Current examination information · last verified 2026-07-16

The 2026 US CMA exam: case-based questions, explained.

IMA has replaced the essay section with case-based questions (CBQs). Here is exactly what changes, what does not, and how to prepare — verified against the official IMA announcement.

01 · What changes, what stays

Only the second section changes.

Unchanged

Topics, exam length, pricing and the credential itself do not change. The MCQ section stays exactly as it was: 100 multiple-choice questions per part (unchanged).

Changed

2 case-based questions (CBQs) per part — replacing essays. Score at least 50% on the MCQs to enter the second section.

02 · How CBQs work

A 250-word case. Structured answers.

Each CBQ presents a case study of approximately 250 words plus exhibits. You answer two case-based questions in the second section of each part. Instead of writing essays, you respond through structured item types:

Drag and dropFill in the blankSelect from a listNumerical calculation entry

03 · The transition timeline

When the change applies to you.

May / June 2026

Transition — candidates could choose essays or CBQs. Final window where essays were offered for the English exam.

September / October 2026

CBQs become the standard second section for English CMA exams in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa — including India.

Regional exception: China, Taiwan (China) and Japan continue to offer essay questions on the English and local-language exams.

04 · Part weights (per IMA CSO, effective Sept 2024)

What each part tests.

Part 1 — Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

External Financial Reporting Decisions — 15% · Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting — 20% · Performance Management — 20% · Cost Management — 15% · Internal Controls — 15% · Technology and Analytics — 15%

Part 2 — Strategic Financial Management

Financial Statement Analysis — 20% · Corporate Finance — 20% · Decision Analysis — 25% · Risk Management — 10% · Investment Decisions — 10% · Professional Ethics — 15%

05 · How Apex prepares you for CBQs

Cases are applied MCQs. We already train that way.

CBQs test application: read a scenario, calculate, select, decide. That is precisely what solving 1500+ MCQs live in class builds — scenario reasoning with faculty explaining the examiner's logic. Our mock program now mirrors the CBQ structure so exam day feels like practice. Explore the Mock Test Program or ask a counsellor about CBQs.