Become a CMA®

"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

"Don't just blindly follow the CPA track. More than 80% of accounting professionals wind up working in industry, so be aware of the non-public accounting opportunities. The big CPA firms sponsor everything on campus, so it's easy to think they're the only game in town. They're not."

Paula Riemer, CMA, CPA
Senior Financial Analyst
The Martin-Brower Co., LLC

"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.

"The CMA gave me the cohesion and validation that I needed. Because I come from India and my education and experience came from there, my background wasn't as easily recognized. It's been very helpful for me to have this designation, because it shows that I'm a person who understands all the things that are tested on the exam."

Raj Bansal, CMA, CFM
Assistant VP, Banking Specialist HSBC Bank

"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

About CMA Certification

The CMA is unique among professional and academic credentials, designed specifically for accounting and financial management professionals in business.

Achieving the CMA demonstrates your professional expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics – essential skills sought after by successful organizations and their financial team leaders.

Whether you want to enhance your value within your current organization—or expand your career potential—the CMA is the key to maximizing your professional potential.

The CMA Curriculum: Highly Targeted Topics

The CMA exam is structured as follows:

Part One

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

Part Two

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

The CMA Exam Format: Tailored to Your Needs

The CMA exam consists of two parts:

Part One

  • Financial Planning, Performance and Control
  • 4 hours – 100 multiple choice questions and two 30-minute essay questions

Part Two

  • Financial Decision Making
  • 4 hours – 100 multiple choice questions and two 30-minute essay questions

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


© 1997–2012, Institute of Management Accountants, Inc.   10 Paragon Drive, Suite 1, Montvale, NJ 07645-1760   (800) 638-4427 or +1 (201) 573-9000 
Site Map  |  Site Help and FAQ  |  IMA Policies