CMA US · Tool
CMA US eligibility checker
Anyone can start the CMA US exams. To be certified you need a bachelor's degree (any discipline, or an accepted professional certification) and two continuous years of experience in management accounting or financial management, completed before the exams or within seven years of passing them.
The rules
CMA US requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What IMA asks for |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (B.Com, BBA, MBA, engineering and other disciplines all qualify), or an accepted professional certification. You can sit the exams before graduating. |
| Experience | Two continuous years in management accounting or financial management, before the exams or within seven years of passing. Experience rules in detail |
| Exams | Pass Part 1 and Part 2 within three years of entering the CMA program. |
| Membership and ethics | Active IMA membership and adherence to the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. |
IMA confirms your education and experience when you apply for certification. Next steps: CMA US course fee · CMA US exam dates · CMA US course
Frequently asked questions
What is the eligibility for CMA US?
To be awarded the CMA US certification you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (any discipline, or an international equivalent; some professional certifications are also accepted) and two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. You also need IMA membership and must pass both exam parts.
Can I take the CMA US exams before I finish my degree?
Yes. You can sit both CMA US parts while you are still studying. The certification is awarded once you have completed your bachelor's degree and the experience requirement.
When do I have to complete the two years of experience?
The two continuous years can be completed before you sit the exams or within seven years of passing them, so freshers can start the exams first and gain experience afterwards.
Does part-time work count towards the CMA experience requirement?
Yes. Part-time roles of at least 20 hours per week count, with two years of part-time work equal to one year of full-time experience.
How long do I have to pass both CMA US parts?
IMA requires both parts to be passed within three years of entering the CMA program, in any order.
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