This article was updated and republished on December 16th, 2024.
Testing Window | CMA Exam Dates |
January to February | Jan 1, 2024 thru February 29, 2025 |
May to June | May 1, 2024 thru June 30, 2025 |
September to October | September 1, 2024 thru October 31, 2025 |
After weeks of preparing for the CMA exam, you finally get the courage to book your appointment.
You pay the exam fee and make your way to the test center during your chosen testing window.
After taking the Certified Management Accountant exam, the last thing you want to do is wait weeks on end to receive your results.
They say patience is a virtue, but even I can attest to how difficult it is to wait for your CMA exam scores.
The amount of anticipation I felt while waiting for my results was overwhelming.
And the truth is, it actually does take quite a bit of time to get your results.
Don’t forget, you must pay the CMA entrance fee to secure your spot – you can read about this fee in our article on CMA exam cost.
CMA Testing Dates Summary
The CMA exam is offered during two-month test windows three times per year. The CMA testing date windows are:
- January and February
- May and June
- September and October
You can schedule your CMA exam with Prometric, the IMA testing partner. Remote testing is now available for the CMA exam.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Results
The date in which you take your exam during the exam window will affect when you actually receive your results. The standard length of time is approximately 42 days after the last day of the month in which you took the test.
All multiple-choice questions are graded by computers. The ICMA has an algorithm that grades each question and this portion of the exam is worth 75% of your overall score. Simply put, each answer is either correct or incorrect. There is no wiggle room with this.
In total there are 100 multiple-choice questions on the exam. What you may find interesting is that 10 of these questions are un-scored. This is the same for Part 1 and Part 2 exam MCQ sections.
The ICMA pretests new questions that they would like to introduce on future exams, but before making them official questions, they want to make sure they are actually good questions. By adding these unscored questions they can gather statistics on them and evaluate their reliability.
Unlike the MCQ section, the essay questions are a little more complex and are scored by humans. Obviously, they will need time to grade this portion of the CMA exam, and as you can imagine, this is a very labor-intensive process that takes time.
Once both sections of the exam are graded, they combine the scores of the essays with the multiple-choice questions to arrive at your final CMA exam score.
Psychometricians (essentially statisticians who are specialists at testing) grade your exam on a scale. A score of 360 is considered a passing grade, while 500 would be considered a perfect score. So it’s a scientific process, and they’re very confident in the reliability and validity of the scores when they do get released.
Predicted Score Release Based on Your CMA Exam Dates
Test Month, 2025 | Score Release Dates (Predicted) |
January | March 15 |
February | April 12 |
May | July 12 |
June | August 11 |
September | November 11 |
October | December 13 |
One piece of good news! Once your score comes out, you don’t have to anxiously stare at your mailbox for weeks wondering when your test results will finally arrive.
You will be able to view your exam results on your Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) profile online as soon as they come out. This is approximately 2-3 weeks before it physically arrives in your mailbox.
You will also get an email with your exam results.
Don’t worry if your score doesn’t show up on your IMA profile on the exact CMA exam dates listed above.
They are just estimations, after all. It may take a few more days, so be patient.
Other Important CMA Exam Dates
If you missed the big news, there were CMA Exam changes in 2020 that impacted all of the years following. New content was added, including some restructuring and coverage of new topics. Also there are new 2024 CMA exam changes, going into effect September 1st, 2024.
You can learn all about the 2024 CMA exam Content Specification outlines here:
Learn more about the CMA Part 1.
Learn more about the CMA Part 2.
Which brings me to additional CMA exam dates to keep in mind…
The Clock Starts Ticking Once You Register
As I mentioned above, the clock starts to tick once you pay your CMA entrance fee. You must register and take both parts of the exam within 36 months of paying your fee.
Complete the Experience Portion
In addition to taking both Part 1 and Part 2 of the CMA exam, you also need to complete the experience portion of the CMA requirements. After passing the exam, you have 7 years to complete this particular requirement to obtain your certification.
You can learn more on our full list of CMA certification requirements.
Best Time to Study for Each Testing Window
When it comes to scheduling your exam, I highly recommend booking your exam date once you are at least halfway through your review course program. It is definitely in your best interest to put in about 4 months of study time, so register for your exam once you have approximately 2 months of studying in and select the next available testing window from this point.
For example, if you plan on taking the exam during the May-June window, start preparing for the exam at the beginning of February and schedule your exam for the beginning of May. This way, if you feel like you need a little more time you can push your exam date into the month of June.
Why?
Candidates are allowed to reschedule their exam date within the same testing window for a small fee of $50, so if you run out of study time you can postpone till June.
