US CMA Pass Percentage | Difficulty Check & Insights for Aspirants

How confident are you in passing the prestigious US CMA exam? This rigorous and challenging course is not for the fainthearted. Clearing the US CMA course is a matter of pride. Only students who have mastered the syllabus, internalised the concepts, and acquired relevant skills can claim to be qualified CMA professionals. Despite the strenuous nature of the exams, the US CMA certification is rapidly gaining popularity. In 2019, over 49,000 students enrolled for the CMA course—a 26 percent jump from 2018.

This qualification has emerged as the global benchmark in management accounting. Top international companies such as PwC, Deloitte, Amazon, Accenture, KPMG, JP Morgan, Apple, Barclays, and Microsoft prefer recruiting US CMA candidates, as their expertise is aligned with international financial and business standards. They also possess strong strategic insight and proficiency in analytics, performance management, and decision-making.

According to the IMA global salary survey, CMA holders earn 20 per cent higher salaries than those who don’t have the same qualification. You can also apply for high-paying jobs in over 150 countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, UAE and India. A US CMA stamp on your resume can open up a world of opportunities for your career. Which is why clearing the exams is tough. You have to prove you are worthy of the US CMA title. It’s not impossible if you study smart and work hard.

Let’s learn more about the US CMA pass percentage and how you can be on the successful side of the statistics.

Also Read- Is US CMA Worth It in India? Read The Benefits and Disadvantages

Important facts about the US CMA pass percentage

While the rates for the US CMA pass percentage in India are not yet available, it is understood that Indian students perform above average compared to the global rates. This could be because Indian students are used to a more rigorous study routine or have a strong work ethic. It also helps that most students enrol with top US CMA coaching institutes to help them prepare.

Here are the global statistics for the US CMA pass percentage:

US CMA Part 1 exam: Before 2020, the pass rate was between 35 per cent and 50 per cent. Due to exam changes since then, the rates have risen to 45 to 50 per cent for the Part 1 exam.

US CMA Part 2 exam: On average, students score higher in Part 2 than in Part 1. Globally, this paper has a US CMA pass percentage of 45 to 50 per cent.

Overall US CMA pass percentage: Before 2020, the pass rates for both exams were approximately 35 per cent. Today, they average around 45 to 50 percent.

According to the IMA, every year 5,000 to 7,000 students clear the exams and meet the experience requirements to become US CMA holders. This number keeps increasing annually due to the high demand for certified professionals in the corporate industry.

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

Is the US CMA difficult to pass?

At first glance, the two exams may seem tough to clear. However, certain factors must be considered when examining the US CMA pass percentage.

Knowledge is power. So learn about the exams before you sit for them. Here are some pointers to help you get acquainted with the US CMA exam system.

1. Exam Difficulty

The US CMA course has an influential reputation among the world’s major corporations. They produce high-calibre competent professionals who can work in a global corporate environment. So they will not make it easy for you to earn your certification. The US CMA exam will test your knowledge and ability to grasp complex concepts. You must prove you have theoretical comprehension and practical application of management accounting. Students who understand the difficulty level of each exam are more likely to find that the US CMA is easy to pass.

Part 1 exam: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

This is a more challenging paper than Part 2 as there is a focus on technical topics. The most important subjects to focus on are cost management, internal controls, and technology and analytics.

Part 2 exam: Strategic Financial Management

Students fare better on this exam because it focuses on strategic management and decision-making. This test is more intuitive than technical. Important topics include investment decisions, risk management, and professional ethics.

2. Exam structure

The US CMA passing mark for each paper is 360 out of 500. Anything below this grade is a fail. Each exam has 100 MCQs and two essay questions.

The MCQs carry 75 per cent of your total score, and you need to get at least 50 per cent correct before you can unlock the essay part of the exam. The essays carry 25 per cent of the total grade. You will be judged on the clarity of your answers, your knowledge level and application of concepts.

You have to register for the exams online. Log on to the IMA website and select a date and location accordingly. The exams are conducted at various Prometric test centres. In India, the centres are located in:

1. Bangalore
2. Chennai
3. Hyderabad
4. Mumbai
5. Delhi
6. Kolkata
7. Pune

3. Preparation

Is the US CMA easy to pass since there are only two papers? This is a common misconception by students. Unlike other finance courses, the US CMA course has fewer exams. However, you must dedicate enough time and effort to pass. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 hours of study per exam to ensure a passing grade. You need to allot 12 to 15 weeks of your time and ensure you spend 10 to 15 hours a week learning the material.

The syllabus requires an intense understanding of topics. You can’t get away with merely memorising the material. You must be able to relate the textbook theory to real-world applications. When you study the different concepts, try to answer the question ‘why’ and not ‘how’. Use visual aids such as flashcards or flow charts to simplify the material.

It also helps to solve as many practice papers and mock tests as possible.

There are 100 MCQs and two essay questions in the final exams. Train yourself accordingly. Some leading coaching institutes offer a bank of questions to help students prepare for the exams. You can mimic exam conditions by timing yourself while solving papers. Students who use professional study material and enrol on top coaching classes get better scores than those who don’t. They end up becoming a part of the CMA US pass percentage.

4. Incorporate CMA support resources

To ensure you optimise your study time, engage with various learning resources. The IMA offers webinars to help you understand the topics, perfect study techniques and learn exam strategies. They also help students connect with online forums and study groups that can offer valuable advice. You could seek out CMA-certified professionals for guidance and mentorship.

Before you start studying, ensure you refer to the CMA handbook. It provides a complete insider’s guide to the course, exam practices, and certification requirements.

Students who find the US CMA easy to pass study partners with official CMA review courses like Becker, Wiley or Hock. Indian students can also join reputed coaching classes such as Proschool to avail these learning systems. You receive videos, prep books, mock exams, question banks, and performance analysis to ensure you are ready for the exams.

Also Read- Best Institutes for US CMA in India – Top Coaching Centