A lot of people ask me about how to become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
Simply put, to become a CMA, you must have a bachelor’s degree or qualifying professional certification. You’ll also need two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. On top of that, you need to complete a rigorous two-part exam and obtain an IMA membership.
The truth is, CMAs are in high demand and low supply right now. And the good news is, becoming one is absolutely attainable. By following my plan below, you can apply for your Certified Management Accountant Certification in as little as 8 months!
Originally published in 2020, this article was updated and republished on Sept. 20, 2024.
If you’re wondering how to become a CMA as quickly as possible, this one’s for you. Having a tight schedule of tasks is a necessity if you want to become a CMA in under a year. But it is absolutely doable if you prepare carefully and follow these 10 steps:
- 1. Meet the CMA Education Requirements
- 2. Fulfill the Experience Qualification
- 3. Pay for an IMA Membership
- 4. Join the CMA Program
- 5. Enroll in a CMA Review Course Program
- 6. Begin Studying by Following a Proven Study Plan
- 7. Register for a CMA Exam Part After Week 8 of Your Study Plan
- 8. Take the CMA Exam
- 9. Apply for your CMA Certificate
- 10. Comply with Ethical Standard and CPE
Prepare for the CMA Journey
The path to becoming a CMA isn’t a walk in the park. One challenging aspect of this journey is passing the CMA exam, which requires a lot of preparation, dedication, and hard work.
The exam covers various topics, including budgeting, forecasting, decision analysis, corporate finance, and risk management. Not only will you have to familiarize yourself with new concepts and information, but you’ll also need to get used to the layout and format of the exam.
Earning the CMA designation also requires good time management. It’s crucial to plan and use your time wisely to cover all the necessary topics before your exam date. You’ll also have to do a little research to find the best CMA resources to help you prepare effectively for the exam.
Passing is a huge feat. So when that happens, take time to celebrate — you deserve it! But that’s just one part of the journey. You have to meet other requirements to officially become a CMA, such as getting the necessary educational and experience qualifications. On top of that, you’ll have to fulfill the yearly Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements to maintain your designation.
All this might sound daunting, but don’t let it scare you away from embarking on this rewarding journey. With the right game plan, community, and a good CMA review course, you can tilt the scale in your favor and become a successful CMA!
I’ve put together a step-by-step guide detailing the process of how to become a CMA.
Step 1. Meet the CMA Education Requirements
In order to become a CMA, you must earn a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college. You can also meet the CMA education requirements by getting one of the approved professional certifications. CMA candidates often come from varying backgrounds, but the most common degrees include accounting, finance, economics, and general business.
Did you know that you can take the CMA exam before you even earn your degree?
That’s right. Even though one of the requirements for how to become a CMA includes earning your degree, you can get the exam out of the way first. Most candidates, however, choose to earn their degree or professional certification first, but the choice is yours.
Step 2. Fulfill the Experience Qualification
Another prerequisite for becoming a CMA is to complete two years of professional experience. The good news is you have quite a large window in which you can complete this qualification. You must complete your experience qualification either prior to or within 7 years of passing the CMA exam.
Why is this good news?
Because it means college students and professionals looking to make a move into the CMA field can still sit for the exam even if they don’t have 2 years of accounting experience yet. Not only does completing the CMA exam look great on your resume, but it’s a great way to get ahead of the game.
In order to fulfill the experience requirement, you’ll need two years of experience in management accounting and/or financial management. You must hold a professional full-time position. Alternatively, you can work part-time at 20 hours per week for 4 consecutive years in the same field.
Qualifying experience may be anything from working as a staff accountant to a CFO in roles such as financial analyst, senior accountant, etc. While the ICMA prefers consecutive years of experience, each CMA membership is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, so don’t let this hold you back.
If you are an academic and at least 60% of your courses are accounting and corporate financial management courses above the fundamental level, you meet the experience qualification.
Step 3. Pay for an IMA Membership
In order to be eligible for the CMA certification, you must be an active member of the Institute of Management Accountants, or IMA.
Wondering how to join IMA?
It’s easy!
Start by choosing the IMA membership best suited for you. Here are your options:
IMA Professional Members
The IMA benefits are available worldwide. With a professional membership, you can take advantage of the IMA’s cutting-edge resources. Use these resources to further expand and hone your knowledge and skills in all areas of management accounting.
Who it’s for: Individuals who already have a career in accounting or finance – think business accountants or financial managers.
Fees: Professional members $295 for the first year, then $280 annually.
IMA Student Members
This membership is perfect for students looking to kick-start their career in accounting or financial management.
Who it’s for: Current students at accredited institutions or universities.
Fees: Students have the option of choosing a one- or two-year membership. With a nice, low fee of only $49 per year.
IMA Academic Members
Members have access to benefits worldwide, including the IMA’s ethics curriculum, webinars, case studies, mentor program, research grants, and various other teaching resources.
Who it’s for: Full-time faculty members of accredited institutions.
Fees: $160 for the first year, then $145 annually.
*The IMA offers a discount on the annual fee when your organization signs up 5 or more staff members. This discount program offers a 15% discount on IMA membership rates.
For full details on eligibility and pricing, click here.
Step 4. Join the CMA Program
One of the steps to becoming a CMA is paying a non-refundable entrance fee for your CMA certification program. This means you must pay this fee in order to even take your exam.
Pricing varies depending on your IMA membership. For example, the cost for professional members is $300, but for Student and Academic members, the fee is only $225.
Once you’ve paid this fee, you probably want to know how long does it take to get CMA certified?
The answer to this question varies. How long depends on what sort of CMA prep course you take and how quickly you want to work through the material.
To be clear, you must complete the CMA program and pass both parts of the CMA exam within 3 years of entry. If you fail to do so, you will have to repay the entrance fee and retake any passed exams.
You must also register for one exam part — either CMA Part 1, or CMA Part 2 — within the first 12 months of entry, or you’ll have to repay the entrance fee. There are several testing windows each year, so plan accordingly.
My advice to you is to wait to join until you are 100% sure you are ready to take the exam!
Step 5. Enroll in a CMA Review Course Program
While the CMA Entrance Fee includes 6 months of access to the CMA Support Package, the majority of candidates will not find this helpful enough. Instead, I highly recommend that you find the best CMA review course that will fit your needs and use it to prepare for the exam.
CMA Exam Academy is a cutting-edge CMA exam review program. It provides candidates with a complete step-by-step instructor-led format; it provides you with virtually everything you need to be 100% prepared for the exam.