You cannot, however, reschedule your exam from the May-June window to the September-October window. It must be rescheduled within the same testing window.
Self-Study or Instructor-Led – Which is Better?
You essentially have two options when it comes to CMA exam review courses – self-study or instructor-led.
Depending on your personal learning style, one method will likely suit you better than the other, but how much time should you set aside for studying per-method?
Self-Study Review Courses
If you intend to self-study, you should begin studying at least 5 months in advance. To ensure you cover all the required content you will need to invest 25+ hours of studying per week.
Studying for the CMA exam will essentially be a part-time job for you.
Why so far in advance and for so many hours each week?
In my experience, self-study courses require more time because you have to work through obstacles by yourself. Instead of having an instructor or mentor to look to when you struggle with certain topics, you have to figure it out all by yourself. This can take significantly longer.
You are also responsible for holding yourself accountable if you use a self-study course. There won’t be anyone there to keep you on schedule or update you on your progress, so you have to be your own judge. In all my years of helping candidates prepare for the exam, self-motivation is consistently one of the hardest things for candidates.
Instructor-Led Review Courses
If you are struggling to stick to a study schedule and worry you are going to fall behind in your CMA test prep, then an instructor-led review course may be the best route for you.
In addition to having built-in accountability, a mentor, and a specific study plan to follow, instructor-led review courses offer you progress reports and can help you overcome obstacles much faster than self-study courses.
My flagship course at CMA Exam Academy walks you through the material step-by-step and also provides you with a handy 16-week study schedule to help keep you on track. By studying with CMA Exam Academy you will invest 4 months of your time and 10-15 hours of studying per week. Quite a bit less than a self-study course.
Exam Secrets Cheat Sheet
No worries, your information is safe with me. I hate spam too!
What Should I Do While I Wait?
Let’s be honest, waiting to learn if you actually earned your CMA certification can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be.
Now that you’ve completed the exam, it’s probably the first time you’ve had in months that you aren’t totally consumed by studying. Enjoy it!
Spend time with loved ones.
Take a trip.
Have some fun!
You deserve it after everything you’ve been through with the CMA program.
Maybe relaxing isn’t your jam and that’s fine too. If you are feeling energized about passing the exam and looking to get a jump-start on your next steps in your CMA journey, then there are a few things you can do to pass the time:
Just remember, you’ve made it through one of the toughest parts on your road to becoming a CMA! So congratulate yourself, and allow yourself a break!
As always, thanks for reading.
Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 82,000 accounting and finance pros came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!
64 Comments on “CMA Exam Release Dates for 2025: Here’s the Inside Scoop”
Hello Sir,
if I want to sit for exam in May-June window,when is the latest date that I should register for exam ?
Hi Binoy,
Based on when you’re planning to take the exam, we recommend registering about 8-10 weeks in advance to secure your spot.
Hello Nathan
I passed part 2 CMA today (April 12)and the exam was on feb 27 2023 and his membership was supposed to be expired on April 10 2023 but we renewed the membership on time in march 2023 itself. However we received an email saying that “your access to cma program has expired.” But his CMA portal is showing update your work experience.
Is my CMA certification still valid? Will IMA give me CMA certification. Please let me know.
Thanks a ton!
Hi Bhavana,
Congrats on your exam success!
Please note that the CMA entrance fee expires within 3 years of entering the CMA program. The email you received might refer to that.
I’d suggest you contact IMA directly via email at [email protected] to inquire about your options.
Hi Nathan,
I took exam in oct-22 and I managed to reach essay section as the result is expected in next weak, I would like to know how do you see passing part after reaching essay section.
Hi Shariq,
If you made it to the end of your exam, there’s a good chance you passed. Trust that you’ve done your best.
Fingers crossed!
I gave my exam in September 2022. When can I expect my results to be released?
Hi Rishitha,
Thank you for your question.
If you took the exam in September 2022, you’ll receive your final score from the IMA around mid-Nov.
Nathan
Hey Nathan
Ever since I have enrolled myself for CMA certification, I am following your inputs about the same on your blogs and on YouTube and find them very helpful and encouraging. However I need to ask you : Which Part of CMA Exam should be taken first? Part 1 or Part 2 to ensure success in first attempt. I am an accounting and finance professional and have work experience of around 15 years in various industry segments. Now that I have made up my mind to have CMA certification too in my credentials, look forward for your inputs and guidance for the same.
Cheers!
Hi Pushp,
I’m glad you find the material helpful!
We suggest deciding which part to start with, based on your major. Our suggestion is for accounting majors to start with Part 1, and finance majors with Part 2.
Alternatively, read the content outline of each part, and choose the part that looks the most interesting. You can take each part in any order.
