CMA USA Exam Results 2026: Score Release Dates & Process

CMA USA Exam Results 2026: Score Release Dates, How to Check, and Next Steps

The IMA releases CMA USA exam results approximately six weeks after the end of each testing month. If you sat for the CMA exam in January 2026, your score will be available around March 10–13, 2026.

This guide covers every CMA USA result date for 2026, explains exactly how to access your score, breaks down how the exam is graded, and walks you through what to do whether you pass or need to retake.

Important: This page covers CMA USA results from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). If you are looking for CMA India results from ICMAI, visit icmai.in.

CMA USA exam score release dates for 2026

The CMA USA exam runs during three testing windows each year — January/February, May/June, and September/October. However, the IMA processes and releases scores per month, not per window. This means someone who tested in January gets their results weeks before someone who tested in February, even though both are in the same window.

The table below shows projected score release dates based on the IMA’s consistent historical pattern of releasing scores approximately six weeks (roughly 10–13 days into the second month after the end of the testing month.

These dates are projections. The IMA does not publish exact release dates in advance. The 10–13th range is based on the release pattern identified in 2024 and 2025, where scores consistently appeared within this window. Always check your MyIMA account and email starting from the 10th of the projected month.

How long does it take to get CMA exam results?

• If you tested early in the month (e.g., January 3): Your wait is closer to 10 weeks, because the IMA waits until the entire testing month closes before starting the batch grading process.
• If you tested late in the month (e.g., January 29): Your wait is closer to 6 weeks, since the month-end is only days away and batch processing begins shortly after.

All candidates who tested in the same month receive their scores in the same batch release — regardless of whether they tested on the 1st or the 31st.

Why CMA USA results take six weeks

The delay is not about speed — it is concerning fairness and quality control across two very different grading processes.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

Essay / constructed-response questions

• Technical accuracy of the accounting concepts applied
• Quality of reasoning and logical structure
• Clarity of communication

Batch processing and scaling

1. Combines MCQ and essay raw scores (75% MCQ weight, 25% essay weight)
2. Applies statistical scaling so scores are comparable among different exam forms and difficulty levels
3. Runs quality-assurance checks on the full batch
4. Releases all scores for the month simultaneously

How to check your CMA USA exam result

When scores are ready, you will receive an email from the IMA with a subject line referencing “ICMA Examination Results.” Your score is available in your online account at the same time.

Step-by-step process

• Step 1: Go to the IMA website and log into your MyIMA account using your registered email plus password.
• Step 2: Navigate to the My Certifications or Transcript section from your dashboard.
• Step 3: Your score will be displayed as a scaled number between 0 and 500, along with a pass/fail status.
• Step 4: If you did not pass, note the score for your records — your detailed performance report arrives separately (see below).

If you cannot find your score: Verify that you are checking after the projected release date for your specific testing month. Scores are released per month, not per window. Also check your spam/junk folder for the IMA notification email.

Understanding your CMA USA exam score

The CMA exam uses a scaled scoring system ranging from 0 to 500. A score of 360 or higher on each part is required to pass. For a thorough breakdown, see our guide on CMA exam passing score.

What the scaled score means

• 360/500 does not mean you answered 72% of questions correctly
• Two candidates with the same raw score on different exam forms may receive slightly different scaled scores
• The scaling guarantees fairness — a harder exam form requires fewer correct answers to reach 360

Score composition

The 50% MCQ threshold rule

You must score at least approximately 50% on the MCQ section for your essay responses to be graded at all. If you fall under this threshold, your exam ends after the MCQs and you receive a failing score without essay evaluation.

CMA exam performance report: what you get if you did not pass

• Topic-area ratings: Each content domain is rated as Satisfactory, Marginal, or Unsatisfactory
• Section breakdown: Separate indicators for your MCQ performance and essay performance
• No raw score detail: The report shows relative performance categories, not exact numbers of correct/incorrect answers

For a thorough walkthrough of how to understand and act on this report, see our guide on the CMA performance report.

How to use the performance report

Map each “Unsatisfactory” and “Marginal” topic directly to particular chapters in your study materials. Prioritise these areas in your retake preparation, but do not ignore “Satisfactory” topics entirely — sustaining those strengths is equally important.

Can you request a CMA score review?

There is a fee for this service, and score changes from reviews are extremely rare. The IMA’s multi-layer quality checks during batch processing mean errors in score computation are uncommon.

