Key Takeaways
Active IMA membership is required.
Candidates must satisfy the education requirement.
Two continuous years of relevant professional experience are required.
Both CMA exam parts must be passed.
Ethical requirements apply.
Exam preparation can begin before all experience requirements are completed.
Candidates should verify their individual eligibility with IMA.
CMA Certification Requirements
IMA identifies several requirements that must be completed to earn the CMA certification.
These include active IMA membership, payment of the CMA entrance fee, education eligibility, experience eligibility, completion of both exam parts and compliance with IMA ethical standards.
Candidates should use the current IMA handbook as the authoritative source for certification requirements.
Education Requirement
IMA requires candidates to satisfy an approved education qualification.
Public IMA guidance describes this as a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or an accepted related professional certification.
Candidates with qualifications from outside the United States should follow the documentation and verification process required by IMA.
Professional Experience Requirement
Candidates must complete two continuous years of qualifying professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
IMA states that this experience may be completed before or within seven years after passing the examination.
Relevant roles can include financial planning, budgeting, analysis, accounting, audit, cost management, risk and related finance responsibilities.
Can Students Start CMA?
Students may begin CMA preparation and, depending on their circumstances, can sit for the exams before all certification requirements are complete.
However, earning the final CMA designation requires satisfying the education and experience requirements.
Students should check the current IMA student membership and certification rules before enrolling.
Can Working Professionals Start CMA?
Yes. CMA is commonly pursued by accounting and finance professionals seeking stronger skills in management accounting, planning, performance and strategic finance.
Working professionals should compare their existing experience against the IMA experience requirement.
A realistic study plan is important when balancing professional commitments with exam preparation.
CMA Exam Requirement
Candidates must pass both CMA exam parts.
IMA allows candidates to take Part 1 and Part 2 in either order.
The programme must be completed within the period defined by IMA after entry into the CMA programme.
CMA Programme Time Limit
IMA states that candidates must complete the CMA programme within three years of entering the programme.
If both examination parts are not successfully completed within that period, previously passed exam parts may expire under the programme rules.
Candidates should therefore avoid enrolling too early if they are not ready to maintain a realistic study schedule.
BCIAME CMA Eligibility Guidance
British Columbia International Academy can help learners understand the CMA study pathway and preparation process.
Formal eligibility and certification decisions remain with IMA.
Candidates should provide their educational and professional background when requesting counselling so that the preparation plan can be discussed realistically.
Comparison Overview
| Requirement | General CMA Requirement |
|---|---|
| IMA Membership | Active membership |
| Education | Approved degree or recognised alternative |
| Experience | Two continuous years of qualifying experience |
| Exams | Pass Part 1 and Part 2 |
| Ethics | Comply with IMA ethical standards |
Sources & Verification
Course requirements, fees and provider information may change. The sources below were used to verify key factual details in this guide. Please confirm current information before enrolling or making a payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Can I start CMA without work experience?
Candidates may begin exam preparation before completing the full experience requirement, but qualifying experience is required to earn the certification.
Is a degree required for CMA?
IMA requires candidates to satisfy its education requirement, generally through an approved bachelor's degree or an accepted professional certification.
How much work experience is required for CMA?
IMA requires two continuous years of qualifying professional experience in management accounting or financial management.
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