How to Register for the CMA Exam
How to Register for the CMA Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to register for the CMA exam is a common question for candidates looking to earn the prestigious Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification. The registration process involves:
- Joining the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
- Paying the entrance fee.
- Scheduling your exam through Prometric.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, from becoming an IMA member to preparing for the exam and scheduling your test. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Join the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
Before you can register for the CMA exam, you need to become a member of the IMA. Membership provides access to all exam-related resources and materials.
- Go to the IMA Website: Navigate to the IMA membership page.
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Choose Your Membership Type:
- Professional Membership: This is for working individuals or those not enrolled full-time in education.
- Student Membership: For full-time students.
- Academic Membership: This is for individuals teaching full-time at an accredited institution.
- Fill Out Your Details: Complete the membership application by entering your personal information.
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Pay the Membership Fee: Based on your selected membership type, pay the required fee:
- Professional: $295
- Student: $49
Once your membership is confirmed, you can proceed to the next step. For more information on the eligibility criteria, check out our guide on CMA Certification Eligibility.
Step 2: Pay the CMA Entrance Fee
To begin the CMA program, you must pay the CMA entrance fee. This one-time fee gives you access to the exam and other resources, including exam preparation materials.
- Log in to Your IMA Account: Use your IMA membership login credentials.
- Navigate to the CMA Program Section: Find the “CMA program” link and follow the instructions.
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Pay the Entrance Fee:
- Professional: $300
- Student/Academic: $225
You must pay this fee before registering for any exam part.
Step 3: Prepare for the CMA Exam
Before scheduling your exam, it’s essential to begin your CMA exam preparation. Here are some tips to get started:
- Select Study Materials: Choose CMA study guides, textbooks, or online CMA courses to help you prepare.
- Create a Study Plan: Organize your schedule to ensure you cover all the essential topics in time.
- Take Practice Exams: Test yourself using CMA practice tests to familiarize yourself with the format and time limits.
Check out our Best Study Strategies for the CMA Exam guide for more preparation tips.
Step 4: Register for the CMA Exam
Once you’re an IMA member and have paid the entrance fee, you can register for the CMA exam.
- Log in to Your IMA Account: Go to the IMA website and log in.
- Navigate to the CMA Program Section: Select “Register for Exam.”
- Choose Exam Parts: You can register for Part 1 or Part 2. Many candidates start with Part 1, but you can take them in any order.
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Pay the Exam Fee:
- Professional: $495 per part
- Student/Academic: $370 per part
- Receive Your Authorization Number: You’ll receive an Authorization Number via email after payment. This number is required to schedule your exam.
Each exam part must be passed within a three-year window, so plan accordingly.
Step 5: Schedule Your CMA Exam with Prometric
Now that you’ve registered, you can schedule your exam date and location through Prometric, the official exam administrator.
- Go to the Prometric Website: Visit the Prometric scheduling page.
- Select “Schedule My Test”: Choose the CMA exam from the list of available tests.
- Enter Your Authorization Number: Use the number IMA provided after paying for the exam.
- Choose Your Exam Location: Prometric test centers are available worldwide, and some regions offer remote proctoring.
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Select Your Exam Date: The CMA exam is available during the following exam windows:
- January/February
- May/June
- September/October
- Confirm Your Appointment: Review and confirm your exam date and location.
For detailed scheduling information, see our CMA Exam Dates and Scheduling article and CMA Exam centres locations article.
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Step 6: Take the CMA Exam
On the day of the exam:
- Arrive Early: Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
- Bring Identification: You must present a valid, government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) and your Prometric confirmation email.
- Complete the Exam: The CMA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice and two essay questions. You will have 4 hours to complete each part.
For more details on exam structure, visit CMA Exam Structure: What to Expect.
Step 7: Await Your Exam Results
Once you’ve completed your exam, your results will be available approximately six weeks after the close of the testing window. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready.
Summary of Key Steps to Register for the CMA Exam:
- Join the IMA: Become an IMA member and select the appropriate membership type.
- Pay the CMA Entrance Fee: This one-time fee grants access to the exam and program resources.