If you’re new to CMA Exam Academy, let me break down what this program has to offer and why it’s a step above the competition.
CMA Exam Academy Review Program Benefits
There are a host of benefits to my CMA Academy Review Program, including:
- Weekly support calls with a CMA Coach
- Accountability check-ins and assignment tracking
- Textbooks and Test Banks
- Video Lectures
- Audio Review
- Whiteboard explainer videos
- CMA Formula Guides
- Unlimited coaching support
- 16-week step-by-step study plan per exam part
Many of the potential CMA candidates I speak with have one question in common:
“How can I study for the CMA exam with a packed schedule already?”
The truth is, life is busy. Many candidates work full-time, and some are parents on top of that. Without a plan, it’s too easy to put off studying, delay setting an exam date, and go another year without getting your certification.
With CMA Exam Academy, you’ll be ready to pass each exam in just 16 weeks studying for only 1 hour per day and a little more on weekends. It’s a structured study plan with all the resources you need to learn, review, and practice the material – and stay on track with weekly reminders, check-ins, accountability, and unlimited support from certified CMAs.
My Top CMA Review Course Comparison
There are several reputable CMA courses available. Here is a quick side-by-side of the top CMA review courses:
 |  |  |  |  | |
Price | $1,597 Both Parts | $1,799 Both Parts | $1,299 Both Parts | $1,209 Both Parts | $1,299 Both Parts |
Best Package | Complete | Premium | Platinum | Pro | Ultimate |
Program Type | 16-Week CMA Accelerator Program | Self-Study | Self-Study | Self-Study | Self-Study |
Avg Exam Pass Rate | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed | |||
Support Team | Certified CMAs | General Support | General Support | General Support | General Support |
Program Access | 24 Months | Unlimited | Unlimited | 24 Months | Unlimited |
Exam Pass or 100% Refund | |||||
16-Week Guided Program | |||||
Weekly Coaching Calls | |||||
Weekly Accountability Check-ins | |||||
Weekly Assignments | |||||
| | | | | |
Prometric In-Person Exam Rehearsal | |||||
24-Hour Email Response Time | |||||
Formula Guides | |||||
Exclusive 15% IMA Discount | |||||
Free Shipping Worldwide | |||||
Fundamentals of Accounting Textbook | |||||
Whiteboard Explainer Videos (MCQs) | |||||
Printed CMA Textbooks | |||||
Digital CMA Textbooks | |||||
Online Test-Bank | |||||
Video Lectures | |||||
Flashcards | |||||
Audio mp3 Lectures | |||||
| | | | | |
Price | $1,597 Both Parts | $1,799 Both Parts | $1,299 Both Parts | $1,209 Both Parts | $1,299 Both Parts |
To learn even more about these companies, read our dedicated CMA review course comparison.
Step 6. Begin Studying by Following a Proven Study Plan
Everyone learns differently, and each person’s schedule differs. Unsurprisingly, how long to study for the CMA exam varies from person to person.
In my professional experience, I have found that a 16-week study plan is optimal for most candidates taking the exam.
The reasoning is simple:
Sixteen weeks of study for each part of the exam (16 weeks for Part One and an additional 16 weeks for Part Two) gives candidates ample time to learn everything they need to know to pass the CMA on the first attempt. Furthermore, it’s long enough for you to consume all the material without forgetting key topics.
To put this in perspective, I spent approximately 6 months total studying for the exam, taking 3 months to study for each exam part, but the exam wasn’t as extensive as it is now. A 16-week study plan per part will set up candidates for exam success with the current version of the exam.
When I was preparing for the exam, I would head to Starbucks after work and put in 3 to 4 hours of studying each day. With small 10-minute breaks every hour, I was able to focus and optimize my study time.
On the weekends, I put in several more study hours. On Saturdays, I would study for 3 hours in the morning, followed by a well-deserved lunch break. After lunch, I would clock in 4 more hours. Following dinner, I would cap the night off with 3 hours of studying.
Same with my weekday studying, each hour of study was followed by a 10-minute break.
This may sound intense to some, but it worked for my lifestyle.
To reset and recharge, I planned Sundays as my rest day. I used this time to rest and spend quality time with family and friends.
You’re probably wondering how I stuck to this schedule without losing my mind. Some days I definitely wondered that myself.
Some weeks were harder than others, but thanks to a lot of moral support from friends and family, I was able to walk into the exam fully prepared.
It’s worth mentioning that the exam has changed, and the percentage and depth of knowledge in the Content Specification Outlines has been revised. This is why I now recommend 16 weeks per part, rather than 12 weeks.
If you struggle with motivation and are a constant procrastinator then you may find it extremely beneficial to plan out your study time.
For example, make study appointments. Mark your calendar with how long to study for the CMA exam that day and stick to it.
Remember to also plan study breaks. It’s incredibly important to make sure you spend some time relaxing so you don’t get burnt out.
Scheduling regular break times (like a quick 10 minutes every hour) will ensure that you have enough time to rest and refresh without getting thrown off track.
Want even more study hacks? Check out the links below to help streamline your studying:
- CMA Study Guide
- CMA Exam Multiple Choice Questions Demystified
- CMA Exam Essay Questions — Everything You Need to Know
- Best CMA Study Materials
Step 7. Register for a CMA Exam Part After Week 8 of Your Study Plan
There is no better way to light a fire under your studying than to register for one part of the exam on an upcoming CMA exam date.
There are three exam windows you can register for each year:
- January/February
- May/June
- September/October
Registrations close after the 15th of February, June, and October.
You may register on the IMA online store or by calling 800-638-4427 or (201) 573-9000.
After your registration is complete you will receive your authorization from ICMA. From there, you can schedule your testing appointment at a Prometric Testing Center near you by logging onto www.prometric.com/ICMA.
Step 8. Take the CMA Exam
Now that you have studied for weeks and prepared to the best of your ability, it is time to take the CMA exam.
The CMA exam is a computer-based exam and, as I mentioned before, consists of two parts. While you certainly have the option to take Part One and Part Two in the same exam window, I strongly recommend taking each part in separate windows. This will allow you ample time to study and focus on each part individually. Consequently, you will be more confident on exam day.
Each part of the CMA exam is 4 hours. The first 3 hours are dedicated to a multiple-choice section, while the final hour consists of an essay section with 2 essay questions.
Here is an in-depth breakdown of each part of the exam:
Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
Duration: 4 hours
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions and two 30-minute essay scenarios
How is the CMA exam scored?
