CMA Exam Dates 2026: Testing Windows

CMA Exam Dates 2026: Testing Windows, Deadlines, and New Format Update

CMA Exam Dates 2026: Testing Windows, Deadlines & New CBQ Format
The CMA exam dates for 2026 fall in three testing windows: Jan 1–Feb 28, May 1–Jun 30, and Sep 1–Oct 31, with registration deadlines on Feb 15, Jun 15, and Oct 15, respectively. The exam also features a major format change from essays to Case‑Based Questions (CBQs) in the application section from the Sep–Oct 2026 window onward.

This guide covers every CMA exam date and deadline for 2026, the registration and scheduling process, result timelines, and how the CBQ transition impacts your window selection.

For the full breakdown of what CBQs are, how they compare to essays, and how to prepare, see our detailed guide: CMA Exam Changes 2026: New CBQ Pattern Explained.

CMA exam dates 2026: all three testing windows

• Rule of thumb: The CMA exam registration last date is always the 15th of the second month of the window.
• There is no late registration; miss the deadline, and you wait 3–4 months for the next window.
• Within each window, you choose your exact exam date and time when booking at Prometric.

CMA Exam Registration Deadlines 2026

Important: Registration and Prometric scheduling are two separate steps. After IMA authorises you, you must book your appointment independently with Prometric. IMA is not responsible for scheduling delays.

For a full understanding of the CMA programme timeline and the 3-year completion rule, see How long does it take to become a US CMA.

NEW: 2026 CMA exam windows and the new CBQ format

CMA exam dates 2026 by format (essays vs CBQs)

From 2026, the CMA application section shifts from essays to CBQs.

For a full pattern breakdown, including scoring and candidate sentiment, see CMA Exam Changes 2026: New CBQ Pattern Explained.

*China, Japan, and Taiwan continue to offer essays on English and local-language exams.

What are Case-Based Questions?

• Numerical entry / fill-in-the-blank
• Drag-and-drop matching
• Multiple-select prompts tied to the case
• Ranking or list-based decision prompts

The topics, difficulty, passing score (360/500), and time allocation remain unchanged. Only the response format changes.

Which CMA exam window is best in 2026 (essays vs CBQs)?

• You are already heavily invested in essay‑based mock exams.
• Your coaching and notes are structured around long‑form responses.

• You want flexibility to decide the format closer to the exam date.
• You are switching mid‑prep and want to gradually migrate from essays to CBQs.

• You are just starting CMA prep in 2025–26.
• You prefer structured responses and want to future‑proof your preparation.

How to Schedule Your CMA Exam at Prometric

• Step 1: Visit prometric.com/ICMA
• Step 2: Enter your authorization number and select CMA Part 1 or Part 2
• Step 3: Choose your preferred country, city, and testing centre
• Step 4: Select an available date and time slot within your registered window
• Step 5: Confirm your appointment and save the confirmation number

• Book immediately after receiving authorization for maximum date flexibility
• Research 2–3 backup centre locations in case your first choice is full
• Set calendar reminders for both your exam date and the cancellation deadline.
• Export your confirmation to your phone and email.

To understand what to expect at the centre itself, see CMA exam-day requirements: ID, calculator, and Prometric rules.

CMA Exam Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy 2026

Window transfer: You can transfer your registration to the next testing window for a $75 fee by emailing IMA Member Services at ima@imanet.org at least 5 days before your scheduled appointment.

CMA Exam Result Dates 2026

CMA results are released approximately 6 weeks after the end of the testing month in which you sat for the exam.

How results are delivered: Via email and posted to your IMA online profile. You receive a scaled score out of 500. A score of 360+ means you passed.

Note on CBQ scoring: One anticipated benefit of CBQs is faster, more objective scoring than for manually graded essays. IMA has not confirmed shortened wait times yet, but the community expects possible improvements. 

After results:

• If you passed Part 1, register immediately for Part 2 in the next available window.
• If you failed: You cannot retake in the same window; register for the next window.
• If you passed both parts, submit your experience verification and educational documentation within 7 years to earn the CMA credential.

Strategic Window Selection for Indian and International Candidates

Time zone awareness

All IMA registration deadlines are based on US Eastern Time. Convert carefully — if you are in India (IST = UTC+5:30), the Feb 15 deadline falls on Feb 16 early morning IST.

Best windows for Indian professionals

CBQ advantage for non-native English speakers

The shift from essays to CBQs is widely seen as positive for international candidates. CBQs rely on numerical accuracy and structured inputs rather than English essay-writing fluency. This is covered in detail in CMA Exam Changes 2026 — section on Indian and international students.

Documentation for international candidates

• International degree transcripts may require independent evaluation (allow 4–6 weeks)
• Non-English documents need certified translations.
• IMA accepts degrees from accredited institutions globally

Prometric Testing Centres: Global Network

• North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
• Asia-Pacific: India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, and other major cities), China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia
• Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Scandinavia
• Middle East & Africa: UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Egypt, South Africa
• Latin America: Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia

Finding your nearest centre

1. Visit prometric.com/ICMA
2. Select “Locate a Test Center”
3. Search by city, state/province, or postal code.
4. View real-time seat availability and centre amenities.

