CMA US · Experience
CMA US experience requirement
To be certified you need two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You can complete it before the exams or within seven years of passing them, so freshers can sit both parts first.
The rule
Overview of the requirement
- The experience can be completed before, or within seven years of, passing the CMA exam.
- It must be continuous, but it does not have to be with one employer.
- Full-time and part-time roles both count. Part-time work needs at least 20 hours a week, and two years part-time equal one year full-time.
What counts
Qualifying experience
Roles that require judgements using the principles of management accounting and financial management qualify. Job titles include, but are not limited to:
- Staff Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Senior Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Finance Manager
- Controller
- Treasurer
- Chief Financial Officer
- VP, Finance
- Public Accountant
The list is not exhaustive. If your role is not listed but you think it qualifies, submit a detailed job description for review by ICMA (Institute of Certified Management Accountants).
Non-qualifying experience
Roles that are mainly clerical or non-analytical generally do not qualify, for example:
- Clerical work such as bookkeeping, data entry and accounts payable or receivable processing without analytical duties.
- Sales, marketing or general administrative positions.
- Internships or trainee programmes that are not part of a formal management accounting development track.
- Teaching accounting at a basic or introductory level without supervisory or advanced curriculum responsibilities.
After the exams
How to verify your experience
Once you have passed both parts, submit the CMA Experience Verification Form:
- Complete the form with each relevant role: employer, job title and a detailed description of your responsibilities.
- Get it signed by your direct supervisor or another qualified person (such as a certified professional or senior manager) who can confirm your experience.
- Submit it to ICMA for review and approval.
Instructions and the form: official IMA website.
Frequently asked questions
What is the experience requirement?
What kind of work experience qualifies?
Does part-time work count?
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