Certified Management Accountant credential artwork

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Validates knowledge of financial planning, performance and cost management, internal controls, corporate finance, investment decisions and professional ethics.

Summary

CMA is IMA's credential for management accounting and corporate finance. It is earned through two exams, one on financial planning, performance and analytics and one on strategic financial management, and it signals management accounting depth to employers.

Good fit if

  • You work in corporate finance, cost accounting, budgeting or FP&A
  • You have, or can get, 2 years of management accounting experience
  • You want a credential for controller, FP&A and CFO-track work

Look elsewhere if

  • You want to sign audit opinions or work in public accounting: CPA
  • You want investment research or portfolio management: CFA
  • You want an internal-audit career: CIA

Salary & jobs

Prerequisites

Entry requirements and certification requirements

IMA membership

Required

Join IMA and pay the CMA entrance fee before you register for an exam part. Keep your membership active to hold the CMA.

Bachelor's degree or accepted certification

Required

Send IMA proof of one of these routes. You can take the exams first.

DegreeBachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Professional certificationA professional certification on IMA's accepted list

2 continuous years in management accounting or financial management

Required

Experience can come before or after the exams. Part-time work of at least 20 hours a week counts at half rate; internships, trainee and clerical roles do not count.

You have three years from enrolling to pass both parts, and up to seven years after passing to complete the education and experience. You must also follow the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional Practice.

Cost

USD · Professional pricing
$295
$300
$545
$545
Students pay $49 for membership, a $225 entrance fee and $407 per part. Each retake costs the full part fee again.

What holders say

Renewal

The CMA has no fixed expiry. Keep it active each year with CPE and IMA membership.

Validity
Renewed annually
Continuing education
30 hours a year
At least 2 in ethics
Annual professional fee
$325 / year USD
$295 membership + $30 CMA maintenance
How to earn the CMA ↗

Alternatives

Certified Internal Auditor credential artwork
CIA$1,515 required · Intermediate

Better fit for internal audit and assurance roles rather than management accounting.

Certified Fraud Examiner credential artwork
CFE$699 required · Intermediate

For fraud prevention, detection and investigation work.

Financial Risk Manager credential artwork
FRM$1,600 required · Intermediate

For a career centered on financial risk measurement and management.

FAQ

What are the CMA requirements?

Active IMA membership, a bachelor's degree from an accredited school or an accepted professional certification, two continuous years of experience in management accounting or financial management, and passing both exam parts. You can take the exams before finishing the experience.

How much does the CMA cost?

At professional rates, $295 for a year of IMA membership, a $300 entrance fee and $545 for each part, $1,685 in total. Students pay $49, $225 and $407 per part.

CMA vs CPA: which should I get?

CPA is a state license built around public accounting, audit and tax, and it lets you sign audit opinions. CMA is aimed at management accounting and corporate finance roles. Many finance professionals who want both finish the CPA first.

Can I take the CMA exam online?

No. Both parts are taken at Prometric test centres during the January and February, May and June, or September and October windows.

What is the CMA passing score?

360 out of 500 on each part. It is a scaled score, not a percentage of questions answered correctly.

Last updated October 2026