Performance Management (PM/F5) (PM) Exam Blueprint

PM

180 minDuration
50Passing Score
$202Price
1Languages
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Credential type: professional designation earned by examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page

What This Exam Validates

The ACCA Performance Management exam is a Linear format assessment covering 3 core domains: Cost accounting techniques, Decision-making, and Performance measurement. Candidates are evaluated using Objective Test Questions and Constructed Response tasks to demonstrate technical proficiency in costing, decision tools, and performance analysis. To earn certification, candidates must achieve a passing score of 50 percent during the 180 minutes session. The exam registration fee is 202 USD, and candidates must fulfill ongoing renewal requirements to maintain their active credential status over time.

Who Should Take This Exam

This certification is intended for finance analysts, management accountants, and junior auditors who have already completed the ACCA Fundamentals level. Candidates should possess practical experience in costing, budgeting, and performance reporting to successfully progress toward the ACCA Professional level and enhance their career prospects.

Skills You Should Be Ready to Demonstrate

How to Prepare

Begin your preparation by reviewing the official ACCA syllabus and all associated technical articles. Work through the BPP revision kit to familiarize yourself with the question styles. Practice Objective Test Questions daily and write full constructed-response answers under timed conditions to build stamina. Use OpenTuition flashcards to reinforce key formulas and concepts. Finally, complete at least one full-length mock exam to identify your weak spots and ensure you are ready for the actual testing environment. Consistent practice is recommended for success.

Domain Study Guidance

Cost accounting techniques: Study Guidance

Cost accounting techniques cover methods such as activity-based costing, absorption costing, and relevant costing. Candidates must understand how to allocate overheads and evaluate opportunities across complex environments to ensure accurate financial reporting.

Decision-making: Study Guidance

Decision-making focuses on tools like linear programming, CVP analysis, pricing strategies, and risk assessment. Examinees should model choices, interpret numerical results, and recommend actions that improve financial outcomes for their organizations.

Performance measurement: Study Guidance

Performance measurement examines balanced scorecards, the building-block model, and transfer-pricing impacts. Learners must interpret financial indicators, design performance dashboards, and assess how measurement drives strategic decisions to improve overall business performance.

Exam-Day Guidance

Arrive early and ensure you have a stable internet connection if testing remotely. Plan your time effectively across the 180 minutes allotted for the exam, balancing the objective test questions and constructed-response tasks while leaving time to review your answers carefully.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the exam?

The linear exam combines Objective Test Questions and Constructed Response tasks. Candidates answer multiple-choice items alongside written scenarios to test practical accounting knowledge across all 3 core syllabus domains accurately and efficiently during the session.

What is the passing score?

A candidate must achieve a passing score of at least 50 percent of the total marks. Scores reflect combined results from Objective Test Questions and Constructed Response components across the entire test session to ensure full competency.

How long is the exam?

The exam duration is 180 minutes in total. Candidates must manage their time effectively to complete both the Objective Test Questions and Constructed Response sections within this single test period without any exceptions or extensions.

What is the cost and format of the exam?

The exam costs 202 USD and follows a linear format. It incorporates both Objective Test Questions and Constructed Response question types to evaluate candidate competence across management accounting topics reliably and accurately for all global participants.

Sources and Verification

Verified 2026-09-02

How this page was made

The editorial content was assembled by extracting verified facts from ACCA official guides and study documentation, then cross-referencing notes to ensure accurate domain coverage and practical preparation tips for all candidates seeking certification.

Exam Domains

1 Cost accounting techniques Weight not published
2 Decision-making Weight not published
3 Performance measurement Weight not published

Exam Details

Question TypesObjective Test Questions (OTQ), Constructed Response
FormatLinear
Online ProctoringAvailable
ID RequirementsValid government-issued photo ID required. Name on ID must match ACCA registration exactly.
RenewalRequired -- Passed exams do not expire. Once qualified, ACCA members must complete 40 CPD hours per year (21 verifiable hours minimum). Annual membership subscription required to maintain active ACCA status.
Retake PolicyMaximum 4 attempts per exam in total for Applied Knowledge CBEs (on-demand). Applied Skills and Strategic Professional: 4 exam sessions per year (March, June, September, December). Full exam fee required for each retake.
LanguagesEnglish

Official Study Resources

webpageACCA Study Resources (free)