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.
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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FAQs
Take the first step towards your CMA certification and visit imanet.org/cma-certification to apply - it's quick and easy!
Purchase the required entrance fee and IMA membership; then, you'll be able to register for Part 1 or 2 of the exam in any order – or both at once!
There are additional steps needed before being fully certified, such as submitting education transcripts and providing proof of work experience – although this can all be done while studying if preferred.
With just a few clicks, you could soon have an internationally recognized professional qualification on your resume, so get started today!
IMA® is a highly esteemed association committed to propelling the management accounting profession.
With over 100,000 members, we offer invaluable access to our CMA program so you can take your career and organization up a notch through professional growth. Join us in pushing the boundaries of success!
The average pass rate for the CMA varies by geographic region but is typically around 50% on both parts one and two of the exam.
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!
A diverse range of backgrounds, from engineering to economics and business administration forms the ideal skill set our candidates need. An accounting background can certainly be beneficial; however, it is not necessary for success in this position.
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