US CMA Course Duration Explained: From Registration to Certification

As a budding management accountant, you need a strong strategy to stand out in a crowded job market. How can you get leading MNCs, international banks, and global consulting firms to notice your resume? A US CMA certification is your ticket to global finance roles. This program equips you with strategic financial management skills that enable companies to make informed business decisions.

If you want to pursue the course, you’re in good company. Many CMA students have gone on to occupy prime positions in the finance and accounting industry worldwide.

However, one of the first questions students ask before signing up for the US CMA is, “How long will it take to complete?”

The good news is that this program is designed to be flexible and quick. It can fit around your college schedule or even a full-time job. You can plan your study and pace your preparation at your convenience. Here is a comprehensive understanding of the CMA course duration, from registration to certification, to help you plan your career goals.

Also Watch: Take the 15-minute crash course on the US CMA here.

Understanding the US CMA course duration

1. Registration and eligibility

Before anything else, you need an IMA membership first. Without it, you can’t apply for the US CMA course. Registration is open year-round, but exams are held in specific windows.

• Who can register?

While you need a bachelor’s degree to be fully certified, that is not the case during registration. Students who have passed the 10+2 exams are eligible to become members of the IMA.

You can also pay the exam fees and take the two papers as an undergraduate student, a graduate, or a working professional.

• How long does registration take?

You can submit your documents and pay the fees online. It takes a few days to a week for your application to get approved.

Time-saving tip: Plan ahead. Register early to secure the best slot for you, but ensure you leave yourself enough time for a well-paced study schedule.

2. Exam prep

A big chunk of your US CMA course duration is spent right here: getting exam-ready!

It takes hours of practice, problem-solving, and mock tests to become a future CMA professional. If you already have a background in finance and accounting, your prep work will appear easier. If not, you will need more time to learn the basics. It helps to have diverse study tools such as learning videos, mock tests, and practice papers to better grasp the material. Most candidates take 6 months to a year to complete the exams, although it depends on the individual’s time management skills.

• What’s the recommended study time for the US CMA exam

 

> Experts recommend spending 150 to 170 hours per exam (300 to 350 hours total)

> If you manage 10 to 12 hours a week, you’ll be ready in 4 to 6 months for each part.

> If you spend 20 hours a week studying, you’ll be ready in 2 to 3 months for each part.

> Create a schedule that suits your workload and life commitments.

Time-saving tip: A reputed coaching institute can help you get ready for the exams faster.

Also Read: The updated US CMA Syllabus

3. Exam windows and paper duration

The US CMA duration feels more like a marathon instead of a sprint. It takes consistent efforts over a period of time, but with some smart planning, you’ll reach the finish line in no time. The following two exams are held at Prometric centres:

Part 1: Financial planning, performance and analytics

Part 2: Strategic financial management

Each exam will last for four hours, giving you enough time to answer each question without rushing.

• When are the exam windows?

1. January 1st to February 28th
2. May 1st to June 30th
3. September 1st to October 31st

Depending on availability, you can pick a date within the above windows.

Time-saving tip: It is advisable to take one exam at a time. Some enthusiastic candidates may want to finish both exams within the same window, but this can get quite stressful.

4. CMA course duration as per your educational background

To officially call yourself a US CMA professional, you need to meet both education and work requirements. The good news is that the course is flexible.

For undergraduate students:

You can apply for the IMA membership and take the two exams. However, you will need a bachelor’s degree to gain your CMA certification. The IMA board gives students up to seven years after clearing the papers to show proof of graduation. You will also need two years of relevant work experience, but the good news is you can finish this requirement after passing the exams.

For graduates:

The CMA course duration after graduation is shorter than if you start as an undergraduate. Your degree brings you closer to your CMA certification. You can take the exams and complete the two-year work requirement to get fully certified.

The Total US CMA course duration depends on study pace, exam scheduling, and completion of work experience.

