CBM Common Body of Knowledge for Business
 

The CBM Exam content is based on the Common Body of Knowledge for Business (CBKB), which was developed by analyzing the majority of MBA programs and validated through a job analysis study.

 

The CBKB is the:

* Syllabus and curriculum for the CBM Exams
* Basis for developing the CBM Exam preparation materials
* Source of input for developing the CBM Exam questions

The CBM CBKB is organized into 10 Learning Modules and 176 sub-modules or topics. The CBM candidate is required to demonstrate proficiency in all of the 10 Learning Modules according to the weights allocated to each module.

 

The CBM Exam consists of four parts:

Part 1 - The Core Exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions

Part 2 - The Functional Exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice questions

Part 3 - The Integrated Exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions

Part 4 - The Capstone Exam consisting of a written analysis of a Harvard Business School case

 

The focus of the CBM Exam is on both hard skills (Parts 1, 2, and 3) and soft skills (Part 4). Examples of hard skills include analytical, technical/technological, mathematical/quantitative, problem solving, decision-making, deductive/inductive reasoning, and functional skills. Examples of soft skills include written/oral communication, interpersonal, qualitative (content and context analysis), implementation, listening, leadership, and teamwork skills.