Introduction
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation-is a globally recognized credential that validates expertise in financial management, strategic decision-making &cost management. If you’re considering a career in management accounting, understanding the CMA eligibility criteria is crucial.
In this blog…we will break down the CMA qualification requirements, the CMA course eligibility, the CMA age limit & other key aspects to help you determine if you meet the CMA exam prerequisites.
CMA Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
To earn the CMA certification… candidates must fulfill specific educational and professional requirements. The criteria are structured to ensure that professionals possess the necessary expertise to handle advanced financial roles. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| CMA Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Education | Bachelor’s degree (any discipline) |
| Professional Experience | 2 years in management accounting or financial management (can be completed within 7 years of passing exams) |
| CMA Age Limit | No upper age restriction; minimum age is 18+ |
| Exam Structure | Two-part exam (Financial Planning & Strategic Financial Management) |
| Membership Requirement | Must be a member of Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) |
CMA Educational Requirements
One of the most important… CMA exam prerequisites is meeting the CMA educational requirements. It is important that candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However…if you are still pursuing your degree, you can sit for the exam but must complete your degree- within 7 years of passing.
Accepted Degrees
- Accounting
- Finance
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Other related fields
If your degree is not from an accredited institution, you may be required to submit additional documentation to IMA for verification.
- Check out our detailed guide on Financial Planning in 2025
CMA Qualification Requirements: Work Experience Criteria
Professional Experience Requirements
To earn the CMA certification, candidates must complete two years of relevant work experience in either:
- Management accounting
- Financial management
This experience can be gained before or after passing the CMA exams, but it must be completed within seven years.
Approved Work Profiles
| Job Title | Role Description |
| Financial Analyst | Prepares financial reports, budgeting, forecasting |
| Cost Accountant | Manages cost structures, financial planning |
| Risk Manager | Identifies and mitigates financial risks |
| Treasurer | Manages corporate liquidity and financial planning |
| CFO (Chief Financial Officer) | Leads financial strategy and decision-making |
Learn more about the benefits of CMA certification in this blog: Is the CMA Certification Worth It?
CMA Age Limit: Is There an Age Restriction?
A common question among aspiring candidates is whether there is a CMA age limit.
Good news! The CMA program- has no upper age limit, meaning professionals at any stage of their careers can apply. However, the minimum age requirement is 18 years.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional looking for career advancement, CMA is open to all.
CMA Exam Prerequisites: Understanding the Exam Structure
The CMA exam prerequisites include two 4-hour exams consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions.
CMA Exam Breakdown
| CMA Part 1 | Weightage |
| Financial Reporting & Analysis | 15% |
| Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting | 20% |
| Performance Management | 20% |
| Cost Management | 15% |
| Internal Controls | 15% |
| Technology & Analytics | 15% |
| CMA Part 2 | Weightage |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 20% |
| Corporate Finance | 20% |
| Decision Analysis | 25% |
| Risk Management | 10% |
| Investment Decisions | 10% |
| Professional Ethics | 15% |
Exams are conducted in three testing windows per year: January-February, May-June, and September-October.
Watch this expert guide on preparing for CMA exams: CMA Exam Preparation Video
CMA Course Eligibility: Steps to Enrol
If you meet the CMA course eligibility requirements, here’s how you can enroll:
- Register for IMA Membership – Mandatory for all CMA candidates.
- Meet the Educational Requirements – Ensure you have or will complete your bachelor’s degree.
- Fulfill Work Experience Criteria – Gain at least two years of relevant work experience.
- Prepare for the CMA Exam – Enroll in a CMA coaching program.
- Schedule & Pass the Exams – Clear both CMA Part 1 & Part 2.
- Get Certified & Advance Your Career!
Start your CMA journey today! Check out our CMA Course Page
FAQs
1. What are the CMA eligibility criteria?
Well, to be eligible for the CMA certification, you need a bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant work experience, and IMA membership. You can also take the exam while completing your degree but, must fulfill all requirements within seven years.
2. What are the CMA qualification requirements for education?
The CMA educational requirements state that candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, orrelated field from an accredited institution. If your degree is from a non-accredited university, you may need additional verification.
3. Is there a CMA age limit?
Nope not at all . There is no CMA age limit.
4. What are the CMA course eligibility requirements for work experience?
To meet the CMA course eligibility criteria, you need two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You can complete this requirement before or well within seven years after passing the exam.
5. What are the CMA exam prerequisites?
The CMA exam prerequisites include… passing two exams (Financial Planning & Performance + Strategic Financial Management), completing the required work experience & maintaining an active IMA membership.
6. Can I apply for CMA without an accounting background?
Yes! While an accounting degree helps, the CMA qualification requirements accept any bachelor’s degree. However, candidates from non-finance backgrounds may need extra preparation in accounting concepts.
7. How long does it take to complete the CMA certification?
On average, candidates complete the CMA course eligibility requirements in 6-8 months, but honestly speaking the timeline depends on individual preparation, exam schedules, &work experience completion.
Final Thoughts
The CMA qualification requirements are structured to ensure that candidates possess the skills needed for financial leadership roles. Whether you’re a recent graduate or a working professional, the CMA eligibility criteria allow flexibility in meeting educational and experience requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- The CMA course eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of work experience.
- There is no upper CMA age limit, making it suitable for both young professionals and experienced individuals.
- Candidates must pass two exams covering Financial Planning & Strategic Management.
- The CMA qualification requirements ensure that professionals gain strategic decision-making and financial leadership skills.
Are you ready to take the next step? Join the CMA program at Imarticus and unlock global career opportunities!