What Is the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Designation?
▼The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is a globally recognized credential for professionals in management accounting and financial management. Those who pursue the CMA certification typically include professionals seeking to advance their careers in management accounting, finance, and business.
Passing both parts of the CMA exam demonstrates proficiency in these areas and signifies a commitment to excellence in management accounting.
$100K+
Average CMA Salary
100+
Countries Recognized
63%
Higher Earnings vs Non-CMA
2 Parts
CMA Exam Structure
Certified Management Accountant — Quick Facts
CMA stands for Certified Management Accountant
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One of the most globally respected finance credentials, recognized in over 100 countries by employers across all industries.
CMAs specialize in strategic management
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CMAs focus on management accounting, strategic management, and business decision-making — making them invaluable in corporate finance roles.
CMA certification requirements
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Requirements include earning a bachelor's degree, two years of relevant work experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing both parts of the CMA exam.
7 years to meet additional requirements
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CMA candidates have up to seven years after passing the exam to fulfill the remaining certification requirements, giving plenty of flexibility.
CMAs earn more than CPAs and CFAs
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CMAs earn a higher average salary than CPAs and CFAs globally, with certified professionals earning up to 63% more than non-certified peers.
CMA Eligibility Requirements
Becoming a Certified Management Accountant requires time and effort — but the opportunities for career advancement are worth it. Tap any card below to learn more about each requirement.
Education Requirement
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Experience Requirement
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IMA Membership
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Ethics Requirement
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CMA Certification Requirements — Step by Step
1Become an IMA member▼
Join the Institute of Management Accountants to access the CMA program, resources, and networking opportunities with over 140,000 members worldwide.
2Join the CMA Program▼
Register for the CMA program through the IMA website and pay the CMA entrance fee. This enrolls you in the program and gives you access to schedule your exam.
3Study for and pass the CMA exam▼
Pass both parts within a 3-year window, achieving a minimum score of 360 out of 500 on each part. You may take the parts in any order.
4Meet education requirements▼
Submit proof of your bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, or an approved professional certification recognized by the IMA as equivalent.
5Meet work experience requirements▼
Complete 2 continuous years of professional experience in financial management or management accounting. This must be submitted to the IMA within 7 years of passing.
6Comply with IMA ethics standards▼
Adhere to the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. This commitment to ethics is a cornerstone of the CMA designation.
7Fulfill continuing education requirements▼
Complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) annually, including a minimum of 2 hours focused on ethics, to maintain your CMA certification.
CMA Exam Registration
Follow these steps to fulfill the exam requirement for your CMA certification. Tap each step to expand the details.
1Become a member of IMA▼
Join the Institute of Management Accountants to access the CMA program. Annual membership fees range from $39 (students) to $280 (professionals).
2Enroll in the CMA Program▼
Pay the CMA Program entrance fee and enroll through the IMA website. This registers you in the program and activates your ability to schedule the exam.
3Register for your exam▼
After enrollment, you will receive your authorization number which provides your testing windows and the link to schedule your exam via Prometric, IMA's testing partner.
4Schedule with Prometric▼
Visit prometric.com to schedule your exam appointment. You'll find many CMA exam test center locations throughout the US and internationally. Schedule as soon as possible — spots fill up quickly.
5Show up with required ID on exam day▼
Bring the required identification documents. Your authorization number is only valid within the testing window you selected, so don't miss your scheduled appointment.
CMA Exam Cost
Tap any fee card to see a full breakdown. The CMA exam costs $235/part for professional members of IMA.
$235
Professional Member — Per Part
Exam registration fee
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$175
Student / Academic — Per Part
Discounted student rate
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$280
IMA Membership Fee
Annual — professional rate
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$300
CMA Program Fee
One-time enrollment fee
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| Fee Type | Professional | Student/Academic |
|---|---|---|
| IMA Annual Membership | $280/yr | $39/yr |
| CMA Program Entrance Fee | $300 | $225 |
| Exam Registration (per part) | $235 | $175 |
| Total (both parts) | ~$1,050 | ~$614 |
Schedule Your CMA Exam
The CMA exam is offered during three testing windows per year. Tap a window to learn more about dates and scheduling details.
