🧾 What is CMA USA?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. It is a globally recognized professional certification in management accounting and financial management.
📚 Course Structure
The CMA USA course consists of two parts:
📘 Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
- External Financial Reporting Decisions
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology and Analytics
📙 Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Decision Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You can start preparing for CMA USA before meeting all eligibility requirements
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or an equivalent professional qualification.
- Experience: Two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
- IMA Membership: Must be a member of the IMA.
🧪 Exam Format
- Number of Exams: 2 (Part 1 & Part 2)
- Duration: 4 hours each
- 3 hours: 100 MCQs
- 1 hour: 2 Essay questions
- Passing Score: 360 out of 500
- Testing Windows:
- January/February
- May/June
- September/October
💰 Fees Structure (as of 2024)
For Professionals:
- IMA Membership Fee: $295 (annual)
- Entrance Fee: $300 (one-time)
- Exam Fee per Part: $495 × 2 = $990
Total: ~$1,585
For Students:
- IMA Membership Fee: $49 (annual)
- Entrance Fee: $210 (one-time)
- Exam Fee per Part: $370 × 2 = $740
Total: ~$999
💡 Additional costs may include coaching classes and study material.
⏳ Course Duration
- Self-paced, but most candidates complete both parts in 6–12 months with regular study.
- Study time per part: ~150–200 hours
📍 Career Opportunities
After completing CMA USA, you can work in roles such as:
- Financial Analyst
- Cost Accountant
- Management Accountant
- Finance Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- CFO (with experience)
Industries: MNCs, Big 4, manufacturing, IT, financial services, etc.
🌍 Global Recognition
CMA USA is recognized in:
- USA
- Canada
- India
- Middle East
- Europe
- Australia
- And more
📈 Key Benefits
- High demand globally
- Flexible exam schedule
- Focus on management & strategy (not just bookkeeping)
- High ROI in terms of salary growth
- Useful for MBAs, finance professionals, and accounting grads
