CMA exam changes: essays are out, case-based questions are in
Last checked October 21, 2026 · Sources: IMA’s case-based questions page and getting-started page (timeline, regions keeping essays); providers’ own pages for course updates (Becker’s September 2026 article, Gleim, UWorld, HOCK).
The biggest of the 2026 CMA exam changes: from the September/October 2026 window, the two essays at the end of each CMA part are gone on English exams in most regions. Two case-based questions replace them. IMA says the content, length, price and passing score all stay the same.
The timeline
| Testing window | Written section |
|---|---|
| January/February 2026 | Essays only |
| May/June 2026 | Your choice of essays or case-based questions; the last window with English essays |
| September/October 2026 onward | Case-based questions only |
China, Japan and Taiwan (China) continue to offer essays on their English and local-language exams.
What a case-based question is
Each one opens with a short business case of about 250 words, with exhibits such as financial statements or charts. Up to seven questions follow, all about that case. Instead of writing paragraphs, you enter numbers, select from options, drag items into order or rank choices.
The rest of the exam is unchanged. Each part still opens with 100 multiple-choice questions in three hours, and you still need at least 50% of that section right before the case-based section unlocks.
What does not change
How review courses have responded
| Course | Case-based practice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Becker | 40+ case-based questions | Course updated in April 2026 to add case-based questions to homework and practice |
| Gleim | 120+ case-based questions | Listed for both Traditional and Premium |
| UWorld | Dedicated case-based question sets | Added ahead of the change |
| HOCK | Case-based questions in an exam-style interface | Included in the membership |
From each provider’s own pages, checked October 2026.
See our best CMA review courses for ratings and prices.
What to do about it
You will get case-based questions whether you planned for them or not. Move your essay practice over to case sets now.
Courses bought before 2026 may only have essay practice. Check your provider has added case-based questions; the major ones have.
IMA's exam support package for enrolled candidates includes sample case-based questions. Work through them so the interface is not a surprise on exam day.
Common questions about the CMA exam changes
Is the content changing?
No. IMA says the topics and their weightings are unchanged. Only the format of the written section is different.
Will case-based questions make the exam easier?
There is no data yet. September/October 2026 is the first window with only case-based questions, and IMA has not published current pass rates since 2020.
I passed a part with essays. Does that still count?
Yes. A passed part stays passed, as long as you finish both parts inside your three-year window.
Does the change affect the exam fee?
No. IMA says the price stays the same: $545 per part, or $407 for students and academics.
Can I still choose essays?
Only in China, Japan and Taiwan (China), which keep essays on their English and local-language exams.