CMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A CMA architect wants to reuse proven architecture patterns from previous projects; where in the TOGAF Architecture Repository would these be stored? → Reference Library
2. Why is it important to consider user needs in architectural design? → To create spaces that are functional, comfortable, and meet user needs
3. Which formula correctly represents the basic calculation of risk in a risk management context? → Risk = Threat × Vulnerability × Impact
4. In passive solar design, a 'Trombe wall' functions primarily as a: → Thermal mass that absorbs daytime solar heat and radiates it indoors at night
5. Which metric best measures the proportion of time a system is actually operational and available to users? → Availability percentage (uptime %)
6. What is 'shadow IT' and why is it a governance concern? → Technology deployed by business units without IT department approval or knowledge
7. Which material is commonly used for sustainable building construction? → Bamboo, recycled steel, and reclaimed wood
8. NFPA 13 governs the design and installation of: → Automatic sprinkler systems
9. What is the role of scheduling in project management? → To allocate time for each task and track project progress
10. Why is insulation important in building design? → To enhance temperature control, energy efficiency, and comfort
11. In a TOGAF-aligned enterprise, an Architecture Board is primarily responsible for which activity? → Enforcing architecture compliance and resolving disputes
12. Which quality attribute scenario 'environment' descriptor distinguishes how a system should behave during an overload condition versus normal operation? → System mode
13. Which of the following best describes the concept of 'zero trust' in IT environment governance? → Never trusting any user or device by default, requiring continuous verification
14. What is the 'schema-on-read' approach in data architecture? → Applying the schema when data is read or queried rather than when it is stored
15. Which security architecture principle requires that critical operations need approval or action from more than one authorized individual to complete? → Dual Control / Two-Person Integrity
16. The IBC's 'separated use' method for mixed-occupancy buildings requires: → Fire-resistance-rated separations between occupancies
17. Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is best used by an architect to: → Evaluate total ownership cost over a building's lifespan
18. A master architect is implementing a data governance program. Which component ensures data quality and trustworthiness across the enterprise? → A data stewardship model with defined ownership, quality standards, and lineage tracking
19. Which architectural approach segments a network into smaller isolated zones to contain breaches and limit lateral movement by attackers? → Micro-segmentation
20. Which principle of universal design ensures that the same means of use is available to all people without the need for adaptation or specialized design? → Equitable use
21. A building owner asks an architect to advise on a sale-leaseback arrangement. The primary financial benefit to the owner is: → Freeing up capital from the building asset while retaining occupancy
22. A project owner requires that a delivered BIM model support facility management after construction. This requirement is BEST addressed through: → Developing an asset information model (AIM) with COBie data deliverables
23. Which technique is used to elicit and refine quality attribute scenarios from stakeholders during architecture evaluation? → Quality Attribute Workshop (QAW)
24. Which data integration pattern is most appropriate for synchronizing large volumes of data between enterprise systems on a scheduled basis? → Batch ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) processing
25. Which architectural tactic improves performance by storing frequently accessed data closer to the consumer? → Caching
26. A CMA is reviewing a proposed microservices architecture. Which anti-pattern should they flag as a risk to long-term maintainability? → A distributed monolith with tightly coupled services
27. Which security architecture concept ensures that users and systems are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their required functions? → Least Privilege
28. Which project delivery method gives the architect the greatest influence over construction quality by maintaining direct oversight of the contractor? → Design-bid-build
29. What is the role of sustainability in architectural design? → To create energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly designs
30. A solution architect is faced with conflicting requirements from two business units. What is the recommended first step? → Facilitate a structured trade-off analysis session with both stakeholders