October 30, 2025
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“Money can’t buy happiness—but it can buy a CMA certification, and that’s close enough.”
If you dream in spreadsheets, think in financial forecasts, and see yourself as a global finance leader, the US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) could be your perfect next step.
Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the CMA is one of the most respected certifications worldwide in management accounting and strategic finance. To help you cut through the noise, here are answers to the top 10 most-asked questions about the US CMA exam.
The US CMA is a two-part exam you can complete in as little as 6–12 months. It’s globally recognized and flexible enough for both students and working professionals.
Two-part exam structure
Self-paced learning options
Completion timeline: 6–36 months (depending on your pace)
International recognition across industries and geographies
The CMA USA syllabus is divided into two exam parts:
Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
Cost Management
Internal Controls
Performance Management
Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
Corporate Finance
Risk Management
Financial Statement Analysis
Professional Ethics
Investment Decisions
Part 1 builds your technical foundation, while Part 2 equips you for leadership and decision-making in strategic finance roles.
You have up to 3 years from registration to complete the certification. But with structured preparation, most candidates finish both parts within 6–12 months.
Expect to invest around 170–220 hours per part, depending on your prior accounting and finance knowledge.
Each CMA exam part is a 4-hour test that includes:
100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
2 essay-type questions
You’ll need to answer at least 50% of the MCQs correctly to qualify for the essay section. The format is designed to test both speed and depth of understanding.
To become a CMA, you need to:
Hold (or be pursuing) a bachelor’s degree
Have 2 years of relevant work experience in management accounting or financial management
Students can begin their CMA journey while still studying and complete the experience requirement later.
The total cost varies slightly based on your student or professional status:
Students: Around USD 850
Working Professionals: Around USD 1,250–1,500
This covers registration, membership, and exam fees. Compared to a full-time MBA, CMA is both cost-effective and faster to complete.
The CMA exam is offered in three testing windows every year:
January–February
May–June
September–October
You can schedule your exam at authorized Prometric centers across India and worldwide.
Smart preparation is the key to clearing CMA on the first attempt. Focus on:
Regular MCQ practice and timed mock exams
Updated textbooks and digital resources
A structured study planner that keeps you on track
The right training partner, like Concorde Academics, ensures your prep is guided, strategic, and efficient.
The CMA is a passport to global opportunities. Career benefits include:
Salaries up to 2x higher than non-certified peers
Roles in FP&A, auditing, consulting, corporate strategy, and more
Opportunities with Big 4 firms, MNCs, and fast-growing startups
Global recognition in markets such as the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the US
Absolutely. Here’s why:
Globally respected certification
High return on investment
Flexible course structure
Shorter completion timeline compared to many postgraduate programs
In short, the CMA isn’t just another credential—it’s a career accelerator.
Clearing the CMA exam requires more than hard work—it demands the right guidance and resources. As an authorized partner of Gleim International in India, Concorde Academics provides candidates with world-class CMA study material, structured training, and personalized support to help you succeed.
From textbooks and question banks to exam rehearsals and mentoring, Concorde ensures you’re fully equipped to not just pass but excel.
Ready to future-proof your career? Start your CMA journey with Concorde Academics today.
The quality of education and the support services we provide made Concorde a preferred destination for accounting professionals who aspire to become a CPA, CMA, CIA and EA. Over the last 22 years, Concorde has helped hundreds of students to get their dream certifications!