In this video, I explain my CMA exam essay tips, including how you can maximize your score based on organization and time management. The essays are graded by trained subject matter experts using an approved scoring rubric to ensure objectivity and consistency. The essay is positively graded, which means you start with zero point and gain points once you are able to satisfy the requirement of the scoring rubric. It also means that there is no penalty for wrong answers. There is a maximum number of points for each essay. Once you reach the full mark, the graders cannot give you extra points. This means that you won’t be able to rely on the essays to make up for lower performance in the multiple choice section. What are the implications? Please read the presentation (with embedded video) to find out. Questions are welcome!

1. Copyright © 2014 IPasstheCMAExam.com
CMA Exam Essay Tips
How to maximize your score and pass

2. I’m the publisher of
IPassTheCMAExam.com
Author of “How to Pass the CPA Exam”
(Wiley, July 2013)
Today’s topic: CMA Exam essay tips

3. The Essay
Grading System

4. The Exam is . . .
Graded by trained expert
Based on standard rule
Positively graded
Maximum points for each essay

5. This Means . . .
Don’t worry too much about incorrect answers
But no need to write too much
Structure, flow and consistency important
Write in bullet points if format allows

6. CMA Exam Essay Format
Business Calculation
Writing
Combination
of two
Straightforward!

7. What are the
Graders Looking For?

8. The CMA Exam Tests Your . . .
Knowledge of the exam content
Ability to apply concepts in real business
situation
Ability to express clearly and logically in
business writing

9. If you prepare well for the
multiple choice question…
Do well in essays
Essay often requires more in-depth
understanding of the topic
Knowledge
of exam
content

10. Read question carefully
Identify the major concepts
being tested
Identify keywords that can be
used in the essay
Apply
concepts
in real
situations

11. Use mind maps
or bullet points
to brainstorm
keywords before
writing.

12. Clear
and
logical in
writing
Technical writing skill not tested
But need to write clearly and
concisely
Avoid flowery and complicated
words
Tips:
http://ipassthecmaexam.com/cma-exam-essay-prep/

13. Time Management
and Organization

14. You need both
KNOWLEDGE
+
STRATEGY

15. 1 hour
for 2 essays
Leftover time
from MC
questions
Total time
for
2 essays
+ =
e.g. 1 hour + 20 minutes 80 minutes
(40 mins for each essay)
e.g. 1 hour + 0 minutes 60 minutes
(30 mins for each essay)

16. Introduction + main content
+ conclusion
Understand the question
Write introduction
Brainstorm keywords
First 5
minutes
Essay Writing Strategy: Step 1

17. Example:
Compare 2 costing methodologies (job order costing and
activity based costing); make recommendation to
management in the form of business memo.
Actions
Compare
Recommend
Keywords
Job order costing
Activity based costing

18. Example:
Compare 2 costing methodologies (job order costing and
activity based costing); make recommendation to
management in the form of business memo.
Sample answer
To: senior management
From: Manager X in accounting department
The following is the pros and cons comparison of job order
costing and activity based costing. Please find my
recommendation at the end of this memo.

19. Include all action words and keywords
Don’t copy and paste directly from question
A few sentences is usually enough
Use remaining time to brainstorm for keywords

20. Organization before writing is
extremely important
Bullet points with keywords
Start writing when outline is
ready
Next 20
minutes
Essay Writing Strategy: Step 2

21. Last 5
minutes
Essay Writing Strategy: Step 3
Conclusion (e.g. summary
or recommendation)
Keep it short
Proof read
More time for non-English speaking candidates

22. Confidence is Key

23. You can move on to the essay section if you get at
least 50% of multiple choice correct.
Multiple
Choice
Essay
Questions
>50% correct
move on to…

24. Essay questions are straightforward
Write down the keywords
Organize thoughts
Structure your essay with introduction,
main point and conclusion
Watch the time

25. Best of luck!
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