"I think the research shows there is a demand for a business generalist certification. The CBM program definitely fills that need. In a competitive business world credentials are important. I am grateful for the opportunity to receive recognition for my extensive general business management experience. The CBM designation is an important complement to my specialist designation as a CPA."

Barbara M. Sponn, CPA | Woodstock, MD

Exam Information

About the CBM Exam

Common Body of Knowledge for Business (CBKB)©

The CBM's Common Body of Knowledge for Business (CBKB) is:

  • The syllabus for the CBM Exam©
  • Basis for developing the CBM Exam Preparation Guides
  • The source of input for developing the CBM Exam questions

Topics covered in the CBKB are outlined below. The CBKB is a comprehensive survey of business learning that candidates must master in order to become a Certified Business Manager (CBM)©.

CBM EXAM TOPICS

Part 1 Core Areas

100 General Management and Organization 200 Operations Management 300 Marketing Management 400 Quality and Process Management 500 Human Resources Management

Part 2 Functional Areas

600 Accounting 700 Finance 800 Information Technology 900 Corporate Control and Governance 1000 International Business

Part 3 Integrated Areas

Part 3 of the CBM Exam encompasses the integration and application of Parts 1 and 2 within business case studies and scenarios. The focus is a cross-module application of the Core and Functional areas of the exam, including the practical use of theories, concepts, principles, strategies and tools in relevant situations that applicants will face in the business world.

View the topics covered in the CBM Exam Part 3 | Sample CBM Exam Questions.

While other graduate business programs are more theoretical in nature, the CBKB is based on a practical business curriculum that addresses the real needs of practitioners in the business field. Every module starts by explaining its strategy and ends with a discussion of international issues. The CBM Exam consists of three parts divided into ten modules that, in turn, are divided into 168 major topics.

CBM Exam Part 1 and Part 2 contain 150 multiple-choice questions, while CBM Exam Part 3 contains 100 multiple-choice questions. Each exam part requires a 3-hour test session.

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