Jan / Feb
Window 1
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May / Jun
Window 2
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Sep / Oct
Window 3
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CMA Exam Format
Each part of the CMA exam consists of 100 MCQs and essay/CBQ questions. Tap each part to see the full format breakdown.
Part 1 — Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics
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MCQ Questions100
Essay / CBQ Section2 questions
MCQ Weight75%
Essay / CBQ Weight25%
Time Limit4 hours
Passing Score360 / 500
Part 2 — Strategic Financial Management
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MCQ Questions100
Essay / CBQ Section2 questions
MCQ Weight75%
Essay / CBQ Weight25%
Time Limit4 hours
Passing Score360 / 500
CMA Exam Topics & Weightings
Tap each part to see the full topic breakdown and exam weightings.
PART 1
Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics
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External financial reporting decisions15%
Planning, budgeting & forecasting20%
Performance management20%
Cost management15%
Internal controls15%
Technology & analytics15%
PART 2
Strategic Financial Management
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Financial statement analysis20%
Corporate finance20%
Business decisions analysis25%
Enterprise risk management10%
Investment decisions10%
Professional ethics15%
CMA Exam Scoring & Results
Tap any stat to learn more about how CMA scoring and pass rates work.
360
Minimum Passing Score
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~45%
Average Pass Rate Per Part
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3 Yrs
Window to Pass Both Parts
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What to Expect on Exam Day
Tap each section to expand the details and make sure you're fully prepared before arriving at the testing center.
Primary ID Requirements
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Must present ONE of the following:
- Valid passport with photograph and signature
- Valid government-issued driver's license with photo and signature
- Valid military ID with photograph and signature
Secondary ID Requirements
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Must also present ONE of the following:
- Valid credit card or debit card with name and signature
- Social security card
- Valid company ID or employee ID
- Valid university/college ID
What to Bring on CMA Test Day
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- 2 forms of ID (one primary, one secondary)
- Your Exam Authorization Notice from Prometric
- Your IMA Exam ID and Launch Code ready to enter
- Prescription Medications — clearly labeled, no aerosols
- Snacks/drinks — sealed containers, no coffee or liquids in lids
Do's & Don'ts on CMA Exam Day
✓ Things TO Do on Exam Day▼
- Arrive at least 30 minutes before all test takers seated for the exam
- Bring two valid forms of identification, including one primary photo ID
- Review the test admission requirements and know your exam center location
- Visit the restroom before check-in if needed
- Have your Exam ID and Launch Code ready to start the exam
- Use the free calculator provided at the testing stations
- Take full timed breaks between exam sections to recharge
✗ Things NOT To Do on Exam Day▼
- Don't be late or you may not get seated for the exam
- Don't bring unauthorized items (cell phones, notes, study materials, outside calculators)
- Don't talk to or disturb other test takers
- Don't bring miscellaneous items — only use the services provided
- Don't panic — the exam is challenging but you've prepared for this!
Earning the CMA Certification
Passing the two CMA exam parts is a huge accomplishment, but there are still a few steps to go through before officially becoming a Certified Management Accountant. Here's what you need to do.
Apply for Certification
Once you've passed Part 1 and Part 2 of the CMA exam, within the 7 year window, you can apply for certification with the Institute of Management Accountants. You'll need to submit:
1Wear exam candidate documents▼
Compile your CMA application and supporting documents before submission. Ensure all information matches your IMA membership profile to avoid delays in processing.
2Completed application for admission▼
Submit the completed CMA certification application through the IMA website. The application process includes providing documentation to verify your eligibility and confirm your exam results.
3Current resume or biography▼
Provide an up-to-date professional resume or biography that demonstrates your relevant experience in financial management or management accounting, fulfilling the 2-year experience requirement.
4Any remaining documentation & experience requirements▼
Submit proof of your bachelor's degree or approved professional certification, along with documentation verifying your qualifying management accounting work experience. All materials must be submitted within 7 years of passing the CMA exam.
