ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026: March/June Exam Feedback

The ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026 shares the examining team’s observations from the March/June 2026 Performance Management exam. It highlights areas where candidates performed well, common weaknesses, and ways to improve exam technique.

The report covers selected questions from Sections A, B, and C. It includes examples on forecasting, information security controls, environmental costs, marginal revenue, material variances, performance measurement, and pricing decisions. The report should be used with the published March/June 2026 sample exam and answers on the ACCA Practice Platform.

ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026: Key Areas of Feedback

The PM Examiner’s Report highlights several areas that candidates should focus on during exam preparation:

The examining team also noted that all syllabus areas can be tested, so candidates need broad knowledge of the syllabus.

Section A: Questions Highlighted in the PM Examiner Report

The report reviews four Section A questions that proved particularly difficult for candidates.

1. High-Low Method and Semi-Variable Costs

The first example tested the high-low method for forecasting semi-variable costs. Candidates needed to identify the variable cost per unit and fixed cost before calculating the forecast costs at different activity levels. The correct answers were $20,900 for 12,000 units and $30,800 for 18,000 units.

2. Information Security Controls

The second example tested candidates’ understanding of controls used to protect confidential information. The report explains the difference between logical, physical, personnel, and policy controls. The correct response was TRUE, FALSE, FALSE.

3. Environmental Costs and Activity-Based Costing

The third example focused on environmental costs and activity-based costing (ABC). The correct answer was the salary cost of the supervisor at the wastewater purification treatment plant because it was an overhead that could be allocated using ABC.

4. Demand Function and Marginal Revenue

The fourth example tested the application of the demand function. Candidates had to calculate marginal revenue at an output level of 21,000 units. The correct answer was $20 to the nearest whole dollar.

Section B: Material Mix and Yield Variances

The ACCA F5 Examiner’s Report includes a Section B case on material mix and yield variances from the budgeting and control area of the syllabus.

The questions covered the interpretation and calculation of material price, mix and yield variances.

• A favourable materials price variance could result from trade discounts from raw material suppliers.

• An adverse materials mix variance could result from using a higher proportion of more expensive raw materials.

• The materials mix variance for Honeydo was $7,600 adverse.

• The materials yield variance for Honeydo was $102,000 favourable.

• A favourable mix variance does not necessarily mean that the yield variance will also be favourable.

Section C: Performance Measurement and Pricing Decisions

The PM Examiner’s Report June 2026 provides detailed feedback on two constructed response questions: Gnosh Co and Bamburgh Co.

1. Gnosh Co: Performance Measurement

The Gnosh Co question focused on the Building Block model proposed by Fitzgerald and Moon. Candidates were required to analyse business performance using the dimensions of the model.

The examiner stressed that candidates should not only calculate performance measures. They should explain what the results show about performance and link the analysis to information in the scenario.

For example, the gross profit margin decreased from 69.6% to 67.8%. A strong answer would explain what this indicates and link it to scenario information, such as market competition and the company's approach to responsible purchasing. Simply stating that the margin decreased would not provide enough analysis.

For target setting, candidates had to assess the HR director's proposal using the three aspects of effective standards: ownership, achievability and fairness. The examiner also warned against discussing matters that were not part of the requirement.

2. Bamburgh Co: Pricing Decisions

The Bamburgh Co question focused on pricing decisions. Candidates had to calculate total revenue, marginal revenue, total cost, marginal cost and total profit at the given prices. They then had to identify the profit-maximising price and output level.

The examiner noted that presenting the calculations in a table was important. A table allowed candidates to calculate marginal revenue and marginal cost and identify the appropriate price. The explanation also needed to refer to the relationship between marginal cost and marginal revenue.

The second part covered three pricing strategies:

1. Complementary product pricing

2. Market skimming pricing

3. Price discrimination

Strong answers first explained each strategy, then applied it to the Bamburgh Co scenario and concluded whether it could be used. Candidates were specifically expected to use the information provided in the scenario.

PM Examiners' Feedback: Common Exam Technique Errors

The report highlights rounding errors as a common and avoidable problem. Candidates should round rather than truncate figures. For example, 5.67% should be reported as 5.7%, not 5.6%.

Candidates should also become familiar with the software used during the exam. The examining team recommends using the provided spreadsheet functionality for calculation questions. Not using it may increase the risk of entering incorrect answers, showing insufficient workings and making rounding errors.

ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026 PDF

Key Takeaways From the ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026

The ACCA PM Examiner’s Report 2026 shows the importance of combining syllabus knowledge with careful exam technique. Candidates should practise calculations, read requirements closely, apply their answers to the scenario, and provide analysis rather than simply repeating figures.

The report also highlights the importance of correct rounding and effective use of the spreadsheet functionality during calculation questions.