If you’ve recently switched to the FLP, or you’re just starting your CIMA journey on this route, you’ve probably noticed the biggest perk immediately: flexibility.
There are no objective test exam dates looming over you. You can study at your own pace, blitz through competencies on a quiet weekend, or take a week off when work gets crazy.
But you may also have begun to find that your freedom on the FLP is a double-edged sword.
The “I’ll do it tomorrow” syndrome
When I was studying, the sheer fear of a booked exam date kept me honest. On the FLP, that external pressure vanishes until you reach the case study.
It is incredibly easy to let a “night off” turn into a “week off.” Before you know it, you’re 3 months behind schedule and the case study window you were aiming for has sailed past.
Accountability is the single most important factor in passing the FLP. Without it, you aren’t really studying, you’re just paying a subscription fee.
Keeping up momentum
Having been through the syllabus myself, there are some strategies that I believe are essential for FLP students to maintain momentum.
1. Work backwards from the case study
Don’t just say, “I want to finish the Management Level soon.” Pick a specific case study window (e.g., May or August) and put it in your calendar. Then, work backward to determine exactly how many competencies you need to cover each week to meet that deadline.
2. The “public” commitment
Tell your manager, your partner, or your best pal exactly when you plan to finish a specific module. When you know someone is going to ask, “How did that topic go?” on Monday morning, you’re much less likely to spend Sunday binge-watching Netflix.
3. The ‘little and often’ approach
The FLP platform is designed for bite-sized learning. You don’t need the 4 hour library blocks I used to do. Commit to doing just 30 minutes before work or one topic during lunch. This makes it feel much more achievable to keep up that motivation.
Staying accountable
Sometimes, willpower just isn’t enough. We all have those moments where life gets in the way or a particular topic (I’m looking at you, P2) just feels impossible to get through.
What you need is a solid study plan and a support system to keep you accountable.
Here’s 3 top tips for staying on track:
- Build a realistic study plan – they help you map out exactly what you need to do to hit your target case study window
- Have realistic goals and stick to them– set yourself clear targets and keep track of when you tick these off.
- Take opportunities to self-reflect – what’s working well for you? What’s not? Don’t trudge on with the same study techniques if they’re not working out, adapt and overcome!
Need some help with this? Tuition providers such as Astranti can be invaluable here. You’ll get well structured resources to help you stay on track and, if you sign up to Astranti’s FLP course, you’ll even get your own student mentor to support you through the process.
Final thoughts
The FLP is a fantastic pathway to the CGMA designation, and honestly, I’m slightly jealous I didn’t have it as an option!
But it requires a different mindset. You have to be your own boss.
With that being said, even the best bosses have advisors. Whether it’s a rigid schedule, a study buddy, or a dedicated mentor, put a system in place that keeps you accountable.
Good luck, and keep ticking off those competencies!
The CIMA Student 