CMA Exam Centre. Locations

by Sandhya B

CMA Exam Centre: Locations and Exam Day Tips

CMA exam centres are the official venues for aspiring Certified Management Accountants (CMA) to take CMA certification exams. Choosing the right CMA exam center in India or the Middle East can impact your exam experience. This guide covers everything you need to know, from selecting the nearest exam center to tips for exam day, ensuring you're fully prepared.

What is a CMA Exam Centre?

CMA exam centre is an authorized location where candidates appear for their CMA exams. The exams are administered through Prometric Testing Centres, which have locations worldwide. These centers provide a secure, standardized environment to ensure fair and professional testing for all candidates.

Choosing the right CMA exam centre is essential, as it directly impacts your comfort, convenience, and overall performance during the exam.

How to Choose a CMA Exam Centre?

When selecting a CMA exam center, there are a few key factors to consider:

  1. Proximity: Choose a center close to your residence to minimize travel stress on exam day.
  2. Availability: Exam slots at popular centers may fill up quickly. Early registration ensures you get the desired date and location.
  3. Accessibility: Ensure that the center is accessible by public transportation or has adequate parking facilities.

CMA Exam Centre Locations Worldwide

Prometric Testing Centres, the official partner for IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), administers CMA exams in over 400 locations globally. Candidates can take the exam at various centers across the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Popular CMA Exam Centre Locations:

  • United States: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston
  • India: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai
  • Middle East: Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi
  • Europe: London, Paris, Berlin
  • Asia: Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong

When you register for the CMA exam, you can search for available exam centers near you through the Prometric website.

CMA Exam Centres in India

India has several Prometric Testing Centres that host CMA exams, making it easier for candidates nationwide to choose a nearby location. Below are some of the prominent exam centers in India:

Ahmedabad:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
A-201-206, Shapath IV, SG Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Bangalore:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
RMZ Galleria, Yelahanka, New Town, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Chennai:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
Shyamala Towers, Radhakrishnan Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Gurgaon/ Delhi NCR:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
DLF Infinity Tower, Phase II, Gurgaon, Haryana.

Hyderabad:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
Navketan Complex, SD Road, Secunderabad, Telangana.

Kolkata:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
Infinity Benchmark, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal.

Mumbai:

Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd.,
Shiv Chambers, Sector 11, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Trivandrum:

IndiaOptions Software Pvt. Ltd.,
Hantex Building, Railway Station Road, Thampanoor, Trivandrum, Kerala.
 

For step-by-step guidance on registering for your CMA exam, refer to our detailed guide on How to Register for the CMA Exam.

CMA Exam Centres in the Middle East

The Middle East has seen a growing demand for CMA certification, leading to multiple regional exam centers. Below are the prominent CMA exam centers in the Middle East:

Bahrain:

Prometric Testing Centre,
World Trade Center, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain.

Kuwait:

Prometric Testing Centre,
Fahed Al Salem Street, Safat Tower, Kuwait City.

Dubai, UAE:

Amideast,
Knowledge Village, Block 2B, Office G-01B, Dubai, UAE.

Abu Dhabi, UAE:

Amideast,
Plaza 30 - Al Nahyan Commercial Complex, Units 100 and 102, Off Delma Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:

Prometric Testing Centre,
Olaya Main Street, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Oman:

Prometric Testing Centre,
Muscat Grand Mall, Sultan Qaboos Street, Muscat, Oman.

Candidates based in the Middle East can check upcoming CMA Exam Dates to plan accordingly.

How to Register for a CMA Exam Centre

To ensure you have a smooth exam experience, follow these steps to register for the CMA exam:

  1. Register with IMA: First, sign up for the CMA program through the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) website. Pay the entrance fees and confirm your registration.
  2. Select Your Exam Date and Centre: Log in to the Prometric website and select a date that suits your schedule. Choose the exam center based on proximity and availability.
  3. Confirm Your Appointment: Once you've selected your date and center, you will receive an email confirmation. Please ensure all details are correct, including the time, date, and exam location.

What to Expect at the CMA Exam Centre

On exam day, arriving well-prepared is essential. Here's what to expect:

Arrival and Check-In

  • Arrive Early: Arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time is advisable. This allows you to complete the check-in process without rushing.
  • Identification Required: You must bring two forms of identification (IDs). One must be a government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver's license), and the other must be a secondary ID with your name and signature. Ensure that your IDs match the names on your registration exactly.

