Once you have acquired the 150 CMB® points, you are ready to move to the examination phase. The exam is conducted in two parts: six-hour written exam and one-hour oral exam. During this phase, you need to complete the following items:
- Identify your CMB sponsor
- Review the exam outline
- Meet with your CMB sponsor and discuss your preparation
- Email the following to Adrianne Powell
- Your exam date
- Your proctor’s name, address where the exam should be sent, phone number, and email
- Your sponsor’s approval for you to sit for the CMB exam
- Fax/mail your completed Designation and Certificate Test Enrollment Form and pay an additional fee ($300 members/$450 nonmembers)
- Your preferred oral exam location
If you don’t have a CMB in mind to serve as your sponsor, we can locate one for you. The role of the CMB sponsor is to help guide and coach you through this process. Your sponsor is a dedicated professional who is voluntarily giving their time to help you prepare for your CMB exam. They want you to succeed, but realize the best preparation will come from your efforts. Read more about the candidate and sponsor roles .
Phase I - The Written Exam
Written Exam Prep. The exam outline is a guide that provides you with topics covered on the CMB exam. You should use it as a guideline to help you establish your study plan. Since each individual enters the program with unique experiences and professional backgrounds, it is difficult to dictate a uniform study plan for each candidate.
It is recommended that you review the outline and then discuss each item with your CMB sponsor. You should be forthcoming with your knowledge during this discussion; your CMB sponsor can assist you in a course of study that best suits your experience within the industry. CampusMBA designation staff will also help you identify courses to round out your preparation; call (202) 557-2766 or email Adrianne Powell.
CampusMBA also offers a six-week CMB Instructor-Led Online Prep Course. This course is conducted via the Web to provide maximum convenience for your busy schedule. You will have access to CMB experts who will provide you with valuable feedback and guidance. You will also be able to interact with your fellow CMB candidates. View our events calendar or contact Adrianne Powell for upcoming dates
Written Exam. The written exam is sent to your exam proctor for administration. Your proctor will be provided with instructions to administer the exam. You will have approximately six hours to complete the exam and it must be completed within one day. You will be allowed time for breaks and lunch. This is not an open book examination.
At the conclusion of the exam, your proctor will return your exam package to MBA for review. You will have the results of your written exam within two to three weeks. If you do not pass all of the six sections, you will only need to complete the section you do not pass. Passing rate is 70% or better. There is a re-examination fee of $150 per attempt.
Phase II - The Oral Exam
Oral Exam Prep. To prepare for the oral exam, you should focus your efforts on mastering all current industry issues. During this oral exam, you will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge of topics that effect the industry. You will need to be aware of pending legislation and MBA’s position on these issues.
You should review all current MBA Issue Papers, be familiar with the topics of Mortgage Banking Magazine, NewsLink and Commercial NewsLink articles, as well as any additional industry publications. You will also need to contact your sponsor and schedule a mock oral exam. Remember, your sponsor has been in your shoes and is in the best position to help you prepare.
Oral Exam. The oral exam is a one-hour examination with a panel of two to three CMB designees. These exams are conducted at various locations around the country throughout the year. Space at each location is limited, so be sure to reserve your preferred location early. Once you have passed the written exam, you will be given your appointment time and confirmation notice. You should plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment time.
You will be escorted into the exam room and introduced to the CMB panel. They will ask series of six to seven questions. Once the exam is completed, you will be asked to excuse yourself from the room while the CMB panel deliberates. You will then be escorted back to the room where the panel will provide you their decision.
If you are accepted, you will be immediately congratulated and awarded your CMB pin.
If you are not accepted, you may be re-tested by another CMB panel, typically on the same day.
Upcoming Oral Exam Dates
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Mortgage Bankers Association
Washington, DC
Written exam deadline: August 31, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
MBA's 97th Annual Convention & Expo
Atlanta, GA
Written exam deadline: September 23, 2010
Contact Adrianne Powell for a schedule of exam dates and locations.
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