📅 Updated for 2026
CMA Exam Cost and Registration Fees
Here's what you need to know about the CMA exam and registration costs. All fees outlined below are in USD.
Start Your Free TrialA CMA certification can catapult you to greater career opportunities and earning potential. But it is important to have a firm understanding of the investment it will take to become a Certified Management Accountant. These costs include an Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) membership fee, the CMA Program enrollment fee, exam registration fees, and the value of review course materials.
Here is a breakdown of costs to get your CMA certified:
| CMA Certification Cost | Professionals | Academics/Students |
|---|---|---|
| IMA Membership | $275 | $39/$49 |
| CMA Program Enrollment | $300 | $225 |
| CMA Exam Registration | $1,060 ($530 per part) | $696 ($463 per part) |
| CMA Review Course | $1,700–$1,866 | $1,700–$1,866 |
| Total | $3,000–$3,884 | $2,525–$2,725 |
*Updated CMA exam fees go into effect on September 1, 2025, globally excluding China.
Once you fulfill your membership, exam, education, and professional experience requirements, there are additional costs associated with maintaining your credential and experiencing the benefits of being a CMA. IMA CMAs must complete annual continuing professional education credits.
$275
IMA Membership Fee
Annual — professional rate
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$300
CMA Program Enrollment
One-time entrance fee
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$530
CMA Exam Registration
Per part — professional rate
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$1,866
CMA Review Course
Elite-Unlimited package
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Costs Associated with a CMA
IMA Membership Fees▼
The first step to becoming a CMA is to obtain IMA membership. IMA offers student and professional membership options that vary in cost. Student membership is the most price-effective, incentivizing accounting and finance students to embark on their CMA exam journey while pursuing undergraduate degrees.
- Professional annual membership: $275/year
- Student/Academic annual membership: $39–$49/year
- Membership gives access to IMA network, CPE resources, and industry publications
CMA Program Enrollment Fee▼
Based on the IMA membership type obtained, you'll have to pay an enrollment fee for the CMA Program. It's a one-time payment that gives you 3 years to pass both parts of the CMA exam, and a total of 7 years to meet all CMA criteria.
- Professional rate: $300
- Student/Academic rate: $225
- Must be paid before registering for exam parts
CMA Exam Registration Fee▼
The CMA exam consists of 2 parts, meaning you will have to register for 2 separate exams and make 2 appointments with Prometric. You may take Part 2 before Part 1 depending on the topic area you feel you are strongest in. Exam registration fees also vary based on your IMA membership type.
- Professional: $530 per part ($1,060 total)
- Student/Academic: $463 per part ($696 total)
- Fees are non-refundable if you miss your exam appointment
- There is a $50 fee to reschedule or cancel your exam appointment
CMA Exam Prep▼
Because the CMA exam pass rate is low, it is important to invest in the tools that will help you earn your best possible score. Review courses are a large part of a successful CMA certification journey — you must find the option that suits your learning style, budget, and timeline to exam day. Choosing the best materials can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $1,866.
- YM International CMA Review: Elite-Unlimited from $1,199 (includes printed study guides, live boot camps, 11th hour review)
- YM International CMA Review: Premier from $1,099 (eBook study guide, 1-year access)
- Look for courses with full mock exams, question banks, and video lectures
Certification Maintenance▼
You'll be certified as a CMA after successfully passing the CMA exam, satisfying the education and experience requirements, and abiding by the IMA ethics standards. You must fulfill the IMA's continuing education requirements to keep your CMA certification active. Many of these courses are free, but others have fees.
- 30 CPE hours required per year, including 2 hours of ethics
- IMA Membership Annual Renewal: $30 processing fee
- Up to $3,750 depending on courses selected annually
How to Save on CMA Exam Costs
There are a number of ways you can save money along the CMA journey.
Study early
IMA may have a student/scholar practice in a graduate/professional environment. This could save you as much as $160 if you study in college rather than waiting until you're a professional.
Pass the exam on the first time
Retaking exam parts adds up quickly. Investing in quality review materials upfront is far more cost-effective than paying for multiple re-registrations.
Study with the right review course
Choosing a comprehensive course like YM International's CMA Review helps maximize your study efficiency and pass rate — saving money on retakes.
Cash in on discounts
Look for IMA member discounts, bundle pricing on both exam parts, and promotional offers from review course providers that can significantly reduce total costs.
Pass the CMA Exam with YM International
YM International's CMA Review Course combines expert instruction, 6,200+ practice questions, and full mock exams to give you the best chance of passing on your first attempt — saving you time and money.
Start Your Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total CMA certification cost for a professional member?＋
For professional IMA members, total CMA certification costs typically range from $3,000 to $3,884, including IMA membership ($275/yr), CMA Program enrollment ($300), exam registration for both parts ($1,060), and a quality review course ($1,199–$1,866). Student members can expect to pay $2,525–$2,725 total.
How often must I pay the IMA membership fee?＋
IMA membership is renewed annually. Professional membership costs $275/year, while student/academic membership is available for as little as $39–$49/year. You must maintain active IMA membership throughout your CMA journey and to keep your certification active after passing.
When are the testing windows for taking the CMA exam?＋
The CMA exam is offered during three testing windows each year: January/February (Window 1), May/June (Window 2), and September/October (Window 3). You can take each part once per testing window, giving you up to three exam attempts per part per year.
How do I maintain my CMA certification after passing the exam?＋
To maintain your CMA certification, you must complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) each year, including a minimum of 2 hours focused on ethics. You must also maintain active IMA membership and abide by the IMA's Statement of Ethical Professional Practice.