CMA Part 2 exam-day guide
CMA Part 2 · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Confirm appointment, testing location/method, and arrival time
needs_review - Log into your IMA/Prometric account and confirm the exact appointment time, test center address or remote-proctoring requirements, and required arrival time. Policies vary by location and delivery method; confirm with the provider.
Bring acceptable government-issued photo ID
needs_review - Bring the ID required by the provider. It should generally be government-issued, have a photo and signature, and match the name on your appointment. Confirm the exact ID rules with IMA/Prometric before test day.
Bring appointment confirmation or candidate number if required
needs_review - Some test centers request the confirmation email or appointment number. Check your admission instructions and confirm whether a printed or digital copy is accepted.
Bring an approved calculator
needs_review - Confirm the current allowed calculator models with IMA/Prometric. Do not assume any calculator is permitted; bring only a model explicitly allowed by the provider.
Know what personal items are prohibited or must be stored
needs_review - Phones, smart watches, notes, and study materials are generally not allowed in the testing room. Confirm locker/storage rules and whether items must be left outside the room.
Review the Part 2 exam structure and pacing plan
Part 2 includes multiple-choice questions and essay questions. Know the total appointment length and plan how much time to spend on multiple-choice versus essay sections. Confirm the current structure and timing with IMA.
Practice typed essay responses under time pressure
The essay section requires written responses at the computer. Practice outlining and typing clear answers that address every requirement in the prompt.
Prepare logistics: transportation, parking, meals, childcare, and sleep
Plan to arrive with buffer time. Confirm parking or transit options, eat a normal meal, and protect sleep in the days before the exam.
Review scratch paper and writing-instrument rules
needs_review - Confirm whether the provider supplies scratch paper, a marker board, or pens/pencils, and whether you may bring your own. Do not bring unauthorized materials.
Read the current candidate handbook and test-center rules
Review the provider’s rules on ID, calculators, breaks, personal items, and conduct. Policies can change; rely on the current official handbook.
Do a final systems/logistics check if testing remotely
needs_review - If taking the exam remotely, confirm the required platform, camera/microphone setup, room requirements, and check-in process with the provider.
Plan the day
Take one full timed practice set that mirrors the exam structure if you have not already done so. Review your error log and weak topics, but avoid learning brand-new material. Confirm your appointment, ID, calculator policy, and travel plan. Start shifting sleep to match your test-day schedule.
Prepare your bag: acceptable ID, appointment confirmation if required, approved calculator, and any provider-allowed comfort items. Put study notes away so you are not tempted to bring prohibited materials.
Do a light review of formulas, essay templates, and high-level topic summaries only. Pack your bag and lay out clothes. Confirm the route and arrival time. Avoid cramming, alcohol, and late-night screen time; aim for a normal night’s sleep.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate, and arrive with buffer time. Bring only allowed items. Turn off your phone and store it as instructed. Use the restroom before check-in. Follow all proctor instructions during ID verification and seating.
Read the instructions carefully. For multiple-choice questions, work steadily, flag uncertain items, and avoid spending too long on any one question. Keep an eye on the clock and preserve time for the essay section.
For essays, read each prompt fully, outline key points, and answer every required part. Write clearly and concisely, use professional terminology, and do not leave blanks. If a technical issue occurs, notify the proctor immediately.
Rules to check
Follow all test-center and proctor instructions. Unauthorized materials, notes, phones, smart watches, or other electronic devices are generally prohibited in the testing room; confirm storage rules with the provider.
Present valid government-issued photo ID with a signature, and ensure the name matches your appointment. Confirm exact ID requirements with IMA/Prometric before test day.
Use only a calculator model explicitly approved by the provider. Confirm the current allowed list; do not bring programmable, paper-tape, or unauthorized calculators.
Breaks are governed by provider policy. Confirm in advance whether breaks are available, whether the clock stops, and what you may access during a break.
Part 2 includes multiple-choice and essay questions, and scoring weights the sections differently. Confirm the current scoring and gating rules with IMA before relying on any strategy about section performance.
Do not disclose, reproduce, or discuss exam content. Exam materials and questions are confidential.
If you experience a computer, calculator, or environmental problem, raise your hand and notify the proctor immediately rather than trying to fix it yourself.
Keep your pace disciplined: answer all multiple-choice questions, use flags for review, and reserve enough time to complete both essay responses.