CMA Exam Procedures and Registration: A Step-By-Step Guide

Becoming a Certified Management Accountant requires time and effort—but the opportunities for career advancement are worth it. If you’re ready to earn your CMA, this step-by-step guide is here to help you get started. 

First, You Must Meet These Requirements 

• Become an IMA member.
• 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 Board of Regents 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. Please refer to the Experience Qualification section of the CMA Handbook.
• Pay the CMA program entrance and exam registration fees.
• Pass Parts 1 and 2 of the CMA exam in any order.
• Abide by IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practice.

NOTE: IMA has special arrangements with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants that may affect the above requirements.

Don’t meet the educational or professional experience requirements and want to get certified? There is an option for every situation. IMA offers a seven-year grace period for candidates in this situation. You can sit for the exam and then finish your bachelor’s degree or two years of professional experience within the next seven years from the exam date. Once you do, you’ll automatically become an active CMA.

Taking the CMA Exam

The CMA exam is a two-part computer-based exam administered in hundreds of testing facilities worldwide. With three two-month testing windows each year, you can sit for an exam part at a convenient time and place.

Examination windows:

Exams are offered only during these two-month periods:

1. January and February
2. May and June
3. September and October

How to Register for the CMA Exam

Follow these easy steps to fulfill the examination requirement for your CMA certification:

Step 1: Join IMA here.

Step 2: Pay the CMA Entrance Fee here.

Step 3: Register for the exam here.

Step 4: Receive confirmation of your registration, which provides your authorization number(s), testing window(s), and the Instructions for Candidates.

Step 5: Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric, IMA’s testing partner at www.prometric.com.

Finally, show up for your scheduled exam appointment(s) with the required identification documents.

TIP: Be sure to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. Your authorization number is only valid for the testing window you selected. You can’t postpone your exams.

Exams are administered via Prometric Testing Centers worldwide and are available according to local customs. To locate a Testing Center and schedule exam appointments, visit www.prometric.com/ICMA.

Exam Fees

Total Cost To Earn Your CMA With No Exam Retakes:

• Non-Student/Professional: Total CMA cost = $1,290
• Student (still in school): Total CMA cost = $965

*The CMA Entrance Fee covers:

• Credential review for educational qualification
• Credential review for experience qualification
• Six months access to the CMA Exam Support package which includes printable practice questions
• Final Score Report
• Performance feedback reports for candidates who do not pass
• Personalized numbered certificate for office display
• Congratulatory notification to employer or others, if desired

**You must reschedule your exam more than 30 days before your appointment. You can only move the date to a late date within the same two-month testing window.

This guide will get you started on earning your CMA certification.