How Long to Study for the CMA Exam: Your Ultimate Guide!

Ready to advance your accounting career with the CMA designation, but wondering how much time it takes to prepare for success?

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) recommends about 170 study hours (10-13 weeks) for Part One and 130 study hours (eight to 11 weeks) for Part Two. However, based on my experience working with CMA candidates, I recommend allowing at least 16 weeks per part to build a deeper understanding of the material and improve your chances of passing the CMA exam on your first attempt.

That said, the amount of time needed to prepare for the CMA exam can vary based on your professional background and level of work experience.

While CMA exam preparation is a significant time commitment, the long-term career benefits of earning the designation will make the effort well worth it.

Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) are in high demand due to their expertise in financial management and strategic business decision-making abilities. Companies worldwide recognize the value of CMAs, and the certification can lead candidates to higher salaries and advanced career opportunities.

I earned my CMA over a decade ago and have helped thousands of people just like you successfully study for their CMA exam.

In this blog, I’ll share my insights into how many hours you really need to study for the exam and how to effectively manage your CMA study time.

Rest assured, the rigorous study schedule is worth it!

Originally published on June 4th, 2024, this article was updated and republished on December 18th, 2025.

How Many Hours Do I Need to Study for the CMA Exam?

You’ll need to dedicate a significant amount of study time to pass the CMA exam.

I recommend that most candidates should plan to spend about 16 weeks per CMA exam part to build a strong understanding of the material and maximize first-time pass chances. While the IMA estimates eight to 13 weeks per part, the right timeline ultimately depends on your professional background, experience level, and how comfortable you are with the exam content.

Let’s explore how much time you’ll realistically need to prepare for the CMA exam.

General Recommendations

On average, I recommend a total of 240-300 hours for each part of the exam. Ideally, you’ll want to aim for at least 15 hours of study time each week for 16 weeks.

The IMA gives candidates up to three years to complete and pass both parts of the CMA exam. With that in mind, it’s wise to build in extra buffer time and spread your study hours over a longer period when possible. Doing so supports better long-term retention of information, allows for a deeper understanding of complex topics, and helps reduce burnout during the process.

It also gives you ample time to complete practice questions and sit for full-length, timed mock exams, so you become comfortable with the exam format and question styles before test day.

Study Intensity and Timeline

The ideal study timeline for the CMA exam depends on your background, experience level, and how much time you can dedicate each week to studying for the exam.

Below is a practical breakdown of the recommended study timelines based on common candidate profiles:

• Average Learners: Most candidates need around 240-300 hours of study time per exam part.
  • Part One: 240-300 hours over 16-20 weeks
  • Part Two: 240-300 hours over 16-20 weeks

• Experienced Professionals: If you already have a strong background in accounting and finance, you might need less time.
  • Part One: Approximately 200-240 hours over 13-16 weeks
  • Part Two: Approximately 200-240 hours over 13-16 weeks

• Newcomers: If you feel less confident in your learning speed, you might need more time.
  • Part One: Up to 300 hours over 20 weeks
  • Part Two: Up to 300 hours over 20 weeks

• CMA Exam Academy 16-Week Accelerator Program Students: Candidates using our structured, guided 16-Week Accelerator Program reduce their overall study time, averaging about eight to 10 study hours per week.
• Part One: 128–160 hours over 16 weeks
• Part Two: 128–160 hours over 16 weeks

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How Long Does It Take to Study for the CMA Exam?

Converting study hours into weeks or months helps to create a realistic study plan. Let’s look at the math.

If you’re an average learner needing 240 hours in total and planning to study 15 hours per week, you can calculate your study period as follows:

• Part One: 240 hours ÷ 15 hours/week = 16 weeks
• Part Two: 240 hours ÷ 15 hours/week = 16 weeks

This means you can complete your preparation for both parts in about 32-40 weeks, or roughly eight to ten months.

For example, if you plan to take the CMA Part One exam in January 2027, starting your studies by September 2026 would give you ample time to prepare, assuming you maintain a consistent study schedule.

Study Tips for Success

Using the right strategies can help you make better use of your time, retain information more effectively, and avoid burnout along the way.

Here are a few practical tips to help you study more efficiently.

Start Early

Avoid leaving your preparation to the last minute. Give yourself plenty of time to absorb information instead of cramming everything into rushed and stressful study sessions.

Starting early also gives you the flexibility to spread your study hours out, take breaks when you’re feeling burned out, revisit challenging topics, and practice with question banks.

Be Realistic

Build a study plan that fits your actual schedule and commitments.

The key here is balance. If your plan is too rushed, you may get exhausted and struggle to retain information. If it’s too relaxed, it’s easy to procrastinate and lose motivation as the momentum slows down.

Aim for a sustainable plan and set clear weekly or monthly milestones to stay on track.

Be Consistent

Consistency often matters more than intensity. Studying a little each day can be more effective than long, irregular study sessions. This approach helps reinforce key concepts, improve retention, and keep the momentum going.

Having a coach or study partner can also improve accountability and help you stay committed and consistent with your goals.

Use a Mix of Study Methods

Relying on a single study method can limit your progress. Instead, combine different approaches such as video lessons, practice questions, audio reviews, reading materials, and full-length mock exams.

Using a mix of methods can deepen your understanding, keep your study sessions engaging, and help you apply concepts more confidently on exam day.

If you want more advanced strategies to save time and boost your learning, check out our complete guide on CMA exam study secrets.

CMA Study Time – Choose CMA Exam Academy

While these estimates can provide a solid foundation, your individual study needs may vary. That’s where CMA Exam Academy’s 16-week Accelerator program comes in. My study plan and best study tips can significantly optimize your study time and efficiency.

Our students study eight to 10 hours per week in our program, reducing their study time by nearly half compared to candidates who self-study using other review programs.

Successfully earning your CMA certification is a significant milestone in your career. With the right study plan and support, you can pass the exam and advance your professional journey.

If you’re looking to optimize your CMA preparation, my 16-Week Accelerator program offers a comprehensive, guided study schedule that can fast-track your success.

Ready to get started? Leave any questions below, and I’ll answer them ASAP.

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!