CMA FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the CMA program.

CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Certification Overview

How do I enroll in the CMA program?

  1. Visit imanet.org/cma-certification to apply. You will need to purchase the CMA entrance fee and IMA membership. The application process takes about 10 minutes.
  2. Register for the exam. You can register for Part 1 and Part 2 in any order or register for both at the same time.
  3. Prepare to complete certification requirements including submitting your education transcript and work experience. This can be done before or after passing the exam but is required as a final step to become certified.

What is ICMA?

ICMA ® (Institute of Certified Management Accountants) is the certification affiliate of IMA. ICMA is responsible for developing, administering, and grading the CMA exam; establishing the policies and procedures for the CMA program; and for ensuring the program’s overall integrity. The ICMA Board of Regents is responsible for setting policies, and the ICMA staff is responsible for operations.

What is IMA?

IMA ® (Institute of Management Accountants) is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. IMA offers its members exclusive access to the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program. We are committed to helping you – and our network of more than 100,000+ members – to expand your professional skills, better manage your organization, and enhance your career.

What is required to earn CMA certification?

For further details, please refer to the CMA Handbook.

How do I register for an exam part?

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:

  1. Pick your testing window. Testing windows are offered in January/February, May/June, and September/October.
  2. Register for the exam at www.imaonlinestore.com.
  3. Receive your authorization number(s) along with further instructions.
  4. Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric, our testing partner, at www.prometric.com/ICMA.

What is the pass rate for the CMA exam?

The pass rate on the CMA differs by geographic region, but averages about 50% on both parts 1 and 2.

Taking the CMA Exam

Where do I take the CMA exam?

Candidates take the CMA exam in person at a Prometric Test Center. In accordance with local customs, Prometric Test Centers are available throughout the U.S. and internationally. To locate a test center, please visit www.prometric.com/ICMA.

Can I take the CMA exam remotely?

Remote testing is currently not available for the CMA exam.

When can I take the exam?

Exams are offered according to the following schedule:

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.

Do I have to take parts 1 and 2 in this order, and do I have to take them together?

No, you can take parts 1 and 2 in any order. You have the option of taking both together on the same day, although many members choose to separate their testing dates.

When do I receive my exam Performance Report?

Performance Reports are sent via e-mail from Prometric to all candidates who take an exam part. The performance reports are emailed approximately 14 days after exam results are posted to the candidate’s profile.
Candidates who do not pass the exam will receive a report that indicates their performance on each of the key topic areas in the multiple-choice section as well as their overall performance on the essay section of the exam.

How long do I have to complete my exams?

Candidates must complete the CMA program within three years from the date of entry into the certification program. If both exam parts are not successfully completed within three years of entering the program, any passed part will expire, and the CMA entrance fee will need to be repaid.