Follow These Steps to Register for the CMA Exam & Become a Certified CMA
Find out how to get CMA certification with these five steps:
- Join IMA and enroll as a CMA candidate here.
- Pay the CMA examination entrance fee here.
- Register for the exam here.
- Receive confirmation of your registration, which provides your authorization number(s), testing window(s), and the Instructions for candidates.
- Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric, the IMA testing partner at www.prometric.com/ICMA.
Be sure to bring the required identification documents to your scheduled exam appointment(s).
EXPERT TIP
Schedule your exam appointment as soon as possible. Your authorization number is only valid for the testing window you selected. You cannot postpone your exams to another testing window, but you can change your test date within the same two-month window.
The CMA exam is taken into two parts, which are both computer-based and administered at hundreds of Prometric testing facilities around the world. With three two-month testing windows each year, you can sit for an exam part at a time and place that’s convenient for you.
Exams are offered only during these two-month periods:
- January and February
- May and June
- September and October
What are the Requirements for CMA Certification?
- Maintain membership in the IMA. If you aren’t a member, join the IMA now.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university (or an equivalent degree as determined by an independent evaluation agency). If you do not have a bachelor’s degree, you can petition the IMA for an exception if you have substantial and relevant professional achievements. Please refer to the Education Qualification Section of the CMA Handbook.
- At least two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
- Enroll in the CMA program.
- Complete and pass Parts 1 and 2 of the CMA exam.
- Abide by IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice. Download it here.
Don’t meet the educational or professional experience requirements? You can sit for the CMA exam and you then have seven years from the date of your exam to finish your bachelor’s degree and/or your two years of continuous professional experience. Once you do, you automatically become an active CMA.
What are the CMA Exam Fees?
Professional Fees
IMA Membership Fee: $295
CMA Entrance Fee (non-refundable): $300
Exam Fee: $495 per part
Rescheduling Fee*: $50
Academic Fees
IMA Membership Fee: $49-$160
CMA Entrance Fee (non-refundable): $225
Exam Fee: $370 per part
Rescheduling Fee*: $50
Total Cost to Earn Your CMA without Exam Retakes
- Professionals: $1,585
- Academics: $1,014-$1,125
*You must reschedule your exam more than 30 days prior to your scheduled appointment. You can only move the date to a late date within the same two-month testing window.