Experience Verification — What's Needed
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Candidates must submit two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management within seven years of passing the CMA exam. Documentation typically includes:
- Job descriptions from employers detailing relevant responsibilities
- Letters from supervisors/managers confirming experience
- If your experience is based on education alone, you cannot be fully certified until the experience requirement is met
CMA Certificate and Membership
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Once your application is approved and your experience is verified, you'll be granted the official CMA certification. IMA will send you:
- CMA certificate package with documents
- Award notification letter
- CMA logo, stamps, etc.
Fulfill the Experience Qualification
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Gaining the required professional experience is an important part of the journey to earning your Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certificate. The experience requirement recognizes that CMAs not only have a strong academic foundation but also real-world expertise in applying management accounting principles. This experience can be completed before or within seven years after passing the CMA exam.
Continued Professional Education (CPE) for CMA
IMA requires you to meet certain continuing education requirements to retain your status as a CMA. To uphold your certification every year, you must complete 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), of which at least two hours must be in ethics.
CPE Requirements — Full Details
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To learn more about the various ways you can complete these hours, the following will help:
- Complete 30 hours of CPE per year, including 2 hours of ethics
- Acceptable CPE activities include courses, seminars, webinars, and self-study programs
- Visit IMA's Continuing Education Requirements and Rules page for the full list of approved activities
- Failure to complete CPE requirements may result in suspension of your CMA certification
Ethics Requirements for CMAs
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You will also need to understand and abide by the ethics and standards put forth by IMA, surrounding topics like financial confidentiality, credibility, and integrity. In addition to adhering to these ethical standards, two of your annual 30 hours of continuing education must be in the area of ethics. Visit IMA's Statement of Ethical Professional Practice for more details.
Ready to Apply for Your CMA?
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Explore CMA Courses →Management Accounting Careers
Management accounting is a varied and growing profession that, at its core, involves using specialized accounting expertise to make sound, data-driven business decisions. Tap any role to learn more.
Financial Analyst / Senior Financial Analyst▼
Financial analysts evaluate financial data to help businesses make informed investment and operational decisions. CMAs are highly sought for these roles due to their expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. Senior analysts often lead teams and report directly to finance directors.
Cost Accountant / Budget Director▼
Cost accountants analyze manufacturing and operational costs to help organizations control spending and maximize profitability. Budget directors oversee the entire budgeting process, working across departments to align financial plans with strategic objectives.
Finance Director / VP Finance▼
Finance directors and VPs are senior leadership roles responsible for overseeing all financial operations within an organization. CMAs are preferred for these positions due to their strategic management training, internal controls expertise, and ability to drive business performance.
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)▼
The CFO is the highest-ranking financial executive in an organization, responsible for financial strategy, risk management, investor relations, and overall financial health. The CMA credential is one of the most recognized paths to the CFO role, with many Fortune 500 CFOs holding the designation.
Benefits of Obtaining the CMA Certification
Earning the CMA credential through IMA represents a challenging yet rewarding achievement. Tap any benefit card to learn more.
High Demand for CMAs
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Higher Earning Potential
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International Acclaim
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Practiced Skills
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$100K+
Avg. CMA Salary in the Americas
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63%
More than non-certified peers
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CFO
Top Career Destination for CMAs
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CMA exam?
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam is a two-part professional certification exam administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It tests candidates on financial planning, performance, analytics, and strategic financial management. Both parts must be passed within a 3-year window.
How long does it take to get your CMA?
Most candidates complete both parts of the CMA exam within 12–18 months of focused study. The full certification process — including the 2-year work experience requirement — typically takes 2–4 years total, depending on your starting point and study pace.
How often are CMAs on the exam?
The CMA exam is offered during three testing windows per year: January/February, May/June, and September/October. You can take each part once per testing window, giving you up to three attempts per year per part.
What are the benefits of becoming a CMA?
CMAs enjoy significantly higher earning potential (up to 63% more than non-certified peers), faster career advancement into senior finance roles, global recognition in 100+ countries, and a credential that is highly valued by employers in every industry. The CMA also demonstrates commitment to professional ethics and excellence.
Is the CMA certification recognized globally?
Yes — the CMA is recognized in over 100 countries worldwide and is particularly valued in the Middle East, Asia, and emerging markets. It is administered by the IMA, which has members in 150 countries, making the CMA one of the most globally portable finance credentials available.
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