Where to begin
As you are starting your journey on the Foundation Programme, you must take the Foundation Programme module first before attempting any Qualifying Programme modules. Once you have passed the Foundation exam, you can then progress to Part 1 of the Qualifying Programme.
Then, you can take up to two exams in each session, but it’s important to think carefully about how much study time you can realistically commit to.
We recommend allowing around 200 hours of preparation for each exam that you take with us at the CGI. For many students, particularly those in full‑time work, this means planning ahead to balance study with other responsibilities.
You may wish to create your own study schedule, and many students find it helpful to work with one of our tuition partners. From our experience, students who choose this method are more successful in their studies.
For this reason, we suggest choosing one subject for your first Qualifying Programme exam session.
If you later decide not to take an exam you have already booked, please contact us to postpone your exam date. A postponement fee will apply.
You can learn more about how to prepare for your studies by taking our Study Skills course.
You can take up to two exams in each session, but it’s important to think carefully about how much study time you can realistically commit to. For many students, particularly those in full‑time work, this means planning ahead to balance study with other responsibilities.
For this reason, we suggest choosing one subject for your first exam session. If you later decide not to take an exam you have already booked, please contact us to postpone your exam date. A postponement fee will apply.
You can learn more about how to prepare for your studies by taking our Study Skills course.
Study Text
Your study text contains all the core knowledge you will need to prepare for your exam.
As you’re studying the Foundation Programme qualification, your study text is included in your registration fee and provided as an e‑copy.
You can find your study text on MyCG. Once you have logged into MyCG, you can refer to the 'resources' section to download your e-copy.
eLearning
The eLearning resources within the Foundation Programme are designed as a flexible set of digital learning that allows you to build essential governance knowledge at your own pace. These include:
Introducing the Business environment
Introduction to Laws
Principles of company Compliance and administration
Introduction to Finance and accounting.
You can access eLearning via the Learning Management System (LMS).
Book your exam, make sure it's on time.
Each exam session has a closing date for new bookings, as well as for making any changes to an existing booking. These deadlines are usually at the end of April for the June exams and at the end of September for the November exams. However, it is your responsibility to check the relevant deadlines for your exam session.
Make sure you register before the closing date. If you have already booked an exam and need to make a change, you will need to do this before the deadline too. You can find all key dates on the Student Information page of the CGI website.
Why study with a tuition partner?
Regular check‑ins with a tutor and a clear study schedule help you keep on track.
Tutors help you apply the syllabus to real‑life situations, giving you a fuller grasp of each subject.
You’ll have access to mock exams, practice papers and marked assessments, so you can understand your progress and receive valuable feedback.
Networking
Connecting with other students and members can be a great source of support while you study. It’s especially useful to meet others who are preparing for the same exam session as you.
If your employer is supporting your studies, there may already be colleagues preparing for CGI qualifications. Even if you are studying independently, it’s worth letting your employer know. Ask whether they offer any support for students or if others in your organisation are also studying with us.
Studying with a tuition partner gives you regular contact with a tutor and provides a structured study plan. We strongly recommend considering this option. Tuition groups also connect you with other students taking the same exam, making it an easy way to meet peers and share your progress.
The Foundation Programme forum provides a dedicated space for students to connect, collaborate and learn from one another throughout their studies. Accessible via the LMS, it enables you to engage with peers on the same qualification as you. The forum is also moderated by CGIUKI ensuring that discussions remain relevant and enriching. Feel free to introduce yourself when you gain access to the LMS to connect to the student community.
