US CMA Eligibility Explained: Certified Management Accountant Eligibility Requirements, Education Criteria, and Direct Entry Options!

What does it take to be a highly qualified, globally acknowledged management accountant in over 150 countries? Would you like to find out? When you sign up for the US CMA course, you open up a world of opportunities.

You are in a position to fast-track your career straight up the corporate ladder into dominant leadership positions. The program’s intensive syllabus and enhanced skill development give you a massive advantage over your peers who lack the same qualifications.

But are you ready for the US CMA certification? The International of Management Accountants has created this program to meet the demands of an ever-evolving global business community. As globalisation continuously affects the business world and technology creates new advancements, management accountants must meet the new challenges. They help manage a company’s finances and make strategic business decisions to improve profitability.

However, before you call yourself a certified professional, check if you meet the US CMA eligibility criteria. The IMA has issued the requirements to enrol for the program and receive the certification. Let’s look at the certified management accountant prerequisites to learn how you can become an accomplished US CMA professional.

Also Read- Becoming a US CMA: The Complete Process & Preparation!

US CMA Eligibility Criteria

Enrolling for the course is not difficult. The requirements for becoming a certified management accountant are very straightforward. Below is a step-by-step guide to accomplishing the US CMA certification.

1. Educational Criteria

To meet the certified management accountant educational requirements:

• You need a bachelor’s degree, preferably in commerce, finance or accounting from a university acknowledged by the IMA.
• You can also apply as an undergraduate student who has cleared the 12th year. Your student status doesn’t affect your eligibility for the CMA course. You can take the exams and complete the work experience as well. However, to receive the full certification, you must submit proof of your degree within seven years of clearing the exams.
• Working professionals who don’t have a bachelor’s degree but hold relevant certifications such as CPA, ACCA or CIMA are permitted to take the CMA program. You can check on the IMA website if your course meets the US CMA course eligibility.

2. Become a member of the IMA

You cannot take the CMA exams without an IMA membership to validate your US CMA eligibility. You can enrol online by paying the charges. There are different fee structures.

MEMBERSHIP	FEES
Professional membership for working individuals or anyone who is not a full-time student.	$295
One-year student membership for students from a recognised college.	$49
Two-year student membership for students who need more time to complete the course.	$98
Academic membership for professors working in accredited universities.	$160

3. Registration and exam fees

You must pay a one-time US CMA entrance and exam registration fee to complete the remaining US CMA requirements. Only IMA members are allowed to pay these charges.

MEMBERSHIP	US CMA ENTRANCE FEES	US CMA EXAM FEES (PER PART)
Professional members	$300	$495
Student and Academic members	$225	$370

4. Understand the US CMA syllabus

While this step may not be an official US CMA eligibility criterion, it is still a very crucial part of the entire process. If you can’t grasp or understand the concepts, your path to becoming a CMA professional will end here.

The CMA exam consists of two parts:

Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics.

Part 2: Strategic Financial Management.

After registering for the course, you can access a US CMA prep provider such as Becker, Gleim or Hock for study material. Students in coaching institutes such as IMS Proschool also receive the latest updated course material.

5. Sign up for the US CMA exam

You can sit for the exam in any order. You could opt to do Part 2 first if you wish. Register for the exam to receive an authorisation number that will let you pick your time slot. Visit the Prometric website to choose your test location. In India, cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai are registered as testing centres. There are three exam windows: January/February, May/June and September/October. Register early to get your chosen slot but wait until you’re halfway through learning the course material.

6. US CMA work experience requirements

Students need to work in management accounting or financial management for two years or more to receive the certification. This is a significant part of the US CMA eligibility requirements. You need experience in various tasks such as making financial statements, budgeting, forecasting, managing risks and financial analysis. Your supervisor or manager should verify your experience as proof. If you have accumulated relevant experience before taking the CMA course, it can fulfil the requirement. Otherwise, you have up to seven years after passing the course to complete your work training.

7. Ethical standards

The IMA board has a statement of ethical professional practice that is focused on principles such as honesty, responsibility and objectivity. All US CMA professionals must comply with these ethical standards when working for their company and community.

