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 (China) 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:
Prospective candidates:
Course providers and IMA partners:
The case-based question format enables IMA to:
Measure skills consistently and fairly
Maintain the rigor and global standard of the CMA
Align with best practices used in high-stakes professional exams worldwide
Modernize the exam experience without changing its value.
Exam Change Timeline
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.*
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 (China), and Japan will continue to offer essay questions on the English and local language exams.