For more info on the different parts see the following articles:
https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-part-1/
https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-part-2/
Hope this helps. If you have any questions left, feel free to ask.
Hello,
Thanks for sharing this!
I’m a membership of IMA since june 2020, I passed the CMA P1 exam in Apr 2021, I took the exam of part 2 four times, every single time i been reached the essay question but unfortunately failed to pass the exam, also last two times i got 350 degree. recently in Feb 2023, I’ve applied for the part two again and this is the fifth time! now I’m waiting for the result that will be released in Apr 2023.
What should I do if i failed again, noting that i have reached the essay question as last four times!
I don’t believe there is another chance to apply as the next window in may and june because I’ll be reached the third year from my membership!
Please advise
Hi Ibrahim,
I’m so sorry to hear about your exam results. Kudos to you for not giving up though.
I’m confident we can help you pass this part and earn your CMA this year.
If you’d like private 1-on-1 coaching support to help figure out the next steps, I invite you to check out our CMA Tutoring program: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/cma-exam-prep-live-virtual-1-on-1-tutoring/
You’ll be matched with a Certified CMA who will help answer all your questions via a private session on Zoom.
Nathan
Hi
My three years from the date I paid for the entrance fees end on February’2022.
Can I take the second exam at the end of February ? ( Noting that I pass the first one )
In a different sense ( do they consider the date of taking the exam is the date of completing or they consider the date of the exam result is the date of completing?)
Thanks,
Fared
Hi Fared,
You have to pass the 2 parts within 3 years from the enrollment date.
According to the 2021 CMA Handbook, “Candidates must complete the CMA program within three years from the date of entry into the program. If both exam parts are not successfully completed within three years of entering the certification program, any passed part will expire, and the CMA entrance fee will have to be repaid.”
If you appear for the Part Two exam within the 3-year timeframe in February, and you pass, your results will be valid, and IMA will consider your program as being completed.
Hi Nathan, I have read that it is possible to sit for both parts of the CMA exam in the same testing window. I was hoping if you could confirm if this is true? ~Thanks, Yousef
Hi Yousef,
That is correct. The two parts of the CMA Exam can be taken at a time, in any order.
My advice is to take one exam per window, however. The exams are hard, so it’s best to focus on one part at a time to increase your chances of passing in your first attempt. You still have time to take one exam in Jan/Feb and the second in May/June.
Nathan
Hi Nathan
I just want to say thank you soo much for giving us those information. They’re really helpful.
May I ask a question?
I took my exam on 8th of June, and 37 days passed. Is it possible to know when will the results be released? It says the expected date is on 11th of August, but I SERIOUSLY can’t wait for that date.
I hope it gets released earlier.
Thank you so much
Hi Aliaa, you’ll receive it mid-August but the exact date is not known.
Hi, I would like to know if i start studing now will I be able to give Sep-Oct slot?
Hi Carolin, yes it’s possible but you’d have to study a bit more at first to catch up. There’s still time though but the sooner you start the better. If you’d like to study with me, here’s the link to my program.
Hi Nathan,
Could you please help show me how I can check which dates in May are available for taking CMA Part 1 exam in California, especially Orange County? I do not want to take the exam in June as I am busy in this month so I’m afraid I cannot change once I registered/paid.
Hi Nathan,
I took the 2nd part of the CMA test in October. I was hoping to know the results by now. Do you have any idea when they will release the scores for the October 2020 testing window?
Thank you so much for all the great info!
Hi Korin,
The IMA said they would release the scores sometime this week. They didn’t provide an exact day.
Fingers crossed for a passing score!
Hello Nathan today is 14th dec in India and i have still not received my results for october window please tell when would results will declared i am preparing for part 2 and waiting for reaults for part 1
Hey Ishan,
The results should be released this week.
Hi Nathan,
My exam was initially scheduled at 27th Oct. However it was rescheduled by Prometric center to 10th Nov. I noticed that Nov was not fully open as a testing window but was only open for few days majorly because of the Covid reschedules.
Thus my question is, will my result come with the Oct window by 14th Dec or by 14th Jan as per Nov. Some say its Dec and some say its Jan. Can you comment as you know the anxiousness of waiting for the result.
Thanks,
Prateek
Hi Prateek,
Great question! Candidates who took the exam in November will have to wait another month, unfortunately. The results will be released around January 11th.
Hope you passed!
Thanks,
Nathan
I heard due to CIVID all CMA exam are now online. Is this true?
No, the exams are still held at Prometric test centers.
Hello sir i have some questions
1) you are delivering books to india @69 dollors ,which is physical delivery. Is there any way that u send it as a eBook in lesser price ?
