also choose to view graphical analysis in this part of the console.
- The speed (1-6) at which the simulation will run
- The scale used in the simulation consoles
- The amount of history (days) that the simulation consoles will display
- The model simulation itself
- Reset: restarts the simulation
- Start: to begin the simulation, or "pause" once it has started
- Test: click to open the test
3. The tests and assessments
Chapter tests and the 2 course assessments are relevant for those individuals who would like to try for the CIMA certificate, or for accreditation by the respective school/university governing body.
To use the tests and sit the assessments you will need to have entered a "full course" licence on your account page.
Each model is accompanied by a 10 question multiple choice test.
This is at the bottom of the model dashboard.
When you have covered the chapter and tested your understanding with the model please open the test.
Each test takes 10 minutes (1 minute per question) and you will find out your score at the end of the test.
To see all your past test scores click on the "Account / My Test Results" menu option.
When you have completed the course and are averaging over 70% in the tests, you are ready to sit the assessments.
The assessments are taken online and involve 45 multiple choice questions over an allotted time of 45 minutes.
They may be taken on separate occasions or at the same sitting.
The pass mark is 50% across both parts together, with a minimum achievement of 45% in either part.
A score of 50% or more in one part may be carried over to enable you to sit the other part on a separate occasion.
At the start of each assessment you must confirm a declaration that you will undertake the assessment solely and totally using your own individual effort without any outside help or influence and without referring to any notes, books, models or practice tests.
Please contact your course provider, or us (see links on the contact us menu) to arrange an assessment.
Your results will be ready immediately and candidates who are successful in both parts will be sent a CIMA certificate to the address they have listed on their account details page.
4. Study guidance
We recommend spending 1-2 hours on each of the 18 modules and each assessment lasts for 45 minutes.
Completing the full course therefore requires between 20-30 hours.
The FMFB book, or your study text will take you through each of the modules.
Once you are averaging over 70% in the tests, you are ready to take the two assessments.
Prior to each assessment we recommend spending an hour revising the key principles in the relevant Part.
This is often best achieved by experimenting with the online models.
5. Issues
If you have any questions or learning issues, in the first instance please contact your course provider.
Where you are conducting self-study online you can use the feedback section to contact us with your question.
While we will endeavour to answer all questions, individuals who feel they require more guidance should investigate one of our higher learning partners for face to face course options.
Technical issues can be reported to us using the details listed in the contact us section.