CMA Study Plan: How to Master the Exam in 2025

CMA Study Plan: How to Master the Exam in 2025

Building an effective CMA study plan is crucial for passing the CMA exam in 2025 on your first attempt. With a well-organized schedule, strategic use of resources, and proper time management, you can confidently tackle Part 1 and Part 2 of the CMA exam.

This guide outlines how to create a successful study plan, allocate time effectively, and prepare for each exam section, ensuring you're fully ready for test day.

Step 1: Assess Your Available Study Time

The CMA exam is demanding and requires significant preparation time. Most candidates spend  150-170 hours studying for each exam part. Here's a recommended time allocation:

• Part 1: Plan for 4-6 months of preparation, dedicating  10-15 weekly hours.
• Part 2: Similarly, allocate 4-6 months for Part 2, with a weekly study commitment of 10-15 hours.

For full-time professionals, aim for 12-15 hours weekly to ensure you stay on track. Adjust your study plan based on your schedule and any other obligations.

How long does the entire CMA journey take? Check out our guide on how long It Takes to become a CMA.

Step 2: Understand the CMA Exam Content

Familiarizing yourself with the exam content is the foundation of your study plan. Here's how each part of the CMA certification exam is structured:

Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

• External Financial Reporting Decisions (15%)
• Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting (20%)
• Performance Management (20%)
• Cost Management (15%)
• Internal Controls (15%)
• Technology and Analytics (15%)

Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

• Financial Statement Analysis (20%)
• Corporate Finance (25%)
• Decision Analysis (20%)
• Risk Management (10%)
• Investment Decisions (10%)
• Professional Ethics (15%)

Understanding the weighting of each topic allows you to prioritize high-weight areas while still covering all content. For a deeper dive into exam topics, visit our detailed guide on the CMA Exam Pattern.

Step 3: Build a Week-by-Week CMA Study Plan

A structured week-by-week study plan is critical to staying organized and covering all material. Here's a sample 6-month plan for both parts:

Months 1-2: Foundation Building

• Weeks 1-4: Focus on foundational topics for each part.
  • Part 1: Start with Planning, Budgeting, Forecasting, and External Financial Reporting Decisions.
  • Part 2: Begin with Corporate Finance and Financial Statement Analysis.
  • Spend about 3 hours per topic per week using CMA study guides and practice questions.
• Weeks 5-8: Move to the following major topics.
  • Part 1: Study Performance Management and Cost Management.
  • Part 2: Cover Decision Analysis and Risk Management.
  • Continue reviewing with 3 hours per topic and incorporate mock quizzes to track progress.

Months 3-4: Intensifying Preparation

• Weeks 9-12: Shift focus to more complex areas.
  • Part 1: Study Internal Controls, and Technology, and Analytics.
  • Part 2: Focus on Investment Decisions and Professional Ethics.
  • Begin taking full-length practice exams to simulate the actual exam environment.
• Weeks 13-16: Continue reviewing all previously covered topics.
  • Rotate between practice questions, mock exams, and video lessons to reinforce weak areas.

Months 5-6: Final Prep and Review

• Weeks 17-20: Comprehensive review and reinforcement.
  • Focus on weak areas identified through practice exams.
  • Spend extra time on the essay section, which is often a challenge for candidates.
• Weeks 21-24: Final review and exam readiness.
  • Revise flashcards and review summary notes.
  • Take at least two full-length mock exams to evaluate readiness.

For more guidance on creating a study schedule, check out our article on CMA Exam Dates to plan your preparation timeline.

Step 4: Incorporate Effective Study Techniques

Maximizing your study efforts requires using active learning techniques and practical tools. Here's how you can strengthen your preparation:

Active Learning

• Teach-back method: Try explaining concepts to yourself or others to ensure you understand them fully.
• Flashcards: Use flashcards for critical concepts, formulas, and definitions to enhance retention.

Practice Questions

• MCQs: Aim to complete 2,000-3,000 MCQs for each part of the exam. These help you get familiar with question styles and improve accuracy.
• CMA review tools: To access extensive question banks, use platforms like Gleim CMA, or Wiley CMAexcel.

For tips on handling the multiple-choice section, visit our detailed blog on How to Tackle CMA MCQ Questions.

Essay Practice

• Practice explaining fundamental concepts and walking through calculations.
• Focus on time management in the essay section by completing questions in 25-30 minutes.

Learn more about mastering the essay section in our CMA Essay Writing Tips guide.

Step 5: Monitor and Adjust Your Study Plan

As you move through your study plan, regularly evaluate your progress to ensure you’re on track. Use the following strategies to stay aligned with your goals:

• Monthly Check-ins: Assess whether you’re meeting weekly goals. If you're falling behind, adjust your schedule to focus on areas needing more review.
• Mock Exam Scores: Use mock exam results and practice test performance to identify weak areas. If you’re struggling with a particular topic, like Decision Analysis, adjust your plan to dedicate more hours to mastering that section.

For more insight into how the CMA exam is scored and how to adjust your plan, visit our detailed article on How the CMA Exam is Scored.

Step 6: Prioritize Health and Well-being

Preparing for the CMA exam is mentally and physically demanding, so taking care of your health is crucial:

• Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours each night to stay sharp and focused.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and improve concentration.
• Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients that fuel your brain.

Essential Tools and Resources for Your CMA Study Plan

To enhance your preparation, use the best CMA exam resources available:

• Gleim CMA Review: Offers comprehensive content and an adaptive learning platform that adjusts to your progress.
• IMA Learning System: The official CMA materials provide clear insights into how exam questions are structured.

Final Tips for Success in 2025

• Start Early: Begin your study plan six months before your scheduled exam window.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Complete as many MCQs and essay questions as possible to build confidence.
• Take Mock Exams: Simulate the exam experience by taking full-length mock exams under timed conditions.
• Review Frequently: Go back to earlier topics regularly to reinforce your understanding and prevent gaps in knowledge.

Read our top tips on How to pass the CMA exam in first try.

FAQs on Building a CMA Study Plan

How many hours should I study per week for the CMA exam?

Aim for 10-15 hours per week, depending on your schedule. Full-time professionals should plan for 12-15 hours weekly.

When should I start preparing for the CMA exam in 2025?

It's recommended that you start at least six months before your exam window, allowing ample time for review and practice.

How many practice questions should I complete?

To ensure thorough preparation for both parts of the CMA exam, try to complete between 2,000 and 3,000 MCQs.

What are the best resources for CMA exam preparation?

Popular options include Wiley CMAexcel, Gleim CMA Review, and the IMA Learning System. Each offers unique features to help you succeed.

How do I adjust my study plan if I need to catch up?

Use mock exam results to pinpoint weak areas, then adjust your study time to focus on those topics. 

Conclusion: Build Your Path to CMA Success in 2025

A well-structured CMA study plan is the key to passing the CMA exam 2025. You can build a plan that suits your schedule and learning style by assessing your available time, prioritizing high-weight topics, and using active study techniques. Regular practice, timed exams, and strategic review will ensure you’re fully prepared for test day. Follow these steps, stay consistent, and you’ll be on your way to earning your CMA certification.