CMA Study Plan for Working Professionals: 15 Tips to Pass while Working Full-Time

When I decided to become a CMA, I was working full-time. This meant I only had evenings and weekends for my CMA test prep.

Like so many others, I was working a 40-hour week and balancing family and friend commitments, but I knew I needed to make some sacrifices to pass the exam.

Juggling so many commitments can be tough, and it’s often why many candidates fail. To help you through the struggle and find success, I am going to share 15 of my top tips on how you can study for the exam while working a full-time job.

I’m certain that if you consider these tips, you too, can earn your CMA designation while still achieving your work goals.

Ready to find out what they are? Listen to the podcast on iTunes.

Like what you hear? Give us a 5-star rating, or leave a review!

Originally published on June 6th, 2016, this article was updated and republished on August 19th, 2024.

15 Tips for Your CMA Work-Study Balance

While it isn’t a walk in the park, you absolutely can do your CMA while working full-time. With the right strategies, you can juggle work, study, and play and pass the CMA exam on your first try!

Here are my best tips to help you succeed.

1: Anticipate Your Workload

While preparing well for your CMA exam is crucial, you don’t want this to cost you your job. The last thing you want to be is a deadweight in your office.

If possible, schedule time with your supervisor or manager and plan your work projects in advance. Having a better idea of your workload in the coming months will allow you to manage your study time more effectively.

2: Flexible Work Hours

If you’re doing well at work, your boss will probably be more lenient with your hours. Plus, the skills, knowledge, and the new title you gain from passing the exam will also benefit your workplace. Thus, you might be able to ask for flexible working hours.

3: Get Rid of the Noise

Passing the CMA exam takes effort and energy. Unfortunately, this means you will have to limit your non-productive activities temporarily. For example, you may have to spend less time scrolling through social media, playing video games, or binge-watching your favorite TV series.

4: Health Is Your Wealth

Studying and working full-time can take a toll on your health. This is why it’s important to exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. It’s easier said than done. But taking care of your body allows you to study and work at your best.

5: Don’t Give in to Temptation

While studying for the CMA exam, you might get invited to different parties or social events. The fear of missing out (FOMO) is real, and it can be tempting to put aside studying to join in on the fun.

Remember that your biggest priority is passing the CMA exam, so try your best to stick to your study schedule. After all, earning this desirable designation will require hard work and sacrifice.

6: Stay Motivated

Becoming a CMA can be long, but keep your eyes on the prize. Focus on the personal growth and development you’re achieving. This can help you stay motivated and encourage you to use your time wisely.

Exam Secrets Cheat Sheet

Pass the CMA exam the first time using the exam secrets no one talks about, until today!

First Name *

Email *

 

Download Cheat Sheet

No worries, your information is safe with me. I hate spam too!

7: Manage Your Time

Time management might not come naturally, but it’s a skill you can learn. Use timetables, organizers, and planners to help you stay on track. You can paste these on your walls so you know what and when to study. Alternatively, set up a calendar on your phone with reminders.

Plan out how much free time you’ll have outside of work and how much of it will be allocated to studying. This will help you balance studying and working full-time.

8: Find an Accountability Buddy

Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to keep you accountable. They can help you stay on track by checking up on your progress from time to time. This is a great way to motivate yourself to work hard to achieve your CMA study goals!

9: Find Your Hotspot

Are you more productive when you’re in a certain place or environment? If so, think about the reasons why. Maybe you can focus better in a quiet environment. Or perhaps listening to a focus-heightening playlist allows you to get more work done. Reflect on how you can adjust your study or work environment to focus better.

10: Reach Out to a Career Center

Some workplaces have career centers that are worth contacting. Someone there will likely be able to support and help you manage your work goals while studying for the CMA exam. Try to use all these readily available resources to your advantage.

11: Look for a Study Buddy

Ask if any of your other friends or colleagues are also preparing to become CMAs. If you find someone, you can hold each other accountable, review each other’s progress, and even exchange notes.

12: Make Plans

During this busy season, it’s essential to think ahead. Reflect on which areas of study you are strong in and which you need to focus on more. Based on this, you can create your study schedule to determine how much time you’ll spend on each section.

13: Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Remember to give yourself some time to relax and enjoy yourself. Give yourself off one day a week, take breaks between study sessions, and include downtime in your schedule. Use your free time to catch up with friends and family or do something to unwind.

14: Work Like a Boss

As tempting as it may be, don’t use your work hours to study. This might land you in hot water, and it isn’t fair to your employer. There’s a time to work, a time to study, and a time to play. Whatever the task at hand, give it all your focus and energy.

15: Don’t Go to Work the Week Before Your Exam (Optional)

Request a few days off before your exam. This will give you time to recharge yourself mentally and emotionally, putting you in the best frame of mind for your CMA exam.

And there you have it — 15 strategies to help you balance work and study like a pro. Not all these tips will be suitable for everyone. So, you can start by incorporating a few you think will work best for you.

Plan to Pass the CMA

Achieving your CMA certification is a pivotal moment in your career. With the right study plan and support, you can ace the exam and elevate your professional path, all while balancing study time with a full-time job.

If you want to supercharge your CMA preparation, my 16-Week Accelerator course provides a thorough, guided study schedule designed to fast-track your success, even for busy professionals.

Excited to begin? Drop any questions below, and I’ll respond 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!