About How to prepare for the CMA Online Exams?

The CMA institute has started conducting its examination online. Most of you will be worried if there are any changes in the study pattern and revision style.

Below, we will discuss how we can approach these changes in the exam pattern.

First, we will look at what we will cover in this topic

• What types of questions does the examination include?
• How to practice for the online exams?
• What changes do you need to make during the initial phase of the study period?
• Do you need to follow any special strategy during the revision phase?
• What will be the marks distribution in the examination?
• A special tip for acing the examination.

Note: You will also be able to Download the PDF of the latest MTPs.

Now, let’s go through the topics one by one.

What type of questions does the examination include:

There will be three types of questions, namely objective, descriptive, and theory.

Objective question: 

These questions are multiple-choice or short answers or fill in the blanks type questions that carry 1 mark each.

No Negative Marking for incorrect answers. Answer all the questions even if you do not know the corrects answers.

If you are asked questions in the form of a sum, solve it on a rough sheet and select the appropriate option on the screen.
                       
Pro tip: For solving the questions with the sum, use rough sheets provided in the exam centre. Try to first complete theory based objective questions that don't require solving the question. This way, you will be able to attempt the maximum number of questions.

Descriptive question:

Before the start of the online examination, the descriptive questions involved a lot of writing. Now, there are no such criteria. There will be a main question and you are required to write the final answer there. For workings, use the rough sheets provided in the exam center.
So, take down your class notes in a descriptive form. Mark and highlight all the important solutions and topics.

Pro Tip: How to handle such questions?
You may try to solve a question quickly on a rough sheet. Make sure you do not take more than 20 minutes to solve one question of 12 marks.

Theory question: 

These questions consist of short notes.
You need to answer in 5-10 lines for each question. These questions carry 3 marks each.

You need to type the answer on the screen while attempting theory questions.

 How to practice for the theory questions?

• Practice typing during the revision to maintain speed during exams.
• Always make sure that you are not making any spelling errors.
• Type only one sentence per line.
• When you need to change the paragraph, press the enter button to make it look neat. It will be easy for the examiner to check.
• Focus on giving the correct points. Do not elaborate unnecessarily.

How to practice for the online exams?

As part of your preparation, you should attempt some Mock Tests to acquaint youself with the online pattern and change in form of questions.
You must appear for Online Tests provided by the Institute before exams for all the subjects.

What changes do you need to make during the initial phase of the study period?

There will be no change in the study patterns due to online examination as there is no change in the syllabus.
You should follow the guidance given by your mentors. 
Make notes as usual and follow all the instructions given to you in the classroom. 
You must take the class notes in the most descriptive format. Write down each and every step/ instruction during the class hours.

Do you need to follow any special strategy during the revision phase?

You must take the Institute MAT and practice as many calculations as possible. 
The Institute offers three types of MAT tests: the first is a Workbook, the second is the BITS that consist of the objective type questions, and the third is the study material. 
In the revision phase, you must cover both the class notes and the Institute MAT. 

Pro Tip:
Must do the ABC analysis of each question, for better revision. Categorise questions with multiple tricks under the A category,  questions with one trick under the B category, and the C category consist of the questions with no tricks.

What will be the marks distribution in the examination?

The paper pattern is the same for all the subjects in Intermediate and Finals. It comprises of four sections as below:

• Section A - 20 Marks (20 questions of 1 mark each)
• Section B - 20 Marks (20 questions of 1 mark each)
• Section C - 48 Marks (4 questions out of 6 questions of 12 marks each)
• Section D - 12 Marks (Case Study Based Question)

A special tip for acing the examination.

• You must follow the pattern or format of the solution provided by the Institute while preparing.
• Stick to the solution regardless of what you think the solution will be.
• Unlearn your approach for a while and stick to the rules during your exam.
• If you have any further questions or doubts regarding the CMA online exam, please feel free to contact us by commenting below.

Below is also a PDF of General Instructions which is to be read carefully before starting the online exams.      

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