2)i read on ima website that fees for students, academics and professionals are different. I don’t understand difference between them. I myself is a bcom and i am not working now. In which category do I fall ? How much cost shall i have to bear in total ?
3)is there any coach u provide if we have difficulty in reading your books ?
4)what are the prospects to get a job in USA who are from india?
5)if i want to apply for exam in sep oct, what will be the last day of closing window for applying?
6)how to give exam ? Is it at our home via laptop or shall we have to go to any centres ?
Thank you sir.
Hey Tapan,
1) At this time we don’t have electronic versions of our textbooks available for distribution, only in paperback.
2) To qualify for the discounted IMA memberships you’d need to meet the eligibility criteria:
Educator membership – for academics/professors only
Employer Program – for organizations that train 5+ employees to become CMAs
1-year & 2-year Student membership – for students currently enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at a college or university
3) I offer unlimited coaching support via my complete course, check it here.
4) The CMA certification will certainly make your resume more appealing to potential employers and will give you a competitive edge in the job market. The CMA certification confirms that you have a mastery of the critical skills and knowledge to make strategic and financial decisions for a business or corporation.
5) The exam registrations for the upcoming exam window will close on October 15th.
6) The CMA exam is given at Prometric test centers. Click here to locate the closest Prometric center to you.
Hope this helps, Tapan! If you have any other questions, let me know.
Thanks,
Nathan
Pingback: CMA Certification Requirements: What It Takes to Get Started
Pingback: Understanding (and Mastering) Your CMA Exam Questions
Pingback: Understanding the CMA Exam Passing Score
Hello!!!!
My name is Latasha and I will like to know more about taking the test and where can I get a study book or anything to help prepare me for the test.
Hi Latasha!
You can learn more about the CMA exam structure and how it’s scored here.
I’m currently running a promotion on our CMA review textbooks: you can order both parts for free and only cover shipping charges at checkout: $35 if it’s a US order and $69 for an international order. Here’s the link where you can order them.
This promotion expires in 2 days, so hurry up 🙂
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to hit reply.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
May I know at what time during the day exam will start. I have to schedule my slot and manage my routine during these time. I thought to give Jan-Feb. window .
Thanks in advance.
Shashank Srivastava
Hi Shashank,
You’ll be able to choose the time slot that works best for you (depending on the availability) when registering for the exam at Prometric.
Good luck on your exam!
Thank you Nathan.
Actually, when you told me that, I immediately claimed it! I said myself: Yes I passed the exam. And now the result is out, congratulating me for passing the exam! Unbelievable. As a reader of your blog, I would like to say my profound thanks on your valuable tips. Indeed, a great help on me.
Ejay
Woohoo!! Congratulations, Ejay! That’s so awesome! 🙂
Hi Nathan,
Just want to ask re: the pre test questions you mentioned above – are these questions present to every examinees’ MCQs? Or it is only randomly distributed, which means it may, for instance, appears on my exam but not in the other examinee?
Thanks in advance.
Tore
Hi Tore,
Good question! The 10 un-scored questions will appear on every test form, so everyone will see them.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
hi
i am thinking to start study CMA but as i hear the materials will be change next year and if i start now i dont have enough time to finish part one from the last material so what are u advising me ?? what is the best time to start ?? i an really confused and have some doubts
Hi Khaled, the exam is in fact changing in 2020. You can learn all about it here: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-exam-changes-in-2020/
To take one exam, you’ll need at least 3 full solid months of prep plus a couple of weeks for final review. Keeping in mind that to meet this schedule a candidate should study about 15 to 20 hours per week with a course like we offer. For those who self-study, they’ll need around 25 to 30 hours per week to meet this schedule.
Hi , Since the material will be changes in 2020 . If I start study now for part 2 and I take the exam in SEP , Then , I will need time to study for Part 1 , Which definitely I need time, and I may take the exam in JAN 2019.
Does the exam material will be change In JAN and Feb to the new Material ?
am I need to study for the New content will be added started 2020 ?
Ahmed, the new Learning Objectives will be tested from January 2020 onwards. So after taking your Part 2 exam in September, you can start studying for your 2020 Part 1 exam. Just make sure you’re using 2020 edition study materials. Thanks, Nathan
Is it ok to take Part 1 in September 2019 and part 2 on February 2020? or should i take both in 2020? It would seem that I am cutting it close if I try for both parts in 2019. Please let me know your thoughts. Also, which is easier Part 1 or Part 2? if every I proceed with taking the September 2019.
