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CMA (USA) · IMA

CMA USA exam process, windows & results.

Three testing windows a year, booked through Prometric — here's exactly how registration, scheduling and results work.

Testing windowsResults
Three windows a year

Testing windows

The CMA exam runs in three two-month windows each year — you can sit either part in any window, but only once per window.

WindowDatesRegistration deadline
January/FebruaryJan 1 – Feb 28February 15
May/JuneMay 1 – Jun 30June 15
September/OctoberSep 1 – Oct 31October 15

You can sit Part 1 and Part 2 in either order, in the same window or different ones. See CMA (USA) Part 1 and CMA (USA) Part 2.

Prometric

How to register and schedule

Become an IMA member

Become an active IMA member (Student, Academic, or Professional). See [CMA USA eligibility & requirements](/about-cma/eligibility-and-requirements) and the [official IMA website](https://www.imanet.org/).

Pay the entrance fee

Pay the CMA Entrance Fee — a one-time payment valid for three years.

Pay the exam fee

Pay the exam fee for the part you're ready to sit.

Authorization Number

Receive your Authorization Number from Prometric, typically within 24–48 hours.

Schedule your appointment

Schedule on [Prometric's website](https://www.prometric.com/) — at a physical test centre, or remotely via Prometric's ProProctor online proctoring — within your chosen window.

Register early

Aim for at least 6 weeks before your intended exam date, since popular test centre slots fill up.

Rescheduling

Changing your appointment 3–30 days before your scheduled date carries a $50 Prometric fee. Reschedules must stay within the same testing window — you can't move a January/February booking into May/June.

Sitting the paper

On exam day

Four hours, two sections

Each part is 4 hours: 3 hours for the 100-question multiple-choice section, then up to 1 hour for the application section (essays or, from Sep/Oct 2026, Case-Based Questions).

Multiple-choice gate

You need at least 50% correct on the multiple-choice section to proceed to the application section — the exam ends there if you don't reach it.

Remote sittings

Remote candidates using ProProctor should check system, environment and ID requirements in advance via [Prometric's guidance](https://www.prometric.com/).

Scoring

Results

When scores land

Scores are typically released around 6 weeks after the end of the calendar month in which you tested — for example, a February sitting generally scores out around mid-April.

Performance report

A more detailed performance report is usually made available roughly 14 days after your score itself is released.

Pass mark

Each part is scored on a 0–500 scale; 360 is the pass mark.

If you don't pass

You can retake that part in the next testing window — you'll need to pay the exam fee again and book a new Prometric appointment. Use your score report to target weaker areas before you resit.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How many times a year can I sit the CMA exam?

Each part can be sat once per testing window, and there are three windows a year — so up to three attempts per part annually, in principle.

Can I take the exam remotely?

Yes — Prometric offers online proctoring (ProProctor) as an alternative to sitting at a physical test centre.

How long does it take to get my results?

Roughly 6 weeks after the end of the month you tested in, with a fuller performance report following about 2 weeks after that.

Can I move my exam to a different testing window?

Rescheduling generally needs to stay within your original window — moving to a different window is treated differently and should be confirmed directly with IMA or Prometric before assuming it's possible.

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Expert-led tuition for CMA Part 1 and Part 2 — with a clear plan around the three Prometric windows.

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