If you’re wondering how to pass the CMA Exam, you know that complex content and a strict testing environment can be intimidating. But Becker is here to support!
One of our distinguished instructors, Michael Brown, CMA, CGMA, CPA, shared his best tips and tricks for how to pass the CMA Exam. We’ve compiled Mike’s advice to help CMA candidates study to the best of their abilities.
4 expert tips on how to pass the CMA Exam
1. Master the multiple choice
Multiple choice questions (MCQs) comprise a significant portion of both parts 1 and 2 of the CMA Exam. In fact, each part contains 100 multiple choice questions, 50% of which you must pass to continue to the essay questions. Here are some tips to help you through this crucial part of the exam:
- Practice, practice, practice! Make sure you run through a significant number of practice multiple choice questions to ensure that you’ve covered all necessary topics. Practicing multiple choice questions regularly is a crucial step in how to pass the CMA Exam, as it will also help you get used to the format of the questions and become comfortable ruling out incorrect answer choices, saving you time in the long run.
- Determine the “call” of the question. Make sure you understand what the question is really asking, and if all information presented is relevant to solving it.
- Read all four choices before choosing one as your answer. Even if you see one answer choice that stands out to you as correct, make sure to read all choices before selecting one. Other choices may make sense, but make sure to choose the best one.
- Control the amount of time you spend on each question. Don’t dwell on one question. If you can’t figure it out, move on and revisit it later to make sure you have time to answer each question.
- Answer every multiple-choice question. Even if you have to guess, choose an answer for each question, as the CMA Exam doesn’t penalize you for incorrect answers.
2. Become an expert at essays
Figuring out how to pass the CMA Exam means that you must learn how to excel on the essay questions. Accounting for 25% of your score and usually consisting of 5-6 parts, you need to do well on this section to boost your overall score.
- Be familiar with the format and functionality. Make sure you practice writing at least a few essays when studying to familiarize yourself with the type and structure of questions the essays will ask for, so that you aren’t surprised on exam day. Whether it’s defining a term, performing a calculation, or applying a concept, knowing what will be expected from the essay questions can help a great deal on exam day.
- Review each task’s instructions. Read the background information provided thoroughly to make sure you understand the scope of the question. Make sure your responses directly address what is asked in each step of the question, and that they are clear and to-the-point. Show your work where indicated.
- Be sure you have answered all requirements for each task. Double check to make sure you’ve answered every part of each question, and that your answers make practical sense.
- Control the amount of time you spend on each task. Again, move through the essay parts at a reasonable pace, to ensure you get to each part, without rushing through. Make sure to double-check your work and calculations if there’s time.
3. Develop positive studying conditions
The way you approach studying can be just as important as the information that you’re studying when you are getting ready to pass the CMA Exam. Follow these tips so you can study as effectively as possible:
- Set aside one to two weeks to review before your scheduled exam date. Rather than cramming in new material in the last few weeks of studying, use the time ahead of your exam to review what you’ve already learned. This method will help solidify information you’ve already taken in and make it easier to recall during the test.
- Take a simulated exam in strict exam-like conditions. The key to knowing how to pass the CMA Exam is unlocked by emulating the environment of the actual test. Set a timer for exam sections, study in a quiet space, and turn off all distractions to replicate an exam-like setting.
- Do not work until you drop! Make sure to leave time for breaks during study sessions so you can decompress and reduce your stress levels. Studying while exhausted is bound to be unproductive and can have negative mental and physical effects. Always prioritize your health, and if you’re feeling burnt out, give yourself some time off from studying so you can be refreshed when you return.
4. Partner with a CMA Exam review course
Learning how to pass the CMA Exam depends upon enrolling in a CMA Exam review course that provides the guidance and resources to help you be successful.
Becker’s CMA Exam review is updated to fit the new CMA testing blueprint and offers all the support to help you be Exam Day ReadySM.
- Study materials
- Expert instruction
- Test-taking tips
- Practice questions
- Personalized study planner
Tips for exam day
Although advanced preparation is key, ensuring that your exam day goes as smoothly as possible is critical in how to pass the CMA Exam.
Make sure that you prepare for exam day ahead of time so that you’re confident and well-rested the morning of your test. Ensure that you have ready all the materials needed to enter the CMA Exam testing room, and that you know how to get to the Prometric testing center. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your Prometric appointment to reduce stress and allot for any traffic or unforeseen incidents. Of course, make sure to dress comfortably, get a good night’s sleep, and eat a healthy breakfast before testing so that you’re 100% focused on the exam at hand.
Pass the CMA Exam with Becker
Studying may seem stressful, but with these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be prepared with how to pass the CMA Exam in no time.
Get a 14-day free trial of Becker’s CMA Exam review to experience how we can help you be prepared, confident, and successful on exam day!
Featured Articles
About the author
