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Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The CMA Exam 2026 evolution transitions from Essays to Case-Based Questions (CBQs) starting September/October 2026.
- Candidates will have a choice between Essay or CBQ in the May/June 2026 window, while MCQs will still account for 75% of the exam.
- CBQs include scenario-driven questions with new formats like Drag and Drop and Fill-in-the-Blanks, making it easier for non-native English speakers.
- Tips for success involve time management strategies and flagging tough questions, as CBQs will offer partial credit without penalties for incorrect answers.
- As a Platinum-Approved Provider, Morgan International offers open enrollment for CMA courses and exclusive discounts on IMA membership.
To aid CMA candidates in the exam transition, Morgan International recently organized a technical webinar featuring Ahmad Mkhallati (Senior Director, IMA) and Kadeeja Chunkath Alavikutty (CMA Instructor and Beta Exam-taker). Here is everything you should know about the transition from Essays to Case-Based Questions (CBQs).
From Essays to CBQs
The biggest change mentioned was the change in the final section of the exam from essays to CBQs.
The Multiple Choice Question (MCQ) section will continue to be 75% of the exam. Meanwhile, the other 25% will be gradually transforming into Case-Based Questions (CBQs) starting from the September/October 2026 exam cycle.
- The May/June 2026 window is a special one with the option given to candidates to select either Essay or CBQ.
- Content Consistency: Mr. Ahmad stated that the Content Specification Outline (CSO) and Learning Objective Statements (LOS) have not changed. You’re learning the same material, and only the test is changing.
Inside The Beta Version
Mrs. Khadija, who participated in the IMA’s beta testing for the new format, provided a first-hand look at the interactive CBQ structure:
- Scenario-Driven: Candidates were given a business scenario (approx. 250 words) and then 5-7 objective questions.
- Question Types: They have changed to include Drag and Drop (place the item in the appropriate category or order), Multiple Select (select the best 2 or 3 answers), Numerical Entry (calculate and enter raw numbers), and Fill-in-the-Blanks (drop-down menus).
- Language Barrier: The change will make the exam easier for candidates who are not very comfortable with writing in English long-form.
Tips for Success
- The 10-Second Rule: If you don’t know a concept within 10 seconds, flag it and jump to the next question to keep the momentum going. Once done with all the questions, go back to the flagged questions in the remaining time of the exam.
- Strategic Time Management: With the MCQs, you will have about 1.5 minutes per question. Additionally, you should expect 30 minutes per CBQ scenario.
- Partial Credit: Much like current Essays, the IMA partially grades CBQs and assigns no negative marks for incorrect answers—so make sure you answer every question.
- Faster Results: Since automation powers CBQs, the IMA expects to publish results significantly faster than the current 45-day manual grading timeframe.
Your Next Steps with Morgan International
As a Platinum-Approved Provider, we’re committed to getting you Exam Day Ready.
- Enrollment is OPEN: Reserve your place for our next Part I intakes, on May 15 and July 6.
- IMA Savings: Morgan candidates still get a special 45% discount on IMA membership and entrance fees.
Don’t wait for change, be part of it! Whether you choose to beat the clock in May or embrace the new CBQ format in September, the time to take action is now.