Key topics are marked differently depending on their category. Here is their breakdown:
- Cost Management – 15%
- Internal Controls – 15%
- Technology and Analytics – 15%
- External Financial Reporting Decisions – 15%
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting – 20%
- Performance Management – 20%
Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management
Duration: 4 hours
Format: 100 multiple-choice questions and two 30-minute essay scenarios
Breakdown of scoring:
- Risk Management – 10%
- Investment Decisions – 10%
- Professional Ethics – 15%
- Financial Statement Analysis – 20%
- Corporate Finance – 20%
- Decision Analysis – 25%
In order to move on to the essay portion of the exam, you must answer at least 50% of the multiple-choice questions correctly.
But keep in mind that in order to actually pass the exam, you’ll need a minimum score of 65% on the multiple-choice questions and a perfect score on the essay section, so definitely aim higher than that!
Once you have submitted your multiple-choice answers for scoring, you cannot go back.
If you do not answer 50% correctly, you automatically fail the exam part and will need to retake that part of the exam. There is no discount for exam re-writing meaning you’ll pay the full CMA exam cost to retake that exam part.
The good news is, that if you complete and pass the multiple-choice portion before the 3-hour limit, you can use the full remainder of your time to complete the essay portion. This means if you complete the multiple-choice section in 2 hours you now have 2 full hours to complete the essay section instead of just one hour.
A word to the wise – do not rush through the multiple-choice portion just so you have extra time for the essay. You don’t want to risk scoring less than 65%.
Think of any additional time as an added bonus IF you finished before the 3-hour limit.
Step 9. Apply for your CMA Certificate
Once you complete both parts of the CMA exam and meet the education and work experience requirements, you may apply for your CMA certificate. Woohoo!
To do this, you send your application directly to the IMA. Instructions are available inside your personal IMA account.
Step 10. Comply with Ethical Standard and CPE
In order to maintain your CMA membership, you must fulfill your Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement.
The CMA CPE requirements are 30 completed educational hours every year, with at least two in the area of ethics.
Be sure to keep all CPE certificates for at least two years since reported CPE hours are verified at random. To find out more, check out our CPE Flow platform.
Maintaining Your CMA Certification
In order to maintain your CMA certification, you’ll need to start fulfilling the CPE requirements after one calendar year of becoming a CMA. You can earn these CPE credits in different ways, such as through CMA CPE courses, seminars, workshops, speeches, and even technical meetings.
It’s crucial to devise a game plan for meeting these annual requirements. You don’t want to be like a deer caught in headlights with only a month left in the year and still 30 educational hours to complete. Cramming all those hours into a short timeframe will only lead to unnecessary stress. Plus, rushing through it all means you likely won’t benefit as much from the learning experience.
Try to get started as soon as you can. Self-paced courses are the most convenient way to begin earning your CPE credits.
CPE Flow offers engaging online masterclasses that are taught by industry experts and produced with the help of an award-winning crew of creatives. They cover a wide range of topics, such as financial reporting, auditing, financial modeling, and tax planning.
With these self-paced classes, you have no strict deadlines and can work toward your annual CPE requirements without even leaving your home!
Why Become a CMA in the First Place?
Becoming a CMA was a game-changer for me. It allowed me to travel the world and work remotely, allowing me freedom in my personal and professional life.
What is CMA (Certified Management Accountant)? It’s a sub-discipline of accounting that focuses on strategic considerations and management.
And it can be a lucrative option for accounting professionals who want to further their careers and increase their income.
Here are some amazing reasons to consider getting a CMA certification.
In High Demand
CMAs are in high demand and relatively low supply, so now is the perfect time to add this designation to your resume. Now is a better time than ever to enter CMA careers.
Well-Known Internationally
The CMA designation is well-known around the world, so if you’re looking for global recognition, this could be right for you.
While you might assume that the majority of CMAs are located in the United States, we actually represent a mere fraction of those certified globally. The CMA has grown immensely over the years, especially in China and the Middle East.
Having a CMA gives you access to jobs abroad and in the US.
Higher Earning Potential
According to the 2021 IMA Global Salary Survey, the average CMA salary reported across all regions was $72,430 base salary and $86,924 total compensation.
In the United States specifically, the overall median base salary is $105,000, and the overall median total compensation is $118,500.
Pretty impressive when you consider that a Certified Management Accountant salary is 56% more in median salary than their non-CMA counterparts.
Weighing the Financial and Time Investment
There are several factors that contribute to the cost of becoming a CMA – both financially and time-wise.
Financial Investment
The most basic costs for becoming a CMA include paying for both parts of the CMA exam, the exam entrance fee, and your IMA membership.
Each part of the exam costs $495 however, they do offer discounts for students and academics. This does not apply to graduates, though.
The one-time entrance fee is anywhere from $225 to $300, depending on your student or professional status.
Your IMA membership is an annual fee and can be as cheap as $45 for students to $135 and $260 for academics and professionals.
In addition to these basic costs, candidates will want to consider the cost of various CMA review courses to help them prepare for the exam. The cost of study materials can range anywhere from $699 to $1800, depending on the course you go with. (See my review course comparison chart above.) Not to mention the cost of earning your undergraduate degree.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CMA?
In addition to the financial cost of getting your CMA certification, you may want to consider the actual time it will take to earn it.
As one of the CMA prerequisites is having an undergraduate degree, you are looking at a minimum of 3-4 years right off the bat.
Preparation for the exam itself often ranges from 8-12 months, depending on your schedule flexibility and study plan.
Another prerequisite is 2 consecutive years of applicable work experience. While they do offer part-time work experience options, this would mean adding even more years. It is worth mentioning that this requirement may be completed prior to or within seven years of passing the examination, so you have a little flexibility when it comes to this requirement.
All in all, becoming a CMA can take upwards of 5 years, depending on your game plan.
FAQ
Here’s a brief overview of some of the more commonly asked questions about becoming a Certified Management Accountant.
Is the CMA harder than the CPA?
The CMA pass rate is around 50%, while the pass rate for the CPA is between 45-55%. Both are difficult certifications to get, it just depends on which certificate fits with your goals.
Which bachelor’s degree is best for CMA?
The best bachelor’s degree to have for a CMA is either in accounting or finance. However, many professionals transition into accounting via the CMA because the degree requirement for this certification can be from any field.
Who is eligible for CMA in the US?
Anyone who meets the necessary criteria for the CMA is eligible worldwide.
What do you need to pass the CMA exam?
To pass the CMA exam you must score at least 360 out of 500.
So What Now?
Look, I have just hammered a ton of information your way. Taking it all in can feel a bit overwhelming, but the decision to become a CMA should not be taken lightly.
