Understand The US CMA Exam Pattern [+What’s Changed In 2024]

If being a global management accountant was similar to being a mountaineer, the US CMA exams would be your Everest. You undertake a challenging journey, scale new heights and reach the top to achieve your goals.

The US CMA Program is a big deal. It is your ticket to career advancement, leadership roles in top companies and a higher earning potential. The certification is a powerhouse qualification that has seen over 100,000 students become competent management accountants in over 150 countries. These professionals have worked hard to study the comprehensive syllabus, cracked the rigorous US CMA exams and received exciting job opportunities. Now it’s your turn.

If you register today, you might be a year away from the start of your accounting career. Only 6 to 9 months if you study with a coaching institute. At this time, roll up your sleeves and get cracking. You have to work hard, and you also have to be smart. Start here. First, understand the US CMA exam pattern. Only then can you prepare for it appropriately. Also, note the changes in the syllabus in 2024 so you can study with the most recently updated syllabus. So keep reading to know more.

Advantages of the US CMA certification

• You develop a high quality of expertise and knowledge in accounting and finance.
• The course helps you build skills in relevant areas such as management accounting, strategic financial planning, business decision-making and ethical standards.
• You join an exclusive network of over 100,000 professionals across 150 countries and receive access to the latest industry information, job openings and career resources.
• The average CMA holder receives a salary boost of 20 per cent compared to other professionals (According to the 2023 CMA global salary survey).
• There are only two US CMA exams to take, unlike other courses that have multiple exams and charge more.
• This course benefits freshers and working professionals.

The US CMA syllabus and changes

Before you delve into the US CMA exam pattern, look at the updated syllabus first. The curriculum is divided into Part 1 and Part 2. Here are the certified management accountant exam topics, along with the modifications.

The US CMA exam pattern

While there are some changes in the syllabus in 2024, the US CMA exam pattern is almost the same. Here are the key points about the certified managerial accounting exam.

1. The papers have MCQs and essay questions.

   The US CMA exam pattern is simple. Each paper will have 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions. You will be given 3 hours to finish the MCQ portion. If you score over 50%, you can attempt the 2 essay questions which will be 30 minutes each. You will be given two business scenarios to write on. In total, you will be given 4 hours to complete the US CMA Exam.

2. You can give either paper first

   There is no fixed pattern for taking the US CMA exams. You can choose to sit for Part 1 or 2 in any order. You also have the option to take both exams together or on separate days.

3. Register for the exams

   Experts recommend you pay the exam fees 6 to 8 weeks before your chosen date. You should start studying before this and be halfway done by the time you register. Professional members pay $495 per exam and the student membership costs $370 for each paper. The exam windows for the US CMA exams are in January/February, May/June and September/October. The exams are held at Pro-metric centres in prominent cities in India.

4. You need 72% to pass

   To clear the US CMA exams, students must score 360 or more out of 500 total marks on each paper. If you don’t get 72 per cent, you must reappear for the exam.

5. You can take the exams again

   Your US CMA registration is valid for three years for students and only 1 year for professionals. If you fail on your first attempt, you can retake the test within 30 days. After that, you can sit for the US CMA exams three times a year. If you still don’t clear it, you must wait a year before your next attempt.

How to ace the US CMA exams

The US CMA exam pattern is straightforward. It is not hard to prepare for the two papers. Here are some tips to get you ready in time for your exam date.

1. Set a study schedule
   You know your routine. Pick a time of day when you are most likely to study. Some students prefer early mornings, others work best when it’s quiet at night. Be realistic and plan your study hours accordingly. You should give yourself 2 to 4 hours a day, and leave room close to the exam for revision.
2. Understand the US CMA exam pattern
   You should be aware of the exam structure to prepare for it. You must crack 100 MCQs in three hours and write two essays in one hour. When you revise your work, try to solve as many mock tests and practice papers as possible while timing yourself.
3. Use official, IMA-approved study materials
   To ensure you have the 2024 updated US CMA syllabus, opt for high-quality study review systems such as Hock or Becker.
4. Enrol with a coaching centre
   If you are feeling the pressure that comes with self-study, a reputed institute like Proschool can help you get organised and stress-free. You’ll get in-depth coaching, customised study plans, revision sessions and lots more.

How Proschool can help you learn the US CMA course

When you study with an esteemed institution like Proschool, you receive multiple benefits. You are taught by industry specialists who understand the finance and accounting industry very well. These professors use active learning methods and innovative training techniques to ensure you have a firm grasp on every topic. You also learn a lot about the US CMA exam pattern, as you are trained in answering and acing exam questions.

Another benefit is you get exclusive access to the Hock study review system, which is one of the best study materials available for the US CMA exams. Here are a few more reasons why signing up with Proschool is a good idea.

• There are 15 coaching centres in major cities across India.
• Proschool will have you ready for the US CMA exams in 6 months.
• You can access over 90 essay questions and 4,000 MCQs for practice and revision.
• Proschool will provide extra classes and doubt-clearing sessions to students who don’t clear the exam.
• Students without a finance background can take the online free foundation course to learn basic concepts.
• Students get recruitment training as well as placement assistance at Proschool.

FAQs

Can an average student crack the US CMA exams through self-study?

It is possible but it will take a lot of hard work, effort and time. A good coaching institute will help you learn and revise the syllabus and get you ready for the exams in 6 months.

How many papers are there in the CMA USA exam?

There are two papers, one for Part 1 and the other for Part 2 of the syllabus.

How many questions are in the US CMA exam?

You have to answer 100 MCQs and 2 essay questions in each paper.

How many attempts are allowed in CMA USA?

If you fail on your first attempt, you can retake the test within 30 days. If you are unsuccessful again, you have up to three tries in a year. After that, you have to wait a year before you are allowed to sit for another attempt.

What is a good US CMA score?

The passing marks are 360 or 72 per cent out of 500. Anything higher than that is considered a good score.

Conclusion

A renowned US CMA coaching course can help you learn everything about the US CMA exam pattern. The pass rates for the US CMA exams are 50 per cent, and you want to be on the right side of that statistic. To master the certified management accountant exam topics, you need proper guidance and a supportive learning environment. Once you fulfil the course requirements, you will be well on your way to becoming a global management accountant.