CMA® Certification

Earning & Maintaining Your Credential

Once you've passed the exam you need to complete the following steps to obtain your certification:

  1. You will receive a final score report showing all your exam parts.
  2. Download the Experience Verification Form. This must be completed and returned to IMA.
  3. If you have not already done so, you must provide proof of your educational qualification.
  4. Upon verification of your education and experience documentation, you will receive your CMA certificate number. When this is issued, you may begin using the designation.
  5. Your CMA certificate will follow in two to three weeks.
  6. You will receive a booklet to learn about your Rights and Responsibilities as a new certificant.
  7. You should begin making plans to fulfill your annual CPE obligation.

Maintaining Your Credential

To maintain your CMA credential you need to maintain your membership with IMA, pay the CMA maintenance fee*, and fulfill your annual CPE requirement.

*The CMA Maintenance Fee is payable at the time of a CMA member’s renewal term. The Fee is used by ICMA to promote the CMA program to increase brand awareness in the marketplace. It also covers the administrative costs of maintaining CMA records and providing confirmation of one’s CMA credential to employers. Our CMA members also receive a discount off the subscription price of IMA’s NASBA-approved CPEdge learning products. The CMA Maintenance Fee distinguishes IMA’s CMA members as a premium member of the organization.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

After you have completed the exam, you are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education annually, including a minimum of two hours in the area of ethics. Since CPE hours reported are verified on a random basis, you should keep CPE certificates and other supporting documents for a minimum of two years.

CPE Courses and Events

IMA offers a variety of courses uniquely geared for the professional development of accountants and financial professionals in business. Not only is the content designed with you in mind, IMA offers hundreds of NASBA-approved CPE courses and events every year. For more information, visit these areas:

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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