8. Post-certification Continuing Education

The IMA organisation expects all CMA students to complete 30 hours of CPE or continuing professional education, which includes 2 hours of ethics training. It is an essential part of the US CMA eligibility requirements for your certification.

Also Read- US CMA Course Fees – Exam, Coaching, Study Material, Total Cost etc.

Timelines for completing the US CMA requirements

Total timelines:

Degree holders with work experience: You can get your certification within 12 to 18 months.

Only degree holders: You can get your certification within 18 months to two years.

If you’re a full-time student: You will need around two to five years to study, clear the exams and complete the required two years of work experience. You can receive US CMA eligibility after the 12th, but it will take longer to finish the program.

Learning timeline:

Study time will take six months to a year. If you enrol in a good coaching centre, you complete your prep work quickly.

Registration timeline:

Your eligibility for CMA USA exams is valid for three years after registering. Select your exam dates six weeks earlier to get the slot you want. Also, ensure you are halfway through your study prep before picking the exam time. You can book an exam date through the Prometric website.

Timeline for rescheduling the exams:

• If you want to reschedule the test within 30 days, you can do so without paying a fee.
• If you book a new date after a month, you’ll be charged $50.
• You are not allowed to reschedule the exam five days before the date. You will have to forfeit the exam.

Proschool helps you with all US CMA requirements.

Also Read- US CMA and MBA: How Much Can You Earn With This Powerful Combo?

Why do students recommend IMS Proschool’s coaching classes for the US CMA exams?

Here are ten reasons why it is one of the most highly regarded professional institutions in India.

• Professors are industry experts who teach using active learning methods and innovative techniques.
• The institute has designed a comprehensive curriculum, which includes conceptual learning and practical application.
• You can attend online or offline classes that cater to your schedule and convenience. Students can also access recorded sessions.
• There are over 15 coaching centres in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune.
• Students study better through a holistic learning approach that includes real-world case studies, live sessions, informational videos, full-length mock tests and problem-solving exercises.
• The institute has a high success rate and offers an exam pass commitment. If you don’t clear the course, you can retake the entire module for free for a second attempt.
• You can access over 90 essay questions and 4,000 MCQs for exam practice.
• Don’t have a finance background? No problem. Proschool has a free, online foundation course you can take before applying for the US CMA.
• Students get additional support through career guidance, mock interview sessions, resume writing help and placement assistance.
• Proschool’s thorough training enables students to become coveted candidates in competitive job markets in India and abroad.

FAQs

Do I need to be a graduate to apply for the US CMA course?

Undergrad students can take the exams. However, the stipulation is that you must submit proof of your degree within seven years of passing the exams to receive the official US CMA certification.

How many exam attempts do I get?

The US CMA requirements include completing both exams within three years of registration. If you fail your first attempt, you can retake the test in 30 days. After that, you can take the papers during the three exam windows.

How long will it take to pass the exams?

While most students can take a year or two to study for the US CMA exams, you can finish the course in 6 months with proper planning. It also helps if you sign up with a coaching institute like Proschool, as they can prepare students for the exams in 6 months.

Do I need coaching for US CMA?

You can self-study for the US CMA exams if you choose to. However, a coaching class does give you several advantages as they have the resources and learning facilities to help you succeed on your first attempt. If you have doubts or need clearer explanations or personalised support, it is better to enrol with a reputed coaching institution.

What kind of work experience is required for US CMA?

To fulfil the US CMA US CMA work experience requirements, you can look for internships, entry-level jobs or freelance opportunities in management accounting positions. You have to meet all US CMA work experience requirements to receive your certification including two years of continuous work in fields such as financial analysis, budgeting, decision support and risk management.

Is an internship compulsory for US CMA?

You need a minimum of two continuous years of working in management accounting fields to complete the certified management accountant prerequisites. An internship is one way to do it, but it is not compulsory. Students who are already working professionals can also submit proof of past work experience.

Conclusion

The IMA board is very particular about students fulfilling all the US CMA eligibility criteria. Ensure you complete all the steps, such as submitting your bachelor’s degree and work experience details to receive your official CMA credentials. Once you are a certified professional, you’ll be ready to take on high-profile jobs in management accounting.

Find out more about Proschool’s US CMA course here.