There is no doubt in mind that if you choose to earn your CMA certification, you will crush the prerequisites and earn the highly coveted CMA certificate. I would love to be by your side to help you turn your dream into a reality.
For any and all questions regarding how to become a CMA and the CMA certification, feel free to drop me a line in the comment section below. I am here for you!
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!
139 Comments on “How to Become a CMA: 10 Steps to Getting Certified”
Hi Nathan,
I am a Manager with 22 years of experience in finance domain. At present I am kind of stuck in my career & now wanting to get a move on. Lack of a professional degree is the reason why I am stuck. I do have an Executive MSB with CGPA score 0f 8.5.
I am a bit confused if I should be perusing CMA & so have the following queries
1) Will completing this course help me at this stage of my career?
2) Will I get any exemptions for the Executive MBA?
Kindly advice
Anil
Hi Anil,
Thanks for reaching out.
Please see my answers to your questions below:
1) Earning your CMA designation, it will definitely help you move up in your career. My goal at CMA Exam Academy is to help everyone pass their exam the first time.
2) To earn the CMA, there are no exemptions. All candidates must meet all of the requirements including passing the two-part exam.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Nathan
Hello
I’m from India I have completed my graduation in btech(computer science) I don’t have any work experience I want to do cma in Canada can I know what is the process
Hi Sanjay,
Please note that CMA Canada is no longer offered. The US CMA is recognized globally.
I have many students in Canada preparing for the exam. If you’re interested in studying with my team and I, here’s more info about our step-by-step program for your reference: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/premium-cma-coaching-combo-part-1-part-2
How to get Digital badge of CMA? Can we get it after completing both the parts of US CMA or after meeting educational and work experience criteria?
Thank you
Hi Nathan, I am trained accounting teacher from Cameroon with over 6 years of high school teaching experience. My credentials were evaluated to be equivalent to a Masters in Accounting in Canada. And I also have a an MBA general from California Intercontinental University. I also work as a financial operations Analyst with TD bank for 1.5 years now. I wish to find out if I am eligible for the CMA and whether my work experience count towards the work experience requirement .
Hi Niba,
You’re eligible to enroll in a course and take the CMA exam.
For more details about the experience requirements, I invite you to check the following article: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements/
If you have any specific questions about the program and eligibility, I encourage you to reach out to the IMA directly via http://www.imanet.org.
Their customer service is top-notch and will be able to assist you further.
Hy
I am working in KPMG right now as an Analyst(Transaction monitoring) and also pursuing MBA from ignou, am i eligible for US CMA and please guide me the true criteria because i have talk to various institutes like MILES, Zell, etc they told me very high amount of the course which is not accurate according to me, please guide and help me
Hi Nida,
You’re eligible to enroll in a course and take the CMA exam.
For more details, I invite you to check the following article: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements/
If you have any specific questions about the program and eligibility, I encourage you to reach out to the IMA directly via http://www.imanet.org.
Their customer service is top-notch and will be able to assist you further.
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
I am professional and experienced in accounting around 6 years and also a Student so can I register myself as student or professional.
Hi Shubham,
To qualify for the IMA Student membership, you must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at an accredited college or university.
If you don’t meet the criteria above, you are eligible for the Professional membership.
Nathan
Hi ,
My name is Lala rukh Bukhari, I am completed CMA from Pakistan and wants to do CMA in USA. I have multiple questions. is there any phone no that i can call ?
Hi Lala,
I’m glad to hear you’re interested to pursue the CMA and I’d love to guide you through your journey!
I invite you to learn all about my program here: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/premium-cma-coaching-combo-part-1-part-2/ref/nathan/
If you have any questions about it after reading this page, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Hi,
I have 16 years of work experience but in BFSI and F&A domain as a billing specialist in the BPO industry.. so do I meet the work experience requirements to get the CMA certification? And I am a commerce graduate which is of 3 years. So do I meet educational requirements to get CPA certificate. Please help.
Hi Shashank,
For CPA guidance, please visit my blog http://www.cpaclarity.com
For more info on the CMA requirements visit https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions.
Hi i have done bachelors of commerce in 2016 and worked in India as billing accountant for nearly three years but experiences are not consecutive so am i eligible for CMA ? You have mentioned after certified we have” Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement ” does it mean we have to study every year?
To get certified, you need a minimum of 2 years of consecutive work experience which you can also obtain after passing the exams. The IMA allows for up to 7 years after passing the exams to fulfill all requirements. After 7 years, you’d have to retake the exams if all requirements have not been met by then. To maintain your CMA designation, you’ll have to study 30 hours per year by taking CPE courses. More info on that here.
This answer may be buried somewhere here. Can someone still sit for the CMA exam if they don’t have an accounting background? I have basic financial and managerial accounting, as well as cost accounting, but that’s it. Should I use a supplment?
Hi Keg, yes that’s possible. The IMA permits candidates with any degree to sit for the exams. For those who don’t have an accounting/finance background, learning the fundamentals of accounting is the first step before diving into the CMA exam content. Our program includes a textbook to help in this area. If you have any other questions, please let me know. Thanks, Nathan
how long will ima take to verify ex and edu certificates?
The verification process may take from several days to a few weeks.
Hey!!
Currently I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree in dentistry and have no background in accounting and finance.
This field really seem to be interesting. So can I enroll for the course? Am I eligible to pursue CMA degree?
Siddhi,
Discuss with your parents what the best next steps are for you. Dentistry is a very different field than accounting. If you decide to change careers to accounting, the CMA is a great certification to pursue.
Hi,
Is the study material provided by you enough to pass the CMA exam ? Do you guarantee that students pass the CMA exam in the first attempt?
Hi Ramakrishnan, our study material is more than enough to study for the CMA exam. We follow IMA’s learning outcome statement to ensure we cover all topics tested in the exam. We guarantee our students will pass the exam if they complete our program. For more information on how the guarantee works, please read this page: https://cmaexamacademy.com/pass-or-refund-guarantee/
Hi i want to ask that can i apply for CMA based on bachlor degree from pakistan and CPA UK and work experience of 8 years in the feild of finance n auditing. If i fullfill the criteria thrn let me know the registration procedure.
Shakir, from what you’ve shared, I think you meet the requirements to get CMA certified. The steps to earn your CMA are listed above in this article.
Hi Nathan
I’m a qualified Chartered Accountant from India (ICAI) and also a commerce graduate (degree). Can I submit pdf copy of degree and professional certificate directly or transcript is required from university and Institute of Chartered Accountants from India (ICAI)? If transcript is required, can it be submitted at later stage or must be submitted before taking an exam? Please advise. Thanks.
