How to become a CMA
Follow these steps to start your CMA journey
01
Become an IMA member
Only active IMA members are eligible to earn the CMA, so join to get started
02
Enroll in the CMA program
Sign up and start studying to get prepared to take your exam
03
Take the exams
Register for the CMA exams (Part 1 and Part 2). You can take them in any order.
Don't forget to complete all the requirements
You have three years to pass both exam parts and seven years to complete the education and experience requirements after enrolling.
Learn more about the benefits of earning your CMA
Get prepared to take the CMA exam
We offer helpful resources and tools so you'll be prepared to take your test.
Take a class
Prep for your exam with the CMA study and review courses.
- Featured Program: Surgent University PASS
- Find a course provider
Self-study
Watch webinars and videos with study tips and test-taking strategies.
Practice tests
Try our practice quizzes and take a simulated test when you're ready
Access our additional resources
CMA Candidate Handbook
Access our comprehensive guide to CMA program requirements, regulations, and procedures.
Content Specification Outline
Check the expertises covered on the CMA exams so you know you’re prepared.
Learning Outcome Statements
Review the specific knowledge and skills you must master within each practice area of the CMA exams.
Interested in becoming a CMA?
Try our quiz and test your knowledge with 10 real questions from the CMA exam.
We’re here to help.
Frequently asked questions about the CMA
What is required to earn CMA certification?
- Active IMA membership
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university or a related professional certification
- Complete two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. This requirement may be completed prior to or within seven years of passing the examination.
- Passing Parts 1 and 2 of the CMA exam.
For further details, please refer to the CMA Handbook.
How do I register for an exam
The CMA exams are computer-based and administered at hundreds of Prometric Test Centers worldwide. With three testing windows each year, you can sit for an exam at a time and place convenient for you.
If you are enrolled in the CMA program and are ready to sit for the exam, here are the steps:
- Pick your testing window. Testing windows are offered in January/February, May/June, and September/October.
- Register for the exam at www.imaonlinestore.com.
- Receive your authorization number(s) along with further instructions.
- Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric, our testing partner, at https://www.prometric.com/exams/icma/
When can I take the exam?
Exams are offered according to the following schedule:
- January and February
- May and June
- September and October
To schedule exam appointments, visit www.prometric.com/ICMA or call (800) 479-6370. To ensure your first choice of date, time, and location, it is best to schedule your appointment at least four weeks in advance. All exam appointments must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date. Once you are registered, you must take the exam part during your assigned testing session. If, for any reason, you are unable to schedule an exam appointment during the assigned testing window, you will need to pay another registration fee. Appointments cannot be rescheduled to another testing window.
How do I maintain my CMA?
Once you have completed both parts of the CMA exam, you will be required to report 30 hours of CPE on an annual basis and a minimum of two hours must be in the field of ethics. A copy of the CPE Requirements and Rules can be found here.
You will also need to keep your IMA membership active to retain your CMA status.