What to do while waiting for CMA USA results

If this was Part 1

Start light preparation for Part 2 immediately. Even 30–60 minutes per day of reading Part 2 material keeps your study rhythm intact. If your Part 1 result is a pass, you will have a meaningful head start. If you need to retake Part 1, the Part 2 concepts you reviewed will still reinforce overlapping knowledge.

If this was Part 2

Focus on gathering and preparing your experience verification documentation for the IMA. If you have not already submitted proof of your educational qualifications, now is the time to get those ready. This way, if you pass, you can fast-track your CMA certification process.

General tips for the waiting period

• Mark the projected release date from the table above in your calendar with a notification starting 2–3 days before
• Write a brief exam debrief within 48 hours of your test: which topics felt strongest, which felt weakest, and which essay scenarios gave you trouble — this note will be invaluable if you need to retake
• Check the IMA’s announcements page periodically; occasionally, they post notices about delays or early releases.
• Step away from CMA forums in the final days before results — speculation from other candidates adds anxiety without adding information.

What to do after receiving your CMA USA results

If you passed

• One part done: Register for your next testing window promptly. The IMA allows you to sit for Part 2 as soon as the next available window. Keep your study cadence going — candidates who wait too long between parts often lose retention of cross-cutting concepts.
• Both parts done: Submit your experience verification form to the IMA. Once verified, you will receive your official CMA certification number and physical certificate by mail. Also, begin logging your continuing professional education (CPE) hours to keep the certification active.
• Update your professional profiles: Add CMA (in progress) or CMA to your LinkedIn headline, resume, and any company HR systems at your employer.

If you did not pass

• Wait for the performance report: It arrives roughly two weeks after your score. Do not start a retake study plan until you have this report — it tells you exactly where to focus.
• Reassess your study method, not just hours: Candidates who fail and simply “study more” without changing their approach are likely to repeat the same result. Common adjustments that improve retake outcomes include switching from passive reading to active practice (e.g., more MCQ drills and timed essay writing), using a structured review course rather than self-study, and spacing learning sessions rather than cramming.
• Register for the next available window: The IMA allows retakes in any future testing window. You do not need to wait a fixed period. Pick the next window in which you can realistically complete 100–150 hours of targeted review, based on your performance report.
• Keep perspective: CMA pass rates hover around 45% per part. Needing more than one attempt is common, not exceptional.

Frequently asked questions about CMA USA results

When will CMA USA results for 2026 be released?

CMA USA results are released approximately six weeks after the end of each testing month. For 2026: January exam results come out around March 10–13; February around April 10–13; May around July 10–13; June around August 10–13; September around November 10–13; and October around December 10–13.

How do I check my CMA USA exam result?

Log into your MyIMA account on the IMA website then navigate to the My Certifications or Transcript section. Your scaled score (0–500) and pass/fail status will be displayed. You will also receive an email notification when scores are released.

What score do I need to pass the CMA USA exam?

You need a scaled score of at least 360 out of 500 on each part of the CMA exam. This is not a simple percentage — it is a scaled score adjusted for exam difficulty.

How long does it take to get CMA exam results?

From your exam date to score release, the wait ranges from six weeks (if you tested late in the month) to ten weeks (if you tested early in the month). All candidates who tested in the same month receive results in the same batch.

Why do CMA results take so long?

The MCQ section is graded automatically, but the essay section is manually graded by ICMA evaluators. After grading, the IMA applies statistical scaling and quality checks before releasing the full batch.

What happens if I don’t pass the CMA exam?

You receive your scaled score immediately upon release, then a detailed performance report arrives about two weeks later. The report rates your performance by topic area (Satisfactory, Marginal, or Unsatisfactory) to guide your retake preparation. You can retake the exam in any future testing window.

Can I request a regrade of my CMA exam?

You can request a score verification (not a regrade). This checks whether your responses were captured correctly and the scoring algorithm was applied properly. It does not re-evaluate essay content. A fee applies, and score changes are very rare.

How are essay questions scored on the CMA exam?

Essay responses are manually graded by trained ICMA evaluators using standardised rubrics. They assess technical accuracy, reasoning quality, and communication transparency. Essays contribute 25% to your total scaled score.

Is the CMA USA result different from the CMA India result?

Yes. CMA USA is administered by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) in the United States and follows the testing windows and scoring process described on this page. CMA India is a separate qualification administered by ICMAI (Institute of Cost Accountants of India) with its own exam schedule, scoring, and result dates. The two are different certifications.