CMA® Certification

About the CMA: Measuring What Matters

Achieving the CMA credential demonstrates your mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

These skills are critical to the success of finance teams working within organizations—this focus distinguishes the CMA from other certifications and degrees.

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Curriculum

The CMA exam is designed to measure the advanced skills required to be an effective member of finance and accounting teams within organizations and to create value in today’s complex and challenging business environment. The exam is structured as follows:

PART I – Financial Planning, Performance and Control

  • Planning, budgeting, and forecasting
  • Performance management
  • Cost management
  • Internal controls
  • Professional ethics

PART II – Financial Decision Making

  • Financial statement analysis
  • Corporate finance
  • Decision analysis and risk management
  • Investment decisions
  • Professional ethics
Exam Format

The CMA consists of two exam parts:

PART I: Financial Planning, Performance and Control
(4 hours – 100 multiple choice questions and two 30-minute essay questions)

PART II: Financial Decision Making
(4 hours – 100 multiple choice questions and two 30-minute essay questions)

The exam parts can be taken in any order. Candidates must register to take one exam part within the first 12 months of entering the program and must complete the program within three years.

Windows & Test Locations

The CMA exams are computer-based and are administered in hundreds of testing facilities worldwide. With three testing windows each year, you can sit for an exam part at a time and place convenient to you. Plus, the CMA program lets you proceed at your own pace. You can earn a CMA in just six months or over three years. Busy professionals will find the CMA to be time-efficient and cost-effective.

Exams are conducted by Prometric, a worldwide network of testing centers, and are available in accordance with local customs. There are many locations throughout the U.S. and internationally. To locate a Testing Center and to schedule exam appointments, visit www.prometric.com/ICMA.

The exams are offered in the following windows:

  1. January and February
  2. May and June
  3. September and October
Program Requirements

To participate in the CMA program, candidates must be members of IMA. To earn the CMA designation, candidates must pass both exam parts and fulfill the following education and experience requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Please reference the Education Qualification Section of the CMA Handbook.
  • Two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. Please reference the Experience Qualification section of the CMA Handbook.
The CMA at Work

"I tell my students: taking the CMA exam is something you can do even before graduation. It gives you and your potential employer evidence that you’re well prepared and well qualified. The CMA sets you apart from others who have a college degree alone, and it’s something that is recognized and respected by a lot of potential employers."

Christine McKeag, CMA, CPA
Assistant Dean, Schroeder Family School of Business Administration
University of Evansville, Indiana

"The fact that I had recently completed the exam definitely came up in my interviews. It was a strong selling point that I think helped to set me apart. Pursuing my CMA shows not only that I have a specific skills set but also that I was able to prepare for the exam and accomplish a goal."

Amy White, CMA
Accounting
Safeway, Inc.

"I use my CMA body of knowledge every day. It comes naturally in the role of CFO because I need to look at things from many different angles, not just from the financial perspective. Management accounting skills are very much in demand as foreign and local companies reach out from the local marketplace and into more global arenas. The CMA body of knowledge is very valuable in this regard."

John K. Lau, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
WesTrac China

"The CMA credential is a spotlight directed to anyone working in accounting and finance. To be certified as a CMA means that I’m a more knowledgeable and experienced professional. In addition, the certification gives me more confidence and adds to my clients’ trust, when they realize that they are dealing with a CMA."

Dr. Samir M.A. Hassan, Ph.D., CMA, CFM

Enroll Now

Ready to earn your CMA? You must be an IMA® member to apply for the CMA program.

Join IMA to get started today.

If you are an IMA member, get started earning your CMA here.

Enroll in the CMA program.


Already enrolled for the CMA and ready to schedule your exam?

Register now:
2-Part Program
Chinese Language Program

Important information for CMA Candidates who enrolled in the four-exam part program prior to February 28, 2010

Click here for your exam and schedule requirements

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI)

ICWAI and ICMA have entered into a mutual recognition agreement based on an extensive review of the competencies and rigor of their proprietary certifications. ICMA recognizes ICWAI members as CMAs upon payment of this one-time entrance fee in fulfillment of the agreement reached between these organizations. Proof of ICWAI certification is required. Click here for more information.

For a member of IMA with the CMA certification interested in ICWAI certification click here for more information.


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