Centre selection tips

• Proximity: Choose the closest centre to minimise travel stress on exam day
• Capacity: Larger centres in metro cities typically have more date and time options
• Backup plan: Identify 2–3 alternative centres in case your first choice fills up
• Accessibility: Check parking, public transport access, and any disability accommodations in advance

For a full explanation of what to expect at the centre, see CMA exam centres.

CMA Exam Structure and Timing (2026 Format)

Both CMA parts adhere to the identical structure. The only change in 2026 is the format of the application section.

Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

Progression rule: You must score at least 50% on the MCQ section to unlock the application section. Time remaining from the MCQ section carries forward, but once you move to the application section, you cannot return to MCQs.

Passing score: 360 out of 500 (scaled) for each part.

For a deeper look at the exam pattern and high-yield topics, see CMA exam pattern: structure and format guide and CMA exam high-yield topics.

Cost-Effective Preparation with Surgent CMA Review

Why preparation quality matters for scheduling

• First-attempt pass = no rescheduling fees, no wasted windows, faster certification
• Failed attempt = wait 3–4 months for the next window + pay full exam fees again ($460 per part)
• A single retake costs more in fees and lost time than investing in a quality review course upfront

Surgent CMA Review via Eduyush

• Adaptive learning technology that identifies your weak areas and builds a personalised study plan
• CBQ-aligned practice — Surgent is releasing CBQ-focused updates around March 2026, automatically available to all existing students
• Full coverage of both Part 1 and Part 2 is aligned with the current IMA blueprint
• Printed study materials shipped within India
• ReadySCORE predictor that tells you when you are genuinely exam-ready
• Flexible 24/7 online access that fits around any testing window

Use code SURGENTCMA for an extra 3% discount.

Enroll in Surgent CMA Review Course →

For a side-by-side comparison of leading CMA prep providers, read Best CMA USA Course: Top Online Coaching Compared.

To understand how Surgent’s adaptive platform integrates with the new CBQ format, see the Surgent section in CMA Exam Changes 2026.

FAQs: CMA exam dates and CBQ format 2026 

1. What are the CMA exam dates and registration last dates in 2026?
The CMA exam dates 2026 are Jan 1–Feb 28, May 1–Jun 30, and Sep 1–Oct 31, with registration deadlines on Feb 15, Jun 15, and Oct 15, respectively.

2. What is the next CMA exam date if I miss the February 15, 2026, deadline?
If you miss the Feb 15, 2026, CMA registration deadline, your next option is the May–Jun 2026 window, during which you can test anytime from May 1 to Jun 30, provided you register by Jun 15, 2026.

3. How is the CMA exam format changing in the May–Jun and Sep–Oct 2026 windows?
In May–Jun 2026, you can choose between essays or CBQs for the application section. From Sep–Oct 2026 onward, all English exams use 100 MCQs + 2 CBQs, with essays removed except in China, Japan and Taiwan.

4. Which CMA exam window is best to avoid the new CBQ pattern in 2026?
If you want the legacy essay format, your safest choice is the Jan–Feb 2026 window, or the essay option in May–Jun 2026. After that, from September to October 2026 onwards, CBQs are mandatory for English exams.

5. Which CMA exam window is best if I want to use the new CBQ format?
If you prefer CBQs, you can either select the CBQ option in May–Jun 2026 or schedule any attempt in Sep–Oct 2026 or later, when CBQs are the default. This is ideal if you are just starting CMA prep or plan to take your second part after 2026.

6. When are CMA exam results released for the Jan–Feb, May–Jun, and Sep–Oct 2026 windows?
CMA exam results are usually released about 6 weeks after the end of the testing month; for example, January exams are reported around mid‑March, May exams around mid‑July, and October exams around mid‑December.

7. How far in advance should I schedule my CMA exam date in 2026?
Most candidates need 8–12 weeks of structured study per part, so schedule once your review course’s readiness metric (such as ReadySCORE in Surgent) consistently indicates you are at or above passing level. Align your schedule with CMA study plan: how to master the exam.

8. Can I change my CMA exam date within the same testing window in 2026?
Yes. You can change the date for free if you do so 46+ days before the exam, or for US $70 if you do so 5–45 days before. Within 5 days, no modifications are allowed, and you forfeit the fee.

9. What is the last date to register for the CMA USA May–Jun 2026 exam in India?
Globally, including India, the last date to register for the May–Jun 2026 CMA exam is June 15, 2026, based on US Eastern Time. Convert carefully if you are in IST or another time zone.

10. How does the 3‑year CMA completion rule affect my 2026 exam date strategy?
You must pass both parts within 3 years of entering the CMA program, or you repay the entrance fee and restart. If your clock is already running, choose windows that allow for a buffer of at least one retake without crossing the 3‑year mark; use CMA programme timeline: 3‑year completion rule to map this out.

Conclusion: Plan Your CMA Exam Dates Strategically in 2026

2026 is a pivotal year for the CMA exam. The introduction of CBQs changes how you interact with the application section, and choosing the right testing window — based on both your preparation status and your format preference — can save you months and thousands in retake costs.

1. Decide your target window using the testing window table and CBQ timeline above.
2. Register early to lock in your preferred Prometric date and centre.
3. Align your preparation with the format you will face: essays for Jan–Feb, your choice for May–Jun, and CBQs from Sep–Oct onward.
4. Use a CBQ-ready review course like Surgent CMA via Eduyush that automatically updates to the new format.
5. Track your readiness with adaptive analytics before confirming your exam date.