CMA (USA) Certification
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), focused on financial planning, performance, analytics, and strategic financial management. Explore how the CMA certification works, including the two exam parts, eligibility requirements, exam windows, and the skills covered in the syllabus.
A Professional Certification in Management Accounting and Finance
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It focuses on the financial and analytical skills used by professionals in management accounting, financial planning, performance management, and strategic decision-making.
The CMA is designed for professionals who want to develop skills that connect financial information with business planning and decision-making.
Where CMAs work
Two Parts to the CMA Certification
The CMA exam consists of two parts. Each part covers a separate group of knowledge areas and is assessed through computer-based testing.
Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics
Strategic Financial Management
How to Become a Certified Management Accountant
The CMA certification requires candidates to complete the IMA's education, examination, experience, and membership requirements.
Pass Both CMA Exam Parts
Complete and pass Part 1 and Part 2 of the CMA examination.
Meet the Education Requirement
Meet IMA's education requirements for the CMA programme.
Complete the Experience Requirement
Complete the required professional experience in management accounting and/or financial management.
Maintain IMA Membership
Maintain the required IMA membership and complete the certification process with IMA. Check the latest IMA requirements before registering, as eligibility and certification rules can change.
CMA Exam at a Glance
CMA (USA) Exam Preparation with VLS
Prepare for CMA Part 1 and Part 2 with VLS Complete Learning Packs, including video lectures, study resources, quizzes and tutor support.
CMA (USA) Part 1 — Complete Learning Pack
- Video lectures for the complete syllabus
- Short-question & essay-question videos
- Quizzes & hundreds of practice questions
- One year's access from purchase
CMA (USA) Part 2 — Complete Learning Pack
- Video lectures for the complete syllabus
- Short-question & essay-question videos
- Quizzes & hundreds of practice questions
- One year's access from purchase
Vertex partners with Hock International to provide best-in-class CMA content · plan around 160–180 study hours per part (roughly 10 hours a week for four months).
Explore the CMA qualification
The US CMA is a two-part professional qualification for management accounting and financial management. Use the guides below to check eligibility, how the exam and syllabus are structured, when the exam windows fall, and what membership and exam fees you should budget for. If you are just starting out, begin with eligibility. If you already plan to sit, jump to the exam structure, windows, or costs.
CMA (USA) — FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions for CMA (USA)
What is the CMA (USA) qualification?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a US-based, globally recognised certification from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It certifies expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support and professional ethics, and is recognised in over 150 countries.
What's the difference between CMA Part 1 and Part 2?
Part 1 covers Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics — planning and budgeting, performance management, cost management, internal controls, external reporting and technology. Part 2 covers Strategic Financial Management — financial statement analysis, corporate finance, decision analysis, risk management, investment decisions and professional ethics.
How is the CMA exam structured and when can I sit it?
There are two exams (Part 1 and Part 2), held three times a year in testing windows around January/February, May/June and September/October. Exams are taken at Prometric test centres, the pass mark is 72%, and results are announced in about six weeks.
What are the requirements to become a CMA?
You must pass both CMA exams, complete two years of relevant professional experience, and hold an active IMA membership to be awarded the CMA certification.
How long does it take to prepare for each CMA part?
As a guide, plan for around 160–180 study hours per part — roughly ten hours a week over about four months. Vertex's Complete Learning Packs give you one year's access to prepare at your own pace.
Is the CMA recognised internationally?
Yes. Although it's a US qualification from IMA, the CMA is recognised in over 150 countries and is highly valued by employers worldwide, making it a strong credential for a global finance career.
Prepare for Your CMA Exams with VLS
Choose CMA Part 1 or Part 2 and study with structured online learning, expert content and tutor support designed around your exam preparation.