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The CMA Exam Format is Evolving

Introducing case-based questions, a modern format that meets global exam standards.

Register Now

Introducing case-based questions, a modern format that meets global exam standards.

Register Now

What’s changing?

ICMA, the IMA body that oversees the CMA exam program, is introducing case-based questions to the exam. During the May/June exam window, CMA candidates can choose between case-based questions or essays.

While different, case-based questions maintain the same rigor as the essay version of the exam and assess scenarios that are aligned to the complexity of today’s working environments.

Note that China, Japan, and Taiwan will continue to offer essay questions on the English and local language exams.

What are case-based questions?

Case-based questions use short, real-world business examples to assess how you apply your knowledge.

Each case-based question includes a 250-word case study followed by a set of questions including drag and drop, fill in the blank, select from a list, and calculation questions. You will answer two case-based questions in the second part of your CMA exam.

What will stay the same?

The exam price, length, credential name, and content do not change. The topics you study and the skills you demonstrate remain the same.

Who needs to know about this change?

Current candidates:

If you have already started studying, keep going! The knowledge tested will remain the same. You won’t need to purchase new study materials.

Prospective candidates:

There is no reason to wait to start studying. Starting now keeps you moving toward completion, and your learning applies to both formats. Find a study resource.

Course providers and IMA partners:

Course providers and publishers will be adjusting their study resources to align with the new format to provide candidates with the confidence to succeed.

The case-based question format enables IMA to:

Measure skills consistently and fairly

Case-based questions provide a structured, objective way to evaluate applied knowledge and decision-making.

Maintain the rigor and global standard of the CMA

The content, difficulty, and expectations of the exam remain the same. This change updates how skills are assessed, not what is assessed.

Align with best practices used in high-stakes professional exams worldwide

Leading certification bodies have moved away from long-form essays in favor of case-based formats that offer reliability, validity, and fairness.

Modernize the exam experience without changing its value.

Exam length, pricing, and credential recognition remain unchanged.

Exam Change Timeline

Website Calendar

January 2026

Registration opens for the case-based question option.


Website Calendar

May/June 2026 testing window

Candidates may choose either essays or case-based questions for each exam part.

This will be the final testing window where essays are offered for the English exam.*

Website Calendar

September/October 2026 and beyond

Case-based questions become the standard format for the CMA exam.

Essays will no longer be available in English CMA exams delivered in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific* and Africa.


*China, Taiwan, and Japan will continue to offer essay questions on the English and local language exams.

Register for the CMA

Examples of Case-Based Questions

Want to know how case-based questions work? Download examples of how the CMA will use short case studies to test analysis, calculations, and judgment on the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions people have about the CMA exam change.


No. The case-based questions test the same topics at the same difficulty level as the essays. Only the format is different.

No. The Content Specification Outline and Learning Outcome Statements do not change.

The goal is to make sure the exam reflects current needs in a modern testing environment. This will improve the testing experience for candidates.

Yes. If you want to transfer your exam appointment to the case-based question version, ICMA will not charge you a fee. You must submit the request by March 31, 2026.

You must answer at least 50% of the multiple-choice questions correctly to take the case-based question section. You will receive points for each question you answer correctly. There is no penalty for wrong answers. The case-based question section has the same weight as the essay section. Like essays, case-based questions give partial credit for answers.

Case-Based Questions Are Backed by Research

This approach is backed by industry research and widely used in modern professional exams.

Innovative Item Types: A White Paper and Portfolio Developing a Strategy for Using Technology-Enhanced Items in Large-Scale Standardized Tests

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