January 26, 2026

A Complete Guide to CMA Case-Based Questions

The Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) recently announced that they will replace the essay scenario section of the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam with new Case-Based Questions (CBQs), introducing several new question formats.

In this guide, we explain the CBQ structure, break down each new question type, and highlight what this update means for you as a CMA candidate.

Timeline for CMA CBQ exam changes

If you’re already preparing for the CMA exam, there’s no need to worry—the January/February 2026 testing window won’t be impacted by these updates. If you plan to sit for the exam in the May/June 2026 window, you’ll be able to choose between the essay format or the new Case-Based Questions (CBQs). Registration for the CBQ option will open in January 2026.

Starting from the September/October 2026 testing window, the essay section will be officially removed, and CBQs will become the standard format for English CMA exams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa.

What are the new CMA Case-Based Questions?

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Drag-and-drop

You’ll drag the correct answers into the matching places. The exam will indicate whether all options must be used or if some will remain unused. In some questions, you may need to arrange steps in the correct sequence.

Fill in the blank

You’ll complete a sentence by choosing the correct option from a drop-down list to fill the missing word or phrase.

Calculation (numerical entry)

You’ll type your numerical answer into a box. You won’t enter currency symbols, commas, or decimal points, and the exam will give instructions on rounding (such as the number of decimal places) when needed.

How we can help you prepare (CBQ-ready)

At Infinity Training International, we’ll make sure you feel confident with CBQs—step by step. We provide CBQ-style practice sets, short case studies with exhibits, and guided solving sessions so you get comfortable with drag-and-drop, list selection, fill-in-the-blank, and numerical entry formats. You’ll also get exam-focused strategies, time-management tips, and feedback on common mistakes—so you’re not just learning the concepts, but learning how to score in the new CBQ format.

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