Security and Check-in Procedures

  • Security Screening: Prometric centers have strict security protocols. You will go through security screening, which includes scanning your belongings and sometimes a metal detector scan.
  • Personal Belongings: All personal belongings (e.g., mobile phones, watches, bags, jackets) must be stored in a designated locker provided by the exam center. You cannot bring any personal items, including study materials, into the testing room.
  • Biometric Verification: In some centers, biometric verification (like fingerprint or palm vein scanning) is required for identity verification.

Test Room Environment

  • Computer-based Exam: The CMA exam is conducted entirely on a computer. You will have your workstation, which includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and scratch paper provided by the center.
  • Noise-cancelling Headphones: If needed, noise-canceling headphones are available at each workstation to minimize distractions from other test-takers.
  • Quiet Environment: The exam room will be quiet, and test-takers are expected to maintain silence. You will be monitored at all times by exam proctors through cameras.

Exam Duration and Format

  • Time Limit: Each part of the CMA exam (Part 1 and Part 2) lasts  4 hours. The format includes:
    • One hundred multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours.
    • Two essay questions, which are to be completed in 1 hour.
  • Breaks: There are no scheduled breaks during the exam. You can take an unscheduled break, but the clock will continue to run during your absence.

During the Exam

  • Scratch Paper: You will be provided with scratch paper and pencils to make notes. These must be returned to the exam proctor at the end of your exam.
  • On-screen Calculator: A basic on-screen calculator is available on the computer. You are not allowed to bring your calculator.
  • Flagging Questions: During the MCQ section, you can flag questions for review and return to them later. However, you cannot return to the multiple-choice questions once you move to the essay section.

Exam Rules and Prohibited Items

  • Prohibited Items: Items such as phones, smartwatches, wallets, food, or drinks are not allowed in the exam room. You will be asked to leave these in the provided lockers.
  • No Cheating or Misconduct: Any misconduct, such as using unauthorized materials or attempting to communicate with other test-takers, will lead to disqualification.

End of Exam and Check-Out

  • Submitting the Exam: Once you have completed your exam, you will submit it via the computer. Make sure you review your flagged questions before submission.
  • Survey (Optional): At the end of the exam, there may be a brief survey about your testing experience.
  • Check-Out Procedure: You must return all materials, such as scratch paper, and sign out before you leave the exam center.

Receiving Results

  • MCQ Section: You will not receive your score immediately after completing the exam. The CMA exam results are usually available six weeks after the end of the testing window.
  • Essay Section: Essay questions are graded manually, contributing to the delay in receiving results.

For tips on ensuring you’re well-prepared financially and mentally, check out our guide on CMA Exam Fees and plan your preparation confidently.

Tips for a Smooth CMA Exam Day

  1. Visit the Exam Centre in Advance: Visit the exam centre before your test day to learn about its location and parking facilities. This will help reduce last-minute stress on exam day.
  2. Prepare Necessary Documents: Ensure that all documents are in order. You will need valid identification, and having your exam confirmation email handy is also helpful.
  3. Get Plenty of Rest: Sleep well the night before your exam to be fully alert. Lack of sleep can affect your focus and performance.
  4. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to sit for extended periods without distraction. Remember that exam rooms can sometimes be colder than expected, so bring an extra layer if needed.
  5. Practice with Mock Tests: Taking practice exams will familiarize you with the format and time constraints of the CMA exam. It will also help reduce exam anxiety.

For more CMA exam tips, visit our CMA Exam tips Guide.

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your CMA Exam Centre Experience

Selecting the right CMA exam centre and preparing thoroughly can significantly improve your exam experience. Whether you’re taking the CMA exam in India or the Middle East, ensuring you’re well-prepared for both the logistics and the exam content is critical to success.

For a comprehensive overview of the CMA USA program, check out our detailed guide on CMA USA Course Details.

For further guidance on exam registration, scheduling, and costs, explore these related articles:


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FAQs

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized professional certification focused on management accounting and financial management. Unlike other certifications such as the CPA, which is audit-oriented, the CMA places a strong emphasis on strategic financial management, decision-making, and business analysis. It’s particularly valued in corporate finance roles, such as financial analysis, planning, and control.

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.

Popular study resources for the CMA exam include Becker, Wiley, Gleim, and Surgent. Each offers comprehensive study guides, practice questions, and test simulations. Surgent is often praised for its extensive question bank, while Wiley offers a highly structured learning path with interactive content.

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.

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.