Sponsored content: The following insights are brought to you by Gleim, IMA Strategic Partner and the original CMA review provider.
You’re required to pass both CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) exam parts within three years, but you can pass (and start reaping the benefits) within one year with a dedicated study plan. Overestimating or underestimating how long it’ll take you to prepare can negatively impact your studies. We’ll help you determine how long you’ll need to study so that you can take the next step in your career and become a CMA!
Average CMA study time for most candidates
On average, Part 1 requires 170 study hours, which you can cover in 10-13 weeks, and Part 2 takes 130 hours and 8-11 weeks. We recommend that candidates study a minimum of 12 hours each week. You can use these estimates to build a study plan that works with your schedule.
Study plan
Do you have a deadline for becoming a CMA? Create a study plan that sets you up to meet your goals on time. We’ve put together some sample study schedules so you can see how much your study plan affects how long it takes to pass.
12 hours per week
Sit for Part 1 in 14 weeks
Sit for Part 2 in 11 weeks
Pass the CMA exam in 25 weeks
15 hours per week
Sit for Part 1 in 12 weeks
Sit for Part 2 in 9 weeks
Pass the CMA exam in 21 weeks
20 hours per week
Sit for Part 1 in 9 weeks
Sit for Part 2 in 7 weeks
Pass the CMA exam in 16 weeks
Before you get started, be sure to account for the following factors that will determine how long it takes to study for the exam.
Familiarity with the topics
Consider how familiar you are with the CMA exam material. This will help you get a better idea of how much time you’ll need to put in to master the topics. Depending on your familiarity with the material, you can cut down study time in certain areas and decide where to focus the bulk of your time.
Free time
Think about all your current commitments and map out how much free time you have each week to dedicate to studying. Consider anything in your schedule that you’re comfortable cutting while you’re preparing for the exam. Be realistic and set aside an amount of study time you’ll be able to stick to.
Study style
Evaluate your personal study style and what works best for you. Do you prefer marathon study sessions, or do you retain more in short bursts? Your plan should accommodate your study style so that you can study as effectively as possible.
You don’t have to do it alone
The Gleim CMA review course includes our study planner that allows you to personalize your plan and set specific goals. Plus, our Personal Counselors are available to help you craft your study plan and stay on track. Our award-winning customer service team has helped CMA candidates pass for over 40 years, and we can help you pass too.
(This article is adapted from free resources available on Gleim’s website.)