Hi Sandeep,
You can submit the educational requirement to IMA either prior to taking the exam or no later than 7 years after passing both parts of the CMA exam.
Here’s the submission process:
Reach out to your educational institution to provide you the transcripts.
Next, email a scanned copy of the transcripts in PDF format to aleuc[@]imanet[.org], and make sure to include the IMA membership number in your email.
You may also try emailing a copy of your professional certificate or degree. Some candidates reported that it was enough to get their education requirement approved.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi Sandeep,
You can submit the educational requirement to IMA either prior to taking the exam or no later than 7 years after passing both parts of the CMA exam.
Here’s the submission process:
Reach out to your educational institution to provide you the transcripts.
Next, email a scanned copy of the transcripts in PDF format to aleuc[@]imanet[.org], and make sure to include the IMA membership number in your email.
You may also try emailing a copy of your professional certificate or degree. Some candidates reported that it was enough to get their education approved.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi Nathan . I have completed my graduation in bcom and doing PG in MA ECO . Am I eligible for scholarship? Also please provide more explanation on work experience criteria because in the article ot was mentioned that If you are an academic and at least 60% of your courses are accounting and corporate financial management courses above the fundamental level, you meet the experience qualification. So my graduation is from commerce as mentioned aforesaid then also I have to fulfill work experience criteria?
Hi Barkha,
The IMA offers a CMA scholarship program for active college students.
To learn more about their program, please visit: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-scholarship/
If you have any specific questions about the program and eligibility, I encourage you to reach out to them directly via http://www.imanet.org. Their customer service is top-notch and will be able to assist you further.
In order to fulfill your CMA experience requirements, you must complete two consecutive years of full-time employment in an approved role OR four consecutive years of part-time, permanent employment (minimum 20 hours per week).
For more info on the CMA requirements visit https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements/#experience
Hi Sandeep,
You can submit the educational requirement to IMA either prior to taking the exam or no later than 7 years after passing both parts of the CMA exam.
Here’s the submission process:
Reach out to your educational institution to provide you the transcripts.
Next, email a scanned copy of the transcripts in PDF format to aleuc[@]imanet[.org], and make sure to include the IMA membership number in your email.
You may also try emailing a copy of your professional certificate or degree. Some candidates reported that it was enough to get their education requirements approved.
Thanks,
Nathan
HI NATHAN ,
I AM AN UNDERGRADUATE (BCOM) STUDENT FROM INDIA .I WANTED TO ASK IF I COMPLETE MY EDUCATIONAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS WITHIN THE THE NEXT 3 YRS IN WHAT RANGE SHOULD I EXPECT MY SALARY AS A FRESHER?
AND ALSO IS THERE ENOUGH SCOPE ACCORDING TO YOU IN INDIA FOR A CMA ?
THANKS
PRATHAMESH
Hi Prathamesh,
The IMA’s latest CMA survey provides detailed insight into CMAs’ salary potential in India. Follow the link above to learn more.
Thanks,
Nathan
I have a BSc Degree in Accounting from Ahmadu Bello University,Nigeria.
Also an MBA from Nigeria.
An Associate Chartered Certified System Accountant- USA.
Diploma in Computer Studies- Sri Lanka.
Certified Management Consultant.
Member- Institute of Public Accountants- Australia and Associiate- Financial Accounts- UK.
18 years experience as Accountant/ Financial Management Specialist under World Bank Projects.
Can gain direct membership of CMA without exams?
Joseph.
Hi Joseph,
It’s not possible to earn your CMA without taking the exams.
To become a CMA, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:
Join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
Enroll in the CMA program.
Complete and pass Parts 1 and 2 of the CMA Exam.
Meet the education requirements with a four-year degree.
Meet the experience requirements by getting two years of experience in financial management or management accounting.
You will also have CMA Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements to meet each year but only after you’ve passed the exams.
For more information on the requirements, please visit: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements/
Nathan
Hi,
I have passed out the M.com in 2015 and also have experience in Accounting work but Junior level so can i pass out the CMA exams within 1 year as i have 6 days working hours so Please suggest me that is possible for me to apply for CMA exams.
Thanks,
Nikki
Hi Nikki,
Yes, it’s possible to earn your CMA within a year while working full time.
Watch this video for best time management tips to help you achieve that goal.
Let me know if you have any further questions. I’m happy to help 🙂
Thanks,
Nathan
Halo Natan, i just want to ask, what are the job profiles to get cma us certification?
Could i be an accountant? ( it deals with financial accounting) na?
Hi Stephy,
Good question! Check out this link to learn more about which work experience qualifies for the CMA exam.
If you have any other questions, just hit reply.
Hello Nathan, I have never had any formal education in Accounting. But I am really interested in pursuing this qualification under your guidance. However, I have a lot of doubt on whether I would be able to clear the Exam and how much time it would take for me to prepare for the exams, considering Im full time working and dad of two.
Your suggestion would be highly appreciated.
Regards
Anirban
Hi Anirban,
I’m glad to hear you’re interested to pursue the CMA and I’d love to guide you through your journey!
It’ll be more challenging with no accounting background, but I’ve had students just like you who passed the CMA exam on their first attempt and I’m confident you will succeed too 🙂
My recommendation for you is to first take a quick beginner’s course in accounting. It’ll help lay the foundation for understanding the CMA material. Investopedia’s course is a good resource to learn accounting basics.
Once you’re ready to begin the CMA exam prep, you can follow my 16-week study program and devote 10-15 hrs/week to your exam prep. That way, you’ll complete the course for one part in 4 months. It’s the optimal study time frame I recommend my students.
But if you cannot fit lengthy exam prep sessions into your schedule, you can start at a slower pace and study in small chunks. Retention may become an issue when studying over a longer period, but as long as you frequently review previous topics, you’ll do great.
I look forward to seeing you in the Academy, Anirban, and helping you earn your CMA. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime. I’m happy to help.
Thank you,
Nathan
Hi.
It is very helpful information.
My question
1)what is the total cost of USA CMA exam?
2)Is there any requirement to evaluate the education like in CPA 150/120 hrs credit is mandatory?
3)to fulfill experience requirement , particularly what type of work experience is required?
Hi RRM,
Great questions!
1) The total cost to take the exam is about $1,310. Here’s the breakdown:
• IMA Membership: $230/year – it’s an annual payment
• CMA entrance fee: $250
• Registration fee: $415 per part ($830 for both)
The IMA offers CMA Exam Academy students a 15% discount on IMA membership and CMA entrance fees year-round. But you’ll get 50% off if you pay them before Feb 17th.
