Preparing for the CMA Exam as a Busy Parent

Let’s be honest: preparing for the CMA exam can be challenging.

Now add a full-time job and a few kids to the mix, and you’ve created a whole new challenge to overcome.

The truth is, many candidates are either working full-time jobs or juggling other commitments while preparing for the CMA exam. But parenting adds its own tenuous level of work/life balance that others may never experience.

The good news is that passing the CMA exam on your first try is still possible as long as you have the right strategy and mindset.

So for all those working parents preparing for the CMA exam — this one’s for you.

Originally published in 2021, this article was updated and republished on February 5th, 2026.

5 Strategies for Preparing for the CMA Exam as a Working Parent

There are several ways you can prep for success while balancing work and your family. Here are a few tips that studying parents found to be useful as they prepared for the CMA exam.

1. Get Your Family On Board

Whether you’re married or single, you need to get your family on board with your plans of becoming a CMA.

During the study time, you will need moral support and likely a few extra hands to give you the space you need to focus.

Having a supportive partner, friend, or parents is crucial so that they can help to keep the little ones occupied while you study. If your children are old enough to understand what you are doing, gently remind them to direct questions to another family member before interrupting your study session.

2. Set a Date

The best way to ensure you actually follow through with your CMA exam preparation is to set a date to write the exam.

By setting a date, you are committing to preparing for the CMA exam and can then create a study schedule that supports this timeline.

As a working parent, take into consideration how much free time you have available to study, and allot enough preparation time so you can actually complete the studying you need to do.

Your background and experience can influence how much time you need to prepare for the CMA exam, but I generally recommend dedicating around 240-300 hours per exam part.

3. Creating a Manageable Study Schedule

Part of preparing for the CMA exam is creating a study schedule that is reasonable for you and your current lifestyle.

The same goes for working parents.

Create a study schedule that divides your focus into manageable chunks of study time. If you have smaller children, you may find that studying while they nap or after they go to bed for the night is best.

Not interested in creating your own schedule? CMA Exam Academy has a made-for-you 16-Week Accelerator program that breaks up topics into easy-to-digest chunks.

If your kids are in school and you have some free time during the day, take advantage of it.

Just make sure that the time allotted for studying is free from distraction, even if that means only crushing it for one solid hour at a time.

I asked one CMA Exam Academy student how he found the time to study while working a full-time job and taking care of three kids, and here’s what he said:

“I put in about 10-15 hours/week. I’d wake up early and get an hour in before making the kids breakfast. I travel a bit so got a lot done on airplanes.
I’ve done the Ironman before and it’s the same concept. If you want to do it, you’ll find the time to do it.” – Steve Christos

Read more about Steve’s experience here.

4. Choose a Well-Structured CMA Exam Review Course

Not every review course is designed the same. Just look at the difference between CMA Exam Academy and other review courses.

CMA Exam Academy offers live coaching calls plus an extensive test bank and a 16-week course structure with both online and textbook training.

With adaptive learning technology, you will streamline your studying by focusing on areas of weakness. Not only will you learn why an answer is wrong, but you will be shown a complete explanation so you can learn from your mistakes.

In addition to this, I will personally support you 24/7 via email, and you’ll have access to an AI CMA Coach round the clock. You will become part of the growing CMA Exam Academy community, and here, you can touch base with other candidates who are experiencing the same work/family challenges you are facing.

So why is this structured format so essential when preparing for the CMA exam?

For starters, as a working parent, your time is already limited. You don’t need to wait days to hear back from an online mentor regarding a question. Nor do you want to waste valuable study time trying to find the right answer in your textbook.

A review course like CMA Exam Academy breaks lessons down into manageable sections so you can conquer your CMA prep one topic at a time.

Weekly feedback emails from me will also help you stay focused on what matters most, so you can truly maximize your study time.

So if you want to save time, get personalized coaching, and boost your chances of passing on the first attempt, the CMA Exam Academy Review Course is an optimal place to start.

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5. Don’t Forget to Schedule Downtime

This may seem counterintuitive, especially if you’re already limited for study time. I cannot stress enough how important it is to schedule “me time” as well as “mom/dad time” with the little ones.

At a certain point, you will be unable to absorb more information due to exhaustion and brain overload. Take these times to enjoy the little things.

Spend time with your family.

Get an extra hour of sleep.

Meditate.

Do whatever you need to do to remember why you are taking the CMA exam and appreciate your journey to earning it.

Then you can go back to your regular study schedule with a newfound vigour and willingness to learn.

FAQs

Have a few lingering questions about preparing for the CMA exam? Below are some of the most common questions prospective candidates ask before getting started.

Can I pass the CMA exam while working?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to pass the CMA exam while working full-time. The program is designed for working professionals, and many candidates successfully prepare for it alongside their jobs. A structured study plan and consistent weekly study hours can make the process far more manageable.

How many hours a day should I study for the CMA?

The IMA recommends a minimum of 12 study hours per week and spending about 170 hours for Part One and 130 hours for Part Two. That said, I generally recommend a more conservative approach: 240-300 total study hours per part, or around 15 hours per week for 16 weeks. This works out to roughly 2 – 3 hours of study per day, but this may vary depending on your schedule. In our 16-Week Accelerator program, candidates reduce their overall study time, averaging about eight to 10 study hours per week.  

How many people pass the CMA exam on the first try?

The average CMA exam pass rate is around 50% for both Parts One and Two, meaning roughly half of all candidates pass the exam on the first try. This shows that thorough preparation is essential. Using a structured CMA review course can greatly improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

If you don’t just want study materials but a clear plan, built-in accountability, and support made for real life with kids and a career, the 16-Week Accelerator program is for you. Take a look at the program and see how it can help you move from overwhelmed to exam-ready, without burning out at home.

Drop a comment below if you have any questions!

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!