The CMA itself doesn’t “expire” the way some certifications do, but it can become inactive if you stop meeting the maintenance requirements. To keep your CMA active, you need to maintain IMA membership in good standing and complete 30 hours of CPE annually (including two hours of ethics). If you miss CPE or let your membership lapse, your CMA goes inactive, and you can no longer use the designation. Inactive CMAs can typically be reinstated by catching up on missed requirements. As long as you stay current on dues and CPE, the CMA is effectively a lifetime credential.