2) The only requirement is to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school. Check out this post for more information on the education requirement.
3) For your work experience to qualify, your job tasks must involve internal or external auditing or analysis, handling financial statements and understanding how they affect a company, and be responsible for analyzing and reporting on financial investments.
If you have any other questions, just hit reply 🙂
Hey Nathan, I am a current business student and I’m unsure as to what exactly what I want to do. I recently finished taking managerial accounting this previous term. Although I didn’t do excellent in that class I am interested in learning more about pursuing management accounting as a career. I also have other career options I am thinking about but I want to learn more about becoming a certified management accountant. I figured that it would be awesome to connect with individuals who are already in this profession. A question I have is do you need to have prior experience working as a management accountant or financial management to apply for this certification or this is something you can apply for straight out of college? Also, do you recommend purchasing a IMA membership or should I wait until I’m fully certain I want to get into this career before I become a member?
Hi Toan,
You can actually take the CMA exam while still in college. After passing the exam, you’ll have 7 years to fulfill the work experience requirement to earn your certification.
As a college student, you’ll get sizable discounts on the IMA and exam fees.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi, I am a CA from India, do I meet educational requirements for CMA?
Hi Sushma, yes, you do 🙂
Hello sir
I do have a query do they provide any jobs to complete d experience requirement.
Right now I’ve just done bcom this year so should i directly go wid CMA preparations or should i go for Masters .
N is it possible to get job ready in the next three year hard working to able to get job in US.
Btw I’m from DELHI, INDIA.
Yes, the IMA offers all members the jobs.imanet.org platform where they can find and apply for jobs that are the best match for their skills.
You’ll also get opportunities for networking with myIMA Network.
Another useful professional development tool to help you map out your professional journey is Career Driver.
And you can find a large catalog packed with a broad range of courses at Learning Center, which will help your continuing professional development and growth.
Hope this helps! 🙂
Is it possible to get accepted with Associates degree and 20 years of experience? I have been in controller level positions since 2010
Yes, you meet the education and work experience qualifications for the CMA certification 🙂
I have Associates degree in accounting plus 20 years of experience in accounting , out of which 8+years have been in controller or
Director of finance position, 5 years as
Sr. Accounting manager and rest was in general ledger accounting. Is there a way to get this appraised for IMA to allow me to sit for CmA
Exam?
Absolutely! The IMA will review your education and experience requirements after you enroll in the CMA program.
Hi ,
Can we apply with Higher secondary certificate(+2), Also let me know if any institute available at Oman
Hi Ansar, the higher secondary certificate will not qualify for the education requirement. You’ll still need a Bachelor’s degree.
A partial listing of accredited institutions is available at http://univ.cc/world.php
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Hey Nathan
Does IMA provide any kind of discount or something?
Hey Saima,
I recommend reaching out directly to them to check on their latest discounts. They may be able to offer you one.
Good luck!
Hi! I was just wondering if the CMA certification works in all states or if you have to transfer the certification like a CPA would have to?
Hi Abby,
Yes, this designation is recognized worldwide, regardless of where you take the CMA exam.
Thanks,
Nathan
Useful info, thanks
2 Questions :
1. Do we need to get prescrpts / or Scan
Copy of degree will work
2 Is Exam center is there in Mumbai India
Pls advise
Regards
You’re welcome, Deepak!
1. All transcripts should be emailed directly from your college or university to the ICMA at [email protected]. If you cannot submit your transcripts, you can email them a notarized copy.
2. Yes, there is a Prometric exam center in Mumbai. You can locate exam centers on Prometric’s website:
https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/icma
Thanks,
Nathan
Thanks Nathan
Is prescrpts/ notarized copies required to
Submit before appearing exams or after qualifying exam
Is CMA India degree copy also needs to submit.I am qualified CMA India from ICWAI in year 2006
Pls suggest
Best Regards
Deepak Gupta
You can submit them to IMA either prior to the exam, or within 7 years after passing the exam.
Thanks for your information.
I’m from India and i want to do this course. So my questions is :
1. Can I get job in India after doing this course?
2. I have 2 years of work experience as an office assistant( but I have done some taxation work in CA firm) is this useful for this?
You’re welcome, Priya.
See my responses below:
1. Yes, the US CMA is recognized in India too, and the knowledge you’ll gain from studying for the CMA exam will help you advance to a management accounting position faster and also excel at it. Click here to learn how you can optimize your resume to win a job even before you pass the exam.
2. My recommendation is to check directly with the IMA if your work experience qualifies for the CMA, for they have the last say in this. But if it doesn’t yet, that’s okay because candidates can also fulfill the work experience within 7 years after passing the exam. It’s not necessary to submit it before the exam.
Let me know if you have any other questions, Priya. Happy to help.
Hey, i have worked in CA Firm for 3 years as an accounts assistant, whether it is counted? I am from CA background and want to attempt both parts in JAN-FEB session? Can i start with?
Hi Anchal,
Regarding the experience requirement, it’s best to verify directly with the IMA if yours qualifies for the CMA certification.
But the good news is that you can still take the exam and fulfill the experience requirement later on, if the IMA says that yours doesn’t qualify yet.
I don’t usually recommend my students to take both exam parts within one exam window. The exams are hard, so it’s best to focus on one part at a time to increase your chances of passing in your first attempt.
Let me know if you have any other questions, Anchal!
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi I’m Kamal Yusuf from Mumbai
Can CMA USA,Public Practice
Hi Kamal,
For public accounting which is auditing and taxation, the CPA is the best route to take.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi sir,
Is CMA gives 100% job assurence?
Hi Keerthi,
Good question!
The expertise a CMA can bring to the table is in high demand worldwide. That’s why CMA holders have a 30% higher earning potential than their non-certified peers.
So to answer your question – yes, you will absolutely have more job opportunities and an accelerated career growth once you earn your CMA certification.
Let me know if you have any other questions, Keerthi.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi, I have a four year of work experience, part time, in my dad’s sole proprietorship business, where my work position was to maintain general ledgers, financial statements, and making investment decisions for my dad’s business, my question here, is will my experience in a sole proprietorship business count for CMA certification when i complete the CMA exams, or i need to work in a accounting firm or a registered company?
Hi Vishal, your work experience working at your dad’s business definitely qualifies. It doesn’t have to be from an Accounting firm or a major corporation. As long as your dad’s business is an active business and you’re performing accounting duties for it, then it’ll be accepted.
