CMA US · Exam dates

CMA US Exam Dates 2026–2027: Testing Windows and Score Release

CMA US exams run in three testing windows a year: January–February, May–June and September–October. The September–October 2026 window is open now; the next windows are January–February 2027 and May–June 2027. You book a Prometric slot at least 72 hours ahead, and scores arrive about six weeks after the end of your test month.

Reviewed by Sai Manikanta Pedamallu, ACCA, CMA

Last checked 6 October 2026

When are the CMA US testing windows in 2026 and 2027?

IMA offers the CMA exam every January–February, May–June and September–October. Within a window you can pick any available Prometric appointment; IMA does not publish separate day-level dates.

CMA US testing windows 2026–2027
Testing window	You can test in	Status (October 2026)	Source
September–October 2026	September and October 2026	Open now	IMA
January–February 2027	January and February 2027	Upcoming	IMA
May–June 2027	May and June 2027	Upcoming	IMA
September–October 2027	September and October 2027	Upcoming	IMA

Appointment availability at individual Prometric centres varies, so book early in the window.

How do CMA US registration, scheduling and results work?

You register for one part and one window at a time, then book a Prometric appointment — at least 72 hours before, ideally four weeks before. Scores are released about six weeks after the end of the month you tested in.

CMA US scheduling and score rules
Rule	What IMA says	Source
Registration validity	Each exam registration is valid for one testing window only	IMA Middle East
Minimum booking notice	At least 72 hours before the exam date	IMA
Recommended booking notice	At least four weeks in advance	IMA
Changing windows	Switch to another window once per part for $150 via IMA’s Exam Switch Form, at least 5 days before your appointment (cancel it first). Same-window changes cost $70 with Prometric 5 to 45 days out; none are allowed inside 5 days	IMA
Score release	About six weeks after the end of the month in which you tested, by email and on your MyIMA transcript	IMA Middle East
Time limit	Three years to pass both exam parts	IMA

Which window should you aim for?

Choose the window that leaves you enough preparation time for one part. If you are studying alongside a job, planning one part per window is a manageable pace.

You can take Part 1 and Part 2 in any order. If you test early in a window (for example in September), your score arrives sooner than if you test at the end (October), because scores are released about six weeks after the end of your test month.

Since May–June 2026, each part has two case-based questions in place of the old essay section; the exam is still four hours long.

What happens if you miss your window?

You can switch to a later testing window once per exam part for $150, by cancelling your Prometric appointment and submitting IMA’s Exam Switch Form at least 5 days before it. Miss that cutoff and the exam fee is forfeited, so you would buy a new registration.

Rescheduling within the same window goes through Prometric ($70 if done 5 to 45 days before the test). To avoid fees, book your Prometric appointment as soon as IMA confirms your registration. IMA fees are paid in US dollars on top of coaching fees; our fee page and cost calculator show the full cost in rupees.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next CMA US exam window?

The September–October 2026 window is open now. The next windows are January–February 2027, May–June 2027 and September–October 2027.

How long does it take to get CMA US results?

IMA releases scores about six weeks after the end of the month in which you took the exam, by email and on your MyIMA transcript.

Can I take the CMA US exam outside a testing window?

No. CMA exams are only offered in January–February, May–June and September–October, and each registration is valid for one window.

How far in advance should I book my CMA US exam?

IMA requires appointments to be booked at least 72 hours before the exam date and recommends booking at least four weeks in advance.

How long do I have to pass both CMA US parts?

IMA gives you three years to pass both exam parts.

Aiming for the January–February 2027 window?

Global Fin X teaches CMA US Part 1 and Part 2 fully online, with recorded lectures, MCQ banks and case-based question practice for the current exam format.

Enrol in CMA US Explore the CMA US course

Sources

IMA — How to earn the CMA (testing windows and scheduling) — as of 6 October 2026
IMA Middle East — CMA exam (score release and registration) — as of 6 October 2026
IMA Help — switching your exam to a different testing window — as of 6 October 2026