1. Undergraduates without prior work experience: 3 to 4 years
2. Graduates without prior work experience: 2 to 3 years
3. Working professionals: 6 to 12 months

Time-saving tip: If you have worked in financial management or management accounting, have your supervisor verify it so it counts toward your work experience requirement

Brief review of the US CMA course duration:

STAGE	DURATION	FACTORS TO CONSIDER
Registration	A few days to one week	You have to become an IMA member first If you don’t have proper documents, it can hinder your registration.
Eligibility	Immediate if you are a graduate	You have seven years from the time you pass the exams to submit your degree.
Exam Preparation	3–6 months per part	It helps to have a disciplined study routine, prior knowledge of accounting and proper learning resources.
Exam Duration	4 hours per part	Each paper is computer-based, with 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 essays.
Work Requirements	2 years	This can be completed before, during, or within 7 years after passing exams. You must work in a relevant accounting or finance position.

Why you should study the US CMA course with Proschool

If you want to pass the exams without wasting time, losing sleep, or hitting panic mode, then do the smart thing and enrol with Proschool. It is one of India’s top coaching institutions for professional finance certifications. The structured study plan, live sessions, practice questions, and mock tests are designed to ensure you optimise your time and save on stressing out. The professors are industry experts who know how to break down complex concepts so you understand them quickly, saving you hours of confusion. They also offer doubt-clearing sessions and revision classes to make sure you are on track to ace the exams. The US CMA course duration will feel shorter and quicker when you learn with Proschool.

•  The instructors are industry professionals who teach using active learning methods.
•  Students can choose between online, classroom, or hybrid learning.
•  Video lectures, question banks, full-length mock tests, and the latest study material are available to all students.
•  Career guidance is offered, from resume prep to mock interviews.
•  Certified students get access to Proschool’s job portal with listings from top companies in India.

Conclusion

The US CMA can be a real game-changer for your career, but it is not something to blindly rush into. It helps to understand the CMA course duration so you can create a realistic plan and organise your time better. Now that you know how much time each stage will take, you can space out your prep, get exam-ready on time, and avoid unnecessary stress. With smart planning and diligent effort, you will clear the exams in no time and be on your way to a successful global finance career.

FAQs

1. Can I become a CMA professional in 2 years?

> Yes, it is possible. If you are a graduate, you can complete your two years of work experience and finish your exams in the same time frame. Many students have managed to get fully certified within two years, but it takes discipline and dedication.

2. What is the total duration of the US CMA?

> The US CMA course duration depends on you. According to the IMA board, you have three years from registration to clear both exams, and seven years to complete your work experience requirement and submit your bachelor’s degree. However, many students complete the exams within six to twelve months, while others finish their exams and work requirements simultaneously in two years.

3. Can I complete the US CMA exams in 6 months?

> If you study 15 to 20 hours a week, you could finish both exams within six months. This is possible if you are focused only on clearing the two papers. Working professionals and college students balancing multiple workloads may need more time to prep for the exams.

4. Is the US CMA easier than CA?

> Most experts believe that the US CMA is easier to clear than the CA course. The CMA only has two papers, whereas the CA has multiple levels and a vast syllabus. However, both certifications are equally prestigious in their respective fields.

5. Is the US CMA hard to pass?

> If you are underprepared, then yes, it will be difficult to pass the exams. The syllabus is challenging and rigorous. The global pass rate is 45 to 50 per cent. If you don’t hit the books consistently, solve multiple mock papers, and grasp the concepts thoroughly, you won’t see much success. If you really want to clear the exams on your first attempt, a coaching institute can help you achieve your goals.

6. What is the average US CMA salary in India?

> While the numbers depend on the type of company and location, here are the average salary brackets according to experience:

• Entry level: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 10 lakhs
• Mid-level: Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
• Senior level: Rs 20 lakhs to Rs 30+ lakhs

 

“Start your CMA journey right away. Visit Proschool today.”