Once you pass a part, that pass is valid for three years — that’s the “three-year rule.” You must pass the second part within three years of passing the first, or your initial pass expires and you’ll have to retake it. This is one of the most important policies to plan around. I’ve had students pass Part 1, get busy at work, and let the three-year clock run out — that’s a heartbreak you don’t want. Once both parts are passed and your education and experience are verified, your full CMA certification is active and stays valid for life, as long as you maintain IMA membership and meet your annual CPE requirements.
