About The CMA Exam and Designation
The CMA certification is the leading advanced professional certification designed specifically for accounting and financial management professionals in business. This is a common certification for management accountants, who accountants are crucial figures in determining the status and success of a company. Often their focuses surround cost accounting, financial planning, and management issues - and this certification helps reiterate their expertise when applying for jobs. Not Sure if a CMA is right for you? We can help.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or have a professional accounting certification, as well as at least two years of work experience. Additionally, candidates must have an active membership in the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
CMA Examination Requirements
- CMA candidates must successfully complete both parts of the CMA Exam:
- Part 1 - Financial Reporting, Planning, Performance
- Control Part 2 - Financial Decision Making
Register for a free trial and see for yourself why so many accounting professionals choose the Surgent CMA Exam Review to prepare for and pass the Certified Management Accountant
About the Exam
So, first you need to know that you can sit for the CMA Exam within specific testing windows - these are:
CMA Testing Windows
May to June
September to October
The CMA Exam consists of two parts that can be taken in any order. Only one exam can be taken at a time. Candidates must complete both exam parts within three years and register to take one exam part within the first 12 months of entering the program.
Section One
Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics- Duration: 4 Hours
- Exam Question Count:
- 100 Multiple Choice
- 2 30-minute essay questions Exam Question Count
Topics
Section Two
Strategic Financial Management- Duration: 4 Hours
- Exam Question Count:
- 100 Multiple Choice
- 2 30-minute essay questions Exam Question Count
Topics
Overview of Exam Difficulty & Pass Rate
The CMA Exam is tough - there's no doubt about that. And with such a low worldwide pass rate - you're not alone in feeling that.
But it's possible - get the lowdown on how difficult the exam is and the average pass rates here.
How to Get Started Preparing for the Exam
- Get your hands on as many free course trials as possible - before you invest in a CMA Review Course, you need to ensure it's right for you. And there's no cap to how many free trials you can sign up for!
- Identify your learning style - everybody studies and learns differently, and that's okay! To make sure you invest in the most effective course for you, it's important to understand what helps you retain information most. Is it a linear study plan, or do you prefer to focus on your weak areas while you progress? Do you want flashcards, or video lectures? These questions are all important to ask yourself.
- Create a study plan - the CMA Review Course you opt for should help you with this, but figuring out a realistic number of hours you can study - and number of days you can study - per week is crucial to ensure you appropriately account for your time and schedule.