CMA US · FAQs
CMA US frequently asked questions
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is IMA's credential in management accounting and financial management. To earn it you need active IMA membership, a bachelor's degree, two years of relevant experience and passes in both exam parts. Answers to the questions candidates ask most are below.
General Questions
What is a CMA?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification credential in the management accounting and financial management fields. The certification signifies that the person possesses knowledge in the areas of financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.
Who is IMA?
IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) is the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business. We are one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession.
What are the benefits of becoming a CMA?
The CMA certification can help you unlock your earning potential, with CMAs earning significantly more than their non-certified peers. It enhances your skills, giving you greater credibility, and provides a pathway to a more successful business career.
How do I become a CMA?
To become a CMA, you must have an active IMA membership, satisfy the education and experience requirements, and pass both parts of the CMA exam.
Education Requirement
What is the education requirement for the CMA program?
You must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university (or an international equivalent). If you do not have a bachelor's degree, certain professional certifications are also accepted. Please check the IMA website for a full list.
Can I take the CMA exam before I graduate?
Yes, you can sit for the exam before you graduate. However, you must complete your degree requirements before you can be certified.
How do I submit my educational transcripts?
You can email a copy of your transcripts to ale-cpe-educationdocuments@imanet.org or mail them directly to the ICMA.
Experience Requirement
What is the experience requirement?
You must complete two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting and/or financial management. This can be completed before or within seven years of passing the exam.
What kind of work experience qualifies?
Qualifying experience consists of positions requiring judgments to be made employing the principles of management accounting and financial management, such as financial analysis, budget preparation, and internal auditing. Roles that are clerical or non-technical in nature do not qualify.
Does part-time work count?
Yes, part-time positions of at least 20 hours per week can count. Two years of part-time work is equivalent to one year of full-time experience.
The Exam
What is the structure of the CMA exam?
The exam is in two parts. Each part is four hours long: 100 multiple-choice questions (3 hours) followed by two case-based questions (1 hour), which replaced the essay section from the May/June 2026 window. You must score at least 50% on the multiple-choice section to move on to the case-based questions.
What is the passing score?
A score of 360 out of a possible 500 is required to pass each part.
How long do I have to complete both parts of the exam?
Once you enter the CMA program, you must complete both parts of the exam within three years.
When and where can I take the exam?
The exam is offered at Prometric testing centers around the world during three testing windows: January/February, May/June, and September/October.
Exam Scheduling & Fees
What are the fees for changing or canceling my CMA exam date?
Switching to a different testing window costs $150 (an ICMA fee that cannot be waived), and you can switch only once per exam part. Rescheduling or cancelling within the same window costs $70 with Prometric if done 5 to 45 days before your exam. Inside 5 days you can no longer change the appointment.
How do I transfer my exam to the next testing window?
Cancel your existing Prometric appointment first, then submit IMA's Exam Switch Form no later than five days before the original appointment. The switch fee is $150, it cannot be waived, and you can switch only once per exam part. The switch gives you a new authorization period in the new window.
Can I reschedule my exam within the same testing window?
Yes, if there is space. Prometric charges $70 if you cancel or reschedule 5 to 45 days before your exam; changes more than 45 days ahead carry no Prometric fee. You need your confirmation number to cancel and your authorization number to rebook.
What happens if I miss my exam appointment or cancel too late?
Prometric does not allow cancellations or changes less than 5 days before the exam. If you miss the appointment or cancel too late, you are a no-show: you forfeit the exam fee and must buy a new exam registration. Missed exams cannot be rescheduled or refunded.
After Passing the Exam
What happens after I pass both parts of the exam?
Once you have passed both parts and your education and experience requirements have been verified, you will receive your CMA certificate and become a Certified Management Accountant.
How long does it take to get my certificate?
After all requirements are met, it typically takes a few weeks to receive your official certificate by mail.
Continuing Education Requirement
Are there any ongoing requirements to maintain my CMA certification?
Yes, CMAs are required to complete 30 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) annually, including a minimum of two hours in the area of ethics.
How do I report my CPE credits?
You can report your CPE credits through your online IMA profile. It is your responsibility to maintain records of your CPE activities.
More detail: eligibility checker · experience requirement · 2026 exam changes · exam dates · fees · ethics
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