- Register for the CMA Exam: Select the exam part you wish to take and pay the exam fee.
- Schedule Your Exam with Prometric: Choose your exam location and date within the available exam windows.
- Prepare and Take the Exam: Study thoroughly and meet all exam day requirements.
- Receive Your Results: Results are available six weeks after the exam window closes.
FAQs on How to Register for the CMA Exam
How long does it take to register for the CMA exam?
The registration process can be completed within a few hours, though scheduling your exam with Prometric should be done well in advance.
How much does it cost to register for the CMA exam?
The total cost includes IMA membership fees, the entrance fee, and exam fees, ranging from $1,200 to $1,585. Read our in-depth article on total CMA Exam fees.
Can I reschedule my CMA exam?
Yes, you can reschedule your exam through Prometric, but fees may apply depending on how close your rescheduled date is to the original appointment.
Conclusion: How to Register for the CMA Exam
Following these steps on registering for the CMA exam will ensure a smooth registration process, from joining the IMA to scheduling your exam at a Prometric center. Once registered, prepare thoroughly to pass both parts of the exam and earn your CMA certification.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the CMA US Certification Course
The CMA US course is a globally recognized certification program for finance and accounting professionals, focusing on strategic financial management, budgeting, and performance management. It’s ideal for those looking to advance in corporate finance roles.
The CMA exam is known for being challenging, with an average global pass rate of around 45%. The exam consists of two parts: Part 1 focuses on Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics, while Part 2 covers Strategic Financial Management. Each part has a mix of multiple-choice questions and essay questions, which test both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Most candidates find Part 1 more quantitative and Part 2 more strategic, with both requiring thorough preparation.
Most candidates complete the course in 6-18 months, depending on study time and preparation. The two exam parts can be scheduled separately, allowing for flexible pacing.
CMA aspirants have three years to successfully complete both components of the exam from the day they join their program. With ample time available, success is well within reach!
Most candidates report studying between 150 to 200 hours for each part of the CMA exam. If working full-time, this could translate to around 3-5 months per part, depending on your existing accounting knowledge and study habits. A structured study schedule, covering each section systematically and including ample time for practice questions and revision, is essential for success.
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The CMA credential can open doors to various managerial and executive positions in finance, accounting, and corporate management. Common roles include financial analyst, management accountant, CFO, and financial controller. Salary expectations vary by region, but CMAs generally earn around 30-50% more than their non-certified peers. In the U.S., the average salary for CMAs can range from $80,000 to $150,000 annually, depending on experience and location.
Yes, many candidates complete the CMA while working full-time. Time management is crucial, and it may involve studying during evenings and weekends. Employers often support CMA candidates by providing study resources, financial assistance, or time off for exam preparation. Reddit users recommend setting realistic goals and maintaining a consistent study routine to balance work and study effectively.
The CMA is recognized in over 100 countries and is highly regarded in various industries, particularly in regions like the Middle East, China, and India. It is especially valuable for professionals interested in multinational corporations or companies with a global presence. In some countries, CMA-certified professionals may earn equivalent or even higher salaries than CPAs or local accounting professionals.
Many professionals with a CPA or another accounting certification pursue the CMA to gain expertise in management accounting and strategic decision-making. The two credentials can complement each other well, with the CPA focusing more on auditing and tax and the CMA emphasizing corporate finance and strategy. The choice depends on career goals—if you're aiming for managerial roles in corporate finance, the CMA is highly advantageous.
While automation and AI have affected traditional accounting roles, they have increased the demand for management accountants who can interpret data and contribute to strategic decision-making. CMAs are well-positioned to leverage these technologies, as their training covers data analytics and performance management, making them valuable assets in organizations seeking to innovate and optimize processes.
If you fail a part of the CMA exam, you can retake it during the next testing window. The IMA offers the exam in three testing windows each year: January-February, May-June, and September-October. Preparing for a retake may involve identifying areas of weakness, revising study materials, and perhaps trying different resources or study methods.
To be eligible, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, two years of relevant professional experience in financial or management accounting, and IMA membership.
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