Certified Management Accountant (CMA USA) is one of the most sought-after management accounting and financial management certifications. Administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), CMA USA certification is designed to prepare finance professionals with skills that will propel financial strategy, budgeting, risk, and decision-making.
To all financial professionals, in their working career, CMA USA means global acceptance, higher earning potential, and opportunities of leadership. But this bog post will help you get answers to who can be a CMA? How to become certified? All this and more is discussed in this guide.
What is CMA USA Certification?
The CMA USA certification is the globally accepted management accounting qualification with focus on financial planning, control, analysis, decision support, and professional ethics.
CMA USA is not a generic accounting course with emphasis on bookkeeping, taxation, and auditing. It is a management certification. It indicates that CMAs possess the ability of making strategic financial decisions, which contribute to a company’s growth.
Who Should Take CMA USA?
- Accounting and finance professionals seeking career advancement.
- Students of commerce, accounting, and finance seeking competitive edge.
- Financial management professionals seeking expertise in financial decision-making.
The CMAs serve as Financial Analysts, Controllers, Finance Managers, and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs).
The credential is most sought after in banking, consulting, manufacturing, and technology industries.
CMA USA Certification Process
For the certification by CMA USA, the applicants need to go through a clearly stated process of education, examination, and experience. A step-by-step process is discussed below:
1. Become a member of IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
You need to be an IMA member prior to starting your CMA USA journey. Your IMA membership makes you eligible to utilise several resources such as:
✅ Practice guides and exams
✅ Webinars, networking, and career development
✅ International network of finance professionals
The membership comes at a cost in a unique manner based on whether you are a professional or a student.
2. Become a CMA Program member
After your IMA membership is activated, you must join the CMA program. This welcomes you as a formal CMA candidate and provides you with three years of time to pass both exam parts.
3. Fulfill Education Requirements
To be eligible for the CMA USA certification, candidates should have:
✅ Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university OR
✅ Professional certification (e.g., CPA, ACCA, CA)
Final-year university students can also prepare to be certified if they graduate before joining the CMA designation program.
4. Get Professional Work Experience
For anyone to be eligible for CMA USA certification, the candidates should have two years of professional work experience in:
- Management accounting
- Financial management
- Budgeting and financial strategy
The experience is acquired before or within seven years following the CMA exam.
5. CMA Exam Preparation
The CMA USA exam consists of two parts, and the candidates need to clear both of them to become certified.
✅ Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
✅ Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management
Both parts need 3-6 months of preparation depending on background and experience. The candidates can prepare through:
- Self-study books (textbooks, online lectures, video courses)
- CMA coaching centers for guided learning
- Mock tests and sample questions
6. Register and Schedule the Exam
After preparation, apply for the exam via the IMA website. CMA USA is held three times a year in the following windows:
- January-February
- May-June
- September-October
Candidates must select a Prometric test center and pick their test date.
7. Clear the CMA Exam
CMA exam has 100 MCQs and two essay questions of 30 minutes each.
- Passing Score: 360 out of 500
- 75% of the total score is covered in MCQs
- 25% is achieved through essay questions
8. Re-Certification through Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
As soon as you get certified with CMA USA, you would need to complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) annually, of which 2 would be professional ethics.
This keeps the CMAs informed regarding the latest trends and best practices in the profession.
US CMA Eligibility Requirements
The CMA USA certification prerequisites guarantee that the applicants have relevant academic qualifications and experience at the workplace.
| Requirement | Details |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree from a college or university accredited by any known accrediting body or professional certification |
| Work Experience | Two years’ finance management or management accounting |
| IMA Membership | Active membership of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) |
| Exam Passing Score | Minimum 360 out of 500 on both halves of the exams |
CMA USA Exam Details
The CMA exam is planned to assess top-level financial management and strategic decision-making.
Exam Pattern
Each half contains:
✅ 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
✅ Two 30 minutes long essay questions
The candidates must answer both halves within four hours.
Pass Rate and Difficulty
The CMA USA exam worldwide is passed by almost 50% of the test-takers. The test is difficult, and the test-takers must:
- Study 300-400 hours each part
- Take a few practice tests
- Join study groups or coaching classes
CMA USA Career Benefits
Getting a CMA USA certification has a number of career benefits.
1. Higher Salary Potential
CMAs can earn up to 31% more than their non-certified counterparts.The U.S. CMA’s salary per year is $94,000. (Source)
2. International Recognition
The CMA certification is internationally recognised in more than 120 countries, including:
- USA
- Canada
- India
- UAE
- Singapore
3. Job Security & Industry Demand
CMAs are mandatory for sectors such as:
- Banking and Finance
- Consulting and Advisory
- Manufacturing and Retail
- Technology and IT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the duration to complete CMA USA certification?
6-8 months, based on a personal study plan.
2. Is CMA USA more difficult compared to CPA?
CMA is handling management accounting and CPA is handling tax and audit. Difficulty level depends on candidate to candidate.
3. What is the certification cost of CMA USA?
Total cost, plus the cost of exam and IMA membership fee, varies from $1,500 – $2,500.
4. Where can I attempt the CMA USA exam in India?
They can be attempted at Prometric test centers in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Hyderabad cities.
5. CMA USA pass rate?
Minimum 360 out of 500 in both sections to pass.
Conclusion
CMA USA certification is a very powerful credential that will open doors to high-paying professions and leadership roles across the globe.
Key Takeaways
- Global Acceptance: CMA USA is accepted in more than 150 nations.
- Career Advancement: CMAs earn more and land the best finance careers.
- Flexible Schedule: Certification is done within 6-12 months.
Don’t wait! Enrol in the CMA certification program and kickstart your global finance journey.