I just took part 2! Haven't taken part 1 yet but based off my experience, the CMA exams seem easier than FAR and REG but harder than AUD and BEC. I thought the multiple choice was a little tricky and more in depth but the essay portion wasn't bad at all. Maybe I just got lucky on the topics I received for the essays but either way, definitely not as bad as CPA SIMs.
Some of them were, but less than I expected. I used GleimCMA and it prepared me equally for all questions but the exam kind of felt like the CPA in that they try to touch as many topics as they can versus going really in depth in just a couple topics.
Also time management is key on this exam. I consider myself a very fast test taker, but I finished with like 15 seconds left. So one thing I felt was beneficial was going through all of the shorter questions that I knew first, then going back to the harder ones. If it felt like I either didn't know the answer, or it would take too long to figure out the answer, I just went on to the next question. Don't spend too much time during your test on one question.
It was not too bad. No where near CPA exams lol.
However, my simulations were many. I had 10 different tasks with three questions in each making a total of 30 questions to respond to in one hour. That was very rough. However, it seems new as my Gleim CMA study coach was shocked to hear that.
I plan to take the CMA Part 2 on September 2nd and will only have 3 weeks to study. The size of the CMA Part 2 book is quite encouraging compared to my current book, FAR 🙁 . So I need tips about the Part 2.
Wait what? Hahaha wow… were they at least 30 small questions? Because I know on my part two, I only had 10 total questions and there's no way I would've been able to finish 30 questions. At least it's only 25% of the exam!
But oh yeah, I'd rather take 3 CMA exams over the 1 FAR exam haha but I honestly think 3 weeks will be fine. Just make sure you spend enough time on the practice questions! So I'd probably spend have my time with the lectures and the other half with problems. When I took it, I went through the Gleim cma testbank during my review phase and spent the last couple of days right before my test reviewing the IMA support package they provided.
One of the bigger/harder sections on part two is the NPV/Initial Investment but if you can get hold of one of the approved financial calculators, just practice those problems using that and it should be easy. I didn't know we could bring our own calculator until after I took the exam.. 🙂
Shouldn't you both be getting scores soon? Let us know! I plan to take them in Sept/Oct if everything goes well this CPA score release. I bought HOCK so I have been picking through their TB, way too many loaded questions though
@mtaylo24 yeah, I think I get mine around August 11th? Will definitely let y'all know! If HOCK's TB is too much, maybe just try to get through it and then use the IMA support package. I thought the support package was really helpful.
@tvpaul Yes, they were small, easy and basic. something like what is a SWOT analysis (not the exact one i got, just an example) and then the questions build up on that, advantages, disadvantages etc.
Thank you. Oh yeah, I took my financial calculator – didnt need it much for Part 1 tho but I assume I will be relying on it for those parts you mentioned.
And yes, the package is really helpful!
@mtaylo24 Yes, August 11th. I even get to see it before Audit score release :(. The IMA Support package is crucial as Typaul mentioned
**Going back to FAR, only 8 more days** Wish me luck 😀
@tvpaul, How long did it take you to go through the app process? Im still holding off on paying any CMA fees until I hear back on the CPA. Buying the software was already a tough financial decision. Im guessing that the support package is included with membership?
@mtaylo24 I don't remember specifics because I signed up awhile ago but if I remember correctly, it was pretty quick. Especially because you can take the exams before you even send in your education and work requirements. But yes it is! They send you a PDF with ~350 questions per exam
@tvpaul Any luck with your result? I checked all night – didn't see anything but saw that August 11 was only an estimate and that some predicted from August 11-August 17 🤔🙃. Let me know whenever you are able to see your score
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