Hey Nathan,
I just found this article and it offered some really great insight. I am an upcoming junior and am trying to decide whether to get my CMA. I have an economics and business management background. Is it possible to get my CMA while still in college? For the work experience, does it need to be in accounting, or can it be in managerial consulting or investments/ finance? I am not a huge accounting person but I love the managerial and financial side of things. Thank you!
Hi Keegan,
I’m glad you found this article helpful! You’re asking a great question! It’s advantageous to pass the CMA exam while in college. That’ll put you ahead of most graduates since it takes about 8 months to study and take both exams. As for work experience, it doesn’t have to be in accounting. Financial management definitely meets the requirement. After all, Part 2 of the exam covers most topics in Finance. Lmk if you have other questions. Happy to help.
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Hi Nathan,
If I order the course material now, how fast do I get it during this lockdown period? I am in the Middle East.
Thanks
Hi Vineetha,
I saw you’ve already enrolled. Welcome to the Academy! 🙂
As I’ve mentioned in my email response to you, we are still able to ship internationally with no interruption during this pandemic, and the textbooks are being delivered within 10-12 business days.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi there,
I Have passed my bachelors in engineering and masters in business administration and finance as a major. I am from india.I am working in a bank for 6 years. Can I take this exam? What are the acceptability and chance of getting job in USA?
Hi Vasim,
Yes, you can!
The CMA certification will definitely give you a competitive advantage when applying for jobs in the US. You can read more about how the CMA can benefit your career here.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
I am Namrata from India. I have completed my B.com in 2018 and now I’m studying my MBA in Information technology. I’m in the “thinking stage to go for CAM or not”. I don’t have any experience with accounting but i have given CA exams in India, I’m IPCC group 1 clear but I left it because of the time and uncertainty of clearing the exam. I really want a prefix to my name but I’m unable to decide when i look at the past. It took me 2.5 years just to clear my group 1 after being isolated from the world, it was only studies for 2.5 years. I didn’t get the feeling of acheivement and instead got depressed.
Please guide me to what to do?
Thanks.
Hi Namrata,
Studying for the CMA certification does take a lot of time and dedication, but your efforts will pay off. I have a YouTube video on why the CMA certification is worth it, you can watch it here if you’d like.
If you enroll in a coaching course like this one you’ll need to study for only 15 hrs/week for a period of 4 months to prepare for your first exam part, and 4 more months to prepare for the other part, and then you’ll reap the rewards for the rest of your life 🙂
If you have any other questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to hit Reply and I’ll gladly clear them up for you!
Thanks,
Nathan
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Hi Nathan,
I am currently in sophomore in university and have no background of accounting. Do you think if I should start taking your course now or wait until I finish junior? Do you think it will be too hard for me if I have no background in accounting?
Best regard
Hi Suong,
I’d recommend starting now for two main reasons:
1. As a student, you’ll benefit from a significant discount on the IMA and CMA exam fees.
2. Having the experience of taking and passing the CMA exam will give you a competitive advantage over your non-certified peers, and will help you fast-track your career right off the bat.
At the CMA Exam Academy we offer unlimited coaching support for you to ask as many questions as you need to truly grasp the material and not waste time figuring it on your own.
We’ve had students with no previous accounting background who successfully completed our program and passed the exam, and I’m sure you will too! 🙂
If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Hi Nathan,
I’m an accountant with only 2 years experience and earned an MBA from an accredited college . Do I meet all the requirements to register for the CMA certification?
Thank you
Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
You definitely meet the education requirement. As for the work experience requirement, it’s best to check directly with the IMA for they have the last say in that.
Thank you,
Nathan
Hello Nathan, Question from Calgary – Alberta – Canada:
What do I need to do to get a CMA Certification being a Bachellor in Accounting graduated from The University of Calgary this year 2019? What steps to follow?
Thanks.
Hi Ed,
You meet the education requirement, so that’s great. There’s an experience requirement (step 8 of this article), but you can fulfill it within 7 years after passing the CMA exam.
The first step in your CMA journey is to enroll in a coaching course to help you prepare for the exam. Within this course you’ll be guided on all your next steps (what and how long to study, when to pay the membership fee, when to register for the exam etc.).
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Hi Nathan,
I am working as a SAP FICO consultant from last 3 years, is this experience can consider as professional experience ?.
Hi Mohammad, That’s a great question. To understand if your work experience qualifies, please read this following article: https://cmaexamacademy.com/cma-certification-requirements/ If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post it here. Thanks, Nathan
Hi, I am looking to study CMA in the USA through a real classroom by a centre. I am wondering if you can advise me of some names so I can register and follow them.
Hi Mustafa, the IMA has a list of official CMA exam review course providers here: https://www.imanet.org/cma-certification/taking-the-exam/course-providers?ssopc=1
Hi,
I’m planing to take CMA, originally COA, but I found CMA maybe better for me. If I want to take the part 1 exam on September/ October this year, will it be enough time? I have a bachelor degree in accounting
Hi Wenqian, yes there’s still time to study for one exam. But you will need to get started right away. If you’d like a guided course, here’s an option for you: https://cmaexamacademy.com/product/premium-cma-coaching-combo-part-1-part-2/ Thanks, Nathan
Hello.
I am a Business Management grad from a non-accredited school. I am somehow confused with the needed evaluation of my educational attainment from agencies before I am qualified to take the exams. Can you please elaborate it or render other possible options for me?
Hi Hilda,
You can definitely take the exam first, and submit the education and experience qualifications to IMA within 7 years of passing the exam.
If your degree is from a non-accredited school, I suggest you to reach out directly to IMA and they’ll provide you with a list of steps you need to take for them to approve your education qualifications.
If you have any other questions, please let me know.
Thank you,
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
I have 7+ years of Accounting related experience. Earned my MBA in 2017. I would like to take the exam in September/October 2019. Will it be feasible if I sign up for your course within the next week or two?
Thank you.
Hi Albeena, Yes absolutely. If you enroll sometime in June, you’ll have enough time to complete the course and take your exam before the end of the last exam window. Thanks, Nathan
Hi Nathan,
My plan is to purchase your study materials for part 1 in July with a goal of stitting for the Jan 2020 exam. What advice can you share with regards to upcoming exam changes and how your course will be able to incorporate coverage of new materials? I read in the comments above, new materials will be available in September. What would I need to do specifically when purchasing part 1 mid summer, if there are changes to part 1?
