CMA Part 1 guide: syllabus and the 2026 case-based format

Last checked: 4 November 2026. Part 1 of the U.S. CMA certification assesses Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics. It is separate from Saudi Capital Market Authority examinations that share the CMA abbreviation.

The Middle East exam format

From the September/October 2026 window, the English exam has 100 MCQs in three hours followed by two case-based sets in one hour. You must earn at least 50% of the MCQ points to access the cases. Once you leave the MCQ section, you cannot return.

This bank provides supplementary MCQ practice. Also practise reading a case, combining information across exhibits and entering calculations, and use Prometric’s exam experience to become familiar with the required interactions.

Syllabus domains

Use the learning outcomes to check the details. One question may combine domains. These are domain weights, not fixed counts promised for every subtopic.

A practical review sequence

1. Start with financial statements and cost classification to build the calculation foundation.
2. Link sales, production, materials and cash budgets, then practise price, efficiency and volume variances.
3. Review responsibility centres, ROI, residual income and balanced scorecards.
4. Apply internal controls, segregation of duties, data governance and technology selection to business situations.
5. After each question, explain why one answer works and why each alternative fails, and repeat the calculation yourself.

Scoring and registration

The passing score is 360 on a 0–500 scaled score. This is not a 72% correct-answer threshold. Join IMA, enroll in the CMA program and register for your part and window, then book with Prometric after receiving authorization.

Published per-part fees are USD 545 for professionals and USD 407 for students and academics, with membership and entrance fees charged separately. Check the final price, appointment rules and approved calculator policy before paying.

English and Arabic support your study here; Arabic is a learning aid. This independent website is not affiliated with IMA, ICMA, Qiyas or any government body.