Hi Lea, It’s totally fine to take 1 exam in 2019 and the second one in 2020. Part 2 has a higher pass rate in general so if you feel comfortable with the topics being tested in Part 2, I would recommend to start there. Then tackle Part 1 in 2020. Thanks, Nathan
Hi everyone
Can you please let me know if the results for october window is out?
Kavitha, the results were released today 🙂
You mentioned we may be able to view our results on our IMA Profiles. Can I know how to access/view the result in this manner?
Hi Roch,
Yes, you will be able to view your exam results on your IMA profile online as soon as they come out. Basically, you just need to log-in to your IMA account and click myIMA and then myCertifications.
Thanks,
Nathan
HI
I have gone through in detail about CMA roadmap in your webiste.
It is very helpful for all CMA aspirants like me.
1) Can You please give comaparative cost break up of CMA , a) if direct enrollment to IMA & self strudy or b) Through CMA Academy.
2) Is IMA provide study material / text books which covers all required syllabus.
3) What are all the items are covered, should one registered in your academy for CMA coaching.
4) Please clarify, whether each part graded for 250 marks (MCQ 75% , Essay (2) 25%)
5) In that case, for each part No of Questions Maximum Marks Minimum Pass Marks
MCQs 100 187.5 135
Essay 2 62.5 45
Total Marks 250.0 180
6) Will you take mock exams, as same method as IMA for four hours.
Please clarify
Thanks
PRakash Shetty
Kuwait
Hi Prakash,
Please see responses below:
1. We only provide online review courses, you will still have to pay the registration and exam fee to IMA if you enroll with us.
2. IMA provides some review materials upon registration.
3. Our full course includes the following:
PASS OR 100% REFUND GUARANTEE
WEEKLY SUPPORT CALLS WITH YOUR CMA COACH
PRINTED TEXTBOOKS (FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE)
ONLINE INTERACTIVE TEXTBOOKS
ONLINE TEST-BANK WITH ADAPTIVE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY
VIDEO AND AUDIO LECTURES
ONE-ON-ONE COACHING SUPPORT
12-WEEK STUDY PROGRAM PER PART
WEEKLY ACCOUNTABILITY COACHING
FORMULA GUIDES
“YOUR EXAM DAY” COACHING & PREP
4-5 For information about the CMA Exam Grading, you can check this link.
6. Yes, we do have practice mock exams similar to IMA. Our test bank is a combination of both CMA retired exams and LOS-based (Learning Outcome Statement) questions we created ourselves to optimize learning.
Thanks,
Nathan
Please allow me to attend exam
Hi – To take the exam, the first step is to enroll in a course like the ones we offer here: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/premium-cma-coaching-combo-part-1-part-2/
After studying for 3 months, you’ll be ready to attend the exam.
I want to pass exam .
We are here to help you succeed in your desire to pass the exam. The best way to start is to check out all the free content we have on the website.
You can also check out our Complete courses. If they are a good fit for you, we’d be happy to coach you to exam success.
I want to pass exam . How can I pass the exam.
Hi there – start by reading this article How to Become a CMA in 6 Months.
If our courses are a good fit for you, all you need to do is enroll here and get started with your CMA test prep. We are here to guide you to exam success!
Thanks Nathan for all valued information you always provides and i am receiving since long time and i had taken decision many times to take the exam since 5 years but two things always stop to go forward : 1- my doubt which study materials to choose Gleim or your course between among all materials 2- if no body follow up with me step by step for my study progress, then i will start then stop and start again and stop and every time i have to repeat same subjects to recall them. I am currently head of finance and administration with 15 years experience and i am Syrian 37 years but working in gulf region (QATAR) since 2006. I need your advice and support how can i overcome all above issues and go step forward seriously to get my CMA designation. My target to complete CMA one years and with your support i would able to achieve that. Thanks and awaiting your response at earliest.
Hi Firas – Thanks for reaching out. Always happy to help 🙂
From your comment it sounds like you need a detailed step-by-step study plan and an instructor to follow up with you to keep you accountable and provide support.
We are the only instructor-led course online that provides this type of support. Other courses are mainly for self-study so you are mostly on your own.
I’d be more than glad to coach you should you decide to enroll in CMA Exam Academy by clicking here.
With our courses, you can pass both parts of the CMA exam in one year or even in less than a year.
It’s a bit too late to attempt the exam in the May/June 2018 exam window, but we can start your course and target the Sept/Oct 2018 exam window for one part. Then we can target Jan/Feb 2019 for the second exam. In less than a year you’ll have passed both parts.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise follow the link above and see you inside the Academy 🙂
Nathan
Thanks for the update, Nathan. This is very helpful information for planning to take both parts in the next few months
You are very welcome Kevin.