The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) via its Certification Program, ICMA.
The certification program emphasizes the knowledge and skills needed in management accounting and financial management by those engaged in financial planning, analysis, performance, strategy, and decision making.
In order to obtain the CMA designation, candidates have to meet all the IMA requirements.
Eligibility
CMA candidates are allowed to begin the process by taking the CMA exams even without fulfilling all the criteria.
Nevertheless, for acquiring the CMA designation, IMA demands that:
- Candidates are members of IMA.
- Candidates have a Bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university or a professional certification track.
- Passing of both the CMA exam sections.
- Accumulation of two years of relevant work experience in management accounting and/or financial management.
The work experience criteria may be met either before or within seven years after sitting for the CMA exam.
It is evident that this path is feasible for both university students and professionals. University students can sit for the CMA exam while studying for their degrees, yet they have to fulfill the education and work experience criteria eventually.
CMA candidates are advised to check their own eligibility directly with IMA.
Exam Structure and Duration
The CMA examination involves two sections:
Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics
Important topics covered in this part include:
- External Financial Reporting Decisions
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology and Analytics
Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management
Topics included in this part are:
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Business Decision Analysis
- Enterprise Risk Management
- Capital Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
Each CMA examination part is 4 hours long.
The case-based examination format consists of the following elements for each CMA exam part:
- 100 multiple choice questions (MCQs)
- Two case-based question (CBQ) sets
- 3 hours allotted to the MCQ part
- 1 hour allotted to the two CBQ sets
A candidate has to score a minimum of 50% marks in the MCQ part to move to the CBQ part.
Candidates can take Part 1 and Part 2 in whichever order they want and they can sit for the two parts in different testing windows.
Both parts of the CMA exam must be passed by candidates within a span of 3 years from the time they start their CMA certification program.
Exam Timing and Windows
English CMA exams are generally conducted in three testing periods per year:
January - February :
First testing period of the year.
May – June :
Second testing period of the year.
September – October :
Third testing period of the year.
Applicants choose one of the available test dates within the selected testing period and book their slot with Prometric after completing the registration procedure for CMA exams.
Starting from September/October 2026 and thereafter, case based questions will be the default style for all English language CMA exams in India and most other countries. Previously used essay format has now been discontinued in the context of English CMA exams in these countries.
All CMA exams are computer based and administered through authorized Prometric testing centers across the world.
Applicants need to check the current examination calendar of IMA prior to registration.
Registration Process
Follow these steps to register for the US CMA certification exam:
- Create an IMA account and select the appropriate membership.
- Enroll in the CMA certification program and pay the applicable entrance fee.
- Choose CMA Part 1 or Part 2 based on your preparation. Both parts can be taken in any order.
- Select a testing window from January–February, May–June, or September–October.
- Register for your selected exam part through IMA.
- Receive the exam authorization details and scheduling instructions.
- Schedule your exam date and available Prometric testing center.
- Prepare according to the current CMA syllabus and exam format and attend the exam on the scheduled date.
Certification Requirements
To earn the US CMA certification, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Maintain active IMA membership.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or an approved professional certification.
- Pass CMA Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics.
- Pass CMA Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management.
- Complete both CMA exam parts within three years of entering the CMA certification program.
- Complete two continuous years of relevant professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
- Professional experience can be completed before passing the exams or within seven years after passing both exam parts.
Relevant experience may include financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, financial reporting, risk assessment, corporate finance, data analytics, strategic planning, and other qualifying management accounting or financial management responsibilities.