Hi Tan, I look forward to helping you pass the CMA exam in 2020. If you enroll in mid-summer, we’ll put you on the waitlist and ship your textbooks as soon as they become available in early September, if not sooner. We’ll email you prior to shipping them out to discuss your start date. Thanks, Nathan
Hi Nathan, Would you recommend the CMA for a 60 year old? I entered the workforce as an Accountant full time about 14 years ago. I was a stay at home Mom working 13 years preparing Income Taxes. My concern is the two requirement to become certified.
Is the CMA a viable option for me?
Hi Reneta, Which two requirements are you concerned about? More than looking at age, look at the number of years you plan to stay in the workforce. Passing the CMA exam takes about 6 to 9 months. Assuming all other requirements are already met, how many more years do you plan to work?
Hi Nathan, I’m thinking to start my self-study on both part 1 and part 2 in this year but go for the exam of both parts in Jan/Feb 2020. Is your existing course material already covered the new exam contents set in by IMA? Regards, Anna.
Hi Anna,
Our material is still for the 2019 exam. We’ll be releasing the 2020 material early September. My advice is to take one exam per window. The exams are very hard and attempting both in the same window will diminish your chances of passing one or both. You still have time to take one exam in Sept/Oct, and the second exam in Jan/Feb. You’d be done with both parts by your target exam window but tackling one exam at a time. Nathan
Hello Nathan!
I’m currently a final year B.Com (Management) student. I have very little experience with accounting and no work experience in that field as well. Will pursuing CMA be extremely hard as a student as opposed to being a working professional?
Hi Afreen,
Thanks for reaching out.
With no accounting experience or degree, pursuing the CMA will be more challenging but not impossible.
The IMA allows anyone with a Bachelor’s degree in any field to pursue the CMA because they understand that the CMA is a great way to transition into the accounting field from other professions.
It won’t be easy but it’s possible.
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Hi Nathan,
With the exam changes coming in 2020 what do you suggest as far as studying for the correct material? I am just at the “thinking about going for it” stage right now but am concerned that if I purchase the study materials and then can’t take the exams until 2020 I won’t be prepared for the new exams.
Thanks,
Ruth
Hi Ruth,
If you purchase a review course that provides free updates to the material I think you’ll be in good shape. At CMA Exam Academy, we do that in case you’re interested in our courses 🙂
i am a chemical engineer can i do cma and will it be very hard for me
Hi Ahmad,
Professionals who want to transition into Management Accounting may find the exam content matter more challenging but not impossible to learn. It’ll just take a little more time compared to someone who already works in Accounting.
Hello, I’m looking into starting the University of Phoenix MBA concentration in accounting program. Will this online program satisfy the education requirement? I have a BA in political science.
yes absolutely Jerry.
what if you are a little late with your CPE? I have taken 2 courses, one 16 hours mammoth GAAP course and one 14 hour mammoth Excel course, and I’m only about 70% through each (by the way, I’ve spent at least 25 hours on this 500 page GAAP monster).
Will you go inactive a year or just have to do 60 hours the late year?
Hi David, the IMA runs random audits of CPE hours. If you’re running a tad behind by the end of a year, my suggestion is to catch up as quickly as possible the following year. You may go inactive if the IMA audits your CPE units and there aren’t enough.
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Hello Mr. Nathan Liao,
Greetings,
Is IMA offering CMA degree without appearing exams, like through grandparenting or based on work experience?
Many Thanks in advance,
Binod
Hi Binod,
Unfortunately, the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) will not grant the CMA certification based on grandparenting or work experience alone.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi Nathan,
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from an accredited university in Asia. Is it necessary to have a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/ Finance to appear for this exam or do I meet the educational requirements.
Hi Shilpa,
To meet the education requirements, any Bachelor’s degree will do 🙂
Your degree doesn’t have to be in Accounting or Finance.
If you have any other questions, please let me know!
Thank you,
Nathan
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Hello Nathan,
I had completed my Level 1 exam for CMA in May 2016,but then i could not continue my studies and did not complete my Level2,
Is it still possible to sit for level 2 exams or should I start all over again?
Hi Joe,
“Candidates must complete the CMA program within three years from the date of entry into the program. If both exam parts are not successfully completed within three years of entering the certification program, any passed part will expire and the CMA entrance fee will have to be repaid.” – CMA Handbook 2017 –
Thanks,
Nathan
What if I don’t have a college degree or professional certification and just the experience. Can I still take the exam?
Hi Elena,
You can still take the CMA exam but in order to be a CMA, you need to comply with the education requirement within 7 years from the date of passing the exam. I would suggest that you start a Bachelor’s degree before taking the exam and register as a student member for the CMA exam to get a student discount for both the IMA membership, CMA entrance, and exam fee.
Thanks,
Nathan
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Hi, how many hours did you put in the part1? 3 months totalling 3-4 hours daily (20 hours)+10 hours saturday?30 hours for 12 weeks?360 hours?)
Hi Sheva,
That’s correct. I was self-studying so had to figure out how and what to study. Fortunately my students don’t have to spend that much time because the Academy was created as a step-by-step course slashing study time in half of what I spent.
Hi Nathan,
I am a Company Secretary from India with 2 years of work experience. Is CMA USA right choice for me for better career prospects?
Do I meet the eligibility criteria for CMA course?
Hi Saloni,
If you’d like to work in management accounting, then the CMA is a great certification to help you achieve that goal.
Have a look at this Ultimate CMA Exam Roadmap to learn more about this certification and the steps to obtaining it.
According to the IMA, qualifying experience consists of positions requiring judgments made employing the principles of management accounting and financial management. Such employment includes:
Preparation of financial statements
Financial planning and analysis
Monthly, quarterly and year-end close
Auditing (external or internal)
Budget preparation and reporting
Manage general ledger and balance sheets
Forecasting
Company investment decision making
Costing analysis
Risk evaluation
If your work involves most of the responsibilities above, it’ll most likely qualify. Either way, keep in mind that you can also fulfill the work experience requirement within 7 years after passing the exam.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help.
Thanks,
Nathan
Hi! Could you please elaborate item 8? What if i work as an accounting staff only, am i still qualified to take the exam? Thanks!
Hi,
Yes, you are still qualified provided that you either have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university or college, or a professional certification.
Thanks,
Nathan
Im still a 2nd pu passed out student of batch 2021
which UG programs would be the best to take up for cma
For instance B.com or BBA
Or any specialized courses among B.com?
Could please help me out with this
Hi Shashank,
The courses that cover finance and accounting concepts are the ones that will help you lay a foundation for the CMA.
Thanks,
Nathan