Explore More Career Options as a CMA
What is the CMA certification?
For 50 years, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) has been helping students make the jump from the classroom to rewarding careers. Open the door to more opportunities in businesses and organizations around the world by mastering the 12 most critical practice areas in management accounting, including:
Planning & Analysis
Risk Management &
Internal Controls
Performance Management
Technology & Analytics
* IMA's 2021 Global Salary Survey
The Student Advantage
As a current student, now is the perfect time to pursue the CMA program. Much of the content is covered in your finance and accounting courses, which helps make it easier for you to study for and pass the exams. You can take both exam parts while in school and submit your work experience later!
Learn MoreWho are Management Accountants?
Early Career
- Staff Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Senior Accountant
Management
- Accounting Manager
- Assistant Controller
- Director of FP&A (financial planning and analysis)
Senior Positions
- VP of Strategy, Finance and Analytics
- Controller
- CFO
Top 5 Reasons to Pursue the CMA
You’re ready for the CMA
Much of the content in the CMA exam is covered in your finance and accounting courses, which makes it easier for you to study and pass the exams now. The CMA provides a great opportunity to put your planning and analysis skills to work.
You need to determine when you can study, what areas of the exam need the most attention, and when is the best time to sit for the two parts of the exam. Think of the CMA as your first professional project — you can manage it!
Give your resume an edge
Stand out to employers looking for new accounting and finance talent who are prepared to hit the ground running. The CMA provides you with the skills needed to move across industries and roles, perhaps working in operations, supply chain management, research and development, or many other areas of business over the course of your career. Earning the CMA ensures you have the technical skill set required for career mobility.
CMAs between the ages of 20 and 29 earn 37% more in total compensation than non-CMAs globally.* The CMA prepares you to excel in a wide range of accounting and finance roles across the business world. When you calculate the impact of earning a higher salary starting at a younger age, the ROI on CMA certification can add up to more than $500,000 over the course of your career.**
*IMA’s 2021 Global Salary Survey
**Gregory L. Krippel and Sheila Mitchell, CPA. "The CMA Advantage: An Update"
You can pursue the CMA at no cost with the CMA Scholarship. Each college or university can nominate up to 10 students per academic year. By earning the scholarship, you will receive free entrance to the CMA program and registration fees covering the exam, up to three years of IMA membership, and exam preparation materials. Ask your professor to nominate you today!
Earning the CMA significantly benefits those who also pursue the CPA, including 49% more in median total compensation on average compared to noncertified professionals.* As a student, you can combine your preparation for both the CMA and CPA and improve your chances of passing the exams on the first try. Check out this article in Strategic Finance magazine for insight on how to manage pursuing both:
“Dual Certification: It Can Be Done”
*2021 IMA U.S. Salary Survey
Preparing to take the CPA exam? Take both!
Students need to set themselves apart from the competition when applying for entry-level jobs. Learn how you can prepare for both the CMA and CPA exams at the same time and distinguish yourself to prospective employers.
Create Your Study Plan
Hear From Future CMAs
Finance and accounting students like you explain how the CMA can prepare you for life after graduation. Hear what they say about how the CMA can help you make the transition from the classroom to the workplace and become a well-rounded professional.
Talk to Your Professor About the CMA Scholarship
IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) provides scholarship opportunities for students to pursue the CMA while still in school. Each college or university can nominate up to 10 students per academic year to pursue the CMA program at no cost.
Learn More