Getting Started

If you are considering taking the CMA exam, here is the information you need to know and the procedures to follow to get started.

Download the CMA Candidate Handbook

Exam Procedures

When you are ready to take an exam part, please follow these steps:

1. Join IMA if you are not already a member. 
2. Pay the Certification Entrance Fee if you have not already done so.
3. File an Exam Registration Form selecting the exam(s) you wish to take and paying the indicated fees.
4. Receive a Registration acknowledgment providing your authorization number(s), testing window(s), and the Instructions for Candidates.
5. Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric.
6. Appear for your scheduled appointment(s) with the required identification documents.

Exam Locations

Exams are administered through the worldwide network of Prometric 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.

Exam Windows

Exam parts are offered according to the following schedule:

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

You must take the exam part during the testing window for which you have registered. It is recommended that you schedule your appointment at least four weeks before your desired exam date to ensure your first choice of date, time, and location. You must schedule your examination appointment at least 72 hours in advance of the test date. We are not responsible if you cannot schedule an appointment. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, you will need to pay for a new registration.

We urge you to schedule your appointment as soon as possible to avoid a lapse in your authorization number. Your authorization number is only valid for the testing window you select; there are no extensions and no refunds/credits for exam registrations.

If you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment at Prometric, you must cancel 72 hours prior to your appointment date. To cancel an appointment, call Prometric at (800) 479-6370, Monday through Saturday, or go to www.prometric.com/ICMA. If you do not comply with this cancellation policy, you will be considered a "no-show" and will need to re-register with ICMA and repay the examination fee.

Exam Retake Policy

An exam part may be taken only one time in a testing window and no more than three times in a 12-month period (e.g., Part 1 may only be taken once within the January/February testing window). All exam retakes require a new registration along with payment of appropriate fees.

Expiration of Exam Parts

All CMA candidates have three years to complete the CMA program track. The time period will begin with the date of entry into the program. If the two-part exam is not completed within three years, then credit for the part passed will expire.

Instructions to Candidates

• Read the complete instructions for candidates 
• If you enrolled for the four-part exam CMA program prior to February 28, 2010, click here for important information.