CMA Study Guide: Pass Your Exam Using This FREE CMA Study Material

Pass the CMA Exam On Your First Try – Guaranteed!

A free CMA preparation plan to study for the exam the right way

With This Guide You'll Get...

• Step-By-Step Process

  The only guide of its kind that takes you step-by-step through the full, proven process of successfully preparing for the exam.

• Best Supplement For Self-Study

  The best supplement for self-studying candidates who want to get straight to their CMA review course, instead of worrying about a prep plan, study schedule or prioritizing materials.

• Advice For Every Stage of The Exam

  Invaluable coaching advice for every stage of exam prep, and specific tips to help you even as you’re sitting down to answer questions on exam day.

“Thank you for creating a very helpful site for aspiring Certified Management Accountants. Thanks to you, I passed the exam with a score of 420 for Part-One and a score of 410 for Part-Two.”James Perez, CMA
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“It was so helpful being able to learn directly from the experiences of someone who passed the CMA exam the first time. Nathan has put together a fantastic exam study guide. His expertise and straight forward writing style made it very easy to follow.”Tom Ross
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A Detailed Preview of Sections and Study Materials

• Section I. Introducing the Certified Management Accountant Certification

  This introduction will help you understand all about the Institute of Management Accountants, what the CMA certification is, and the latest changes to the CMA exam.

  • In the US, the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) governs Management Accountants and financial professionals.
  • Candidates with a CMA certification will be proficient in budgeting and planning, business reporting and decision analysis, and risk management.
  •  All IMA members are empowered to advocate for their growth and continued education.

• Section II. CMA Designation Requirements and Eligibility

  Learn what is required to get a CMA certification, and what you need to do to be eligible. This section covers the specific experience and education requirements, as well as ongoing continuing education units you’ll need to log each year to maintain your CMA certificate.

  • 2 years of continuous full-time employment in management accounting or financial management, or part-time (minimum 20 hours/weekly) for 4 years in this field to fulfill the work experience requirement.
  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university – it doesn’t have to be in finance or accounting.
  • Join the CMA program to kick off your studying for the exam

• Section III. Tools You Need to Study for the CMA Exam

  Learn what to look for in a CMA review course, and some expert tips on how to structure your study around full-time work or other obligations. Get a complete roadmap for planning the season of life in which you’ll study for the CMA exam.

  • Choose the right CMA review course – adaptive learning technology and one-on-one coaching sessions are great ways to improve your chances of passing.
  • Progress reports and accountability check-ins, video and audio tutorials for learning on the go, mock exams, etc.
  • Comprehensive CMA textbook with all the fundamental concepts and formulas you need to know.
  • Complementary CMA study materials like video or audio lectures, flashcards, and test banks will help you prepare more efficiently.

• Section IV. Understanding the CMA Exam and Study Strategies

  Get a crash course in how the CMA exam is set up, the two types of questions on the CMA exam, how difficult the CMA exam is, and how to plan for both the financial and time investment. This section will also contain CMA exam study strategies and tactics for success.

  • The CMA exam is comprised of 2 parts. The first covers financial planning, performance, and analytics. The second covers strategic financial management, such as financial statement analysis, corporate finances, investment decisions and decision analysis, and risk management on all topics in section 2.
  • Each part of the exam is 4 hours long. The first 3 hours are dedicated to 100 multiple-choice questions, and the final hour is for 2 essay scenarios involving several questions per scenario.
  • Analyze every question, and keep an eye on the time!

• Section V. CMA vs Other Accounting Certifications

  Wondering how the CMA stacks up against other accounting certifications? This section covers CMA versus all major business and accounting designation, comparing everything from exam difficulty to earning potential.

  • Learn the differences between the CMA, CPA, CGMA, and the CIMA.
  • CMAs focus more on strategic business analysis and critical decision-making than CPAs.
  • To maintain your CMA certification, you need to earn 30 hours of continuing professional education, whereas a CPA must earn 40, depending on the state.

• Section VI. Your CMA Career

  Becoming a CMA is just the first step in what could be a long and prosperous career. Learn how the most successful professionals leverage a CMA into fulfilling and lucrative jobs, and get actionable insights on how to grow your own network.

  • Job titles for CMAs – Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Controller, and more…
  • LinkedIn is a great way to promote your CMA designation.
  • Optimize your CMA resume!

• Section VII. Your CMA Salary

  How much money can you make as a CMA? These numbers regularly change and this section will be updated to reflect the latest findings on CMA salaries both in the United States and around the world.

  • In 2018 CMAs earned 62% more in median salary and 67% more in median total compensation than their non-CMA counterparts.
  • In a world of automation, having your CMA and your CPA certifications is definitely worth it.

Guaranteed Improvement on Your Pass Rate

Past CMA Candidates’ Success Stories & Reviews

“This study guide was great! This is much different than I was expecting because the CMA exam is proving to be much tougher and the books that are out there do not prepare you anywhere near as well. I would recommend this blueprint to anyone interested in passing the exam the first time and moving up in the corporate world of accounting/management!”Tim O’Rourke
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“I would like to thank you for what you are doing for CMA candidates. You are so very helpful. It means so much that someone is willing to help even without knowing another person. That means a lot and I am inspired to do the same.”Allison Brackin
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“As a qualified teacher I was extremely impressed with the content of the CMA Study Guide. The Study Guide was very clearly laid out and organized in such a way as to allow the student to progress easily through the materials. Each step of the exam was clearly covered with great attention to detail. This is a great solution for those looking for a well structured and easy to use study plan to help them pass the exam the first time.”Stephanie Arsoska
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More Happy Students

“I’ve been reading the CMA study guide and it’s really helpful to have an idea how the exam is divided. It was of great help to know in detail every section, since some schools don’t offer that information to students. As undergraduate senior, it’s very important to have the advice of an actual CMA professional about this exam. I really liked how the study plan is divided. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about this exam.”Leticia Covarrubias
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“My overall impression of the study guide is that it’s very useful. My favorite chapters are How to Pass the First Time and SQ3R. The weekly study plan will help those who don’t have time to create one. God bless you and help you in your life like you help us.”Andrea Assad
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“I read through it on my computer and a second time on my iPad. I think you’ve done a great job of laying everything out that we need to take care of and study for in order to pass the exam. The format is great, it makes sense and seems to flow nicely through each step that you have outlined. This study guide is definitely going to help many candidates throughout this process.”Allison Ruffino
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“Overall what I liked best about your study guide and ties in to my overall impression is that I like the well thought out plan. I believe the study plans are very well drawn. You show the objectives for each section and the progression makes sense. My overall comments are a big thanks to you for taking the time to help your fellow CMA candidates. I think everybody will benefit from the CMA study guide that you’ve created. Thanks again Nathan.”Kimberly Malik
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“Firstly, I appreciate your great work as well as your kindness for supporting us. I’ve read your study guide and it’s very helpful. Especially the study plan and summary details of each section which we have to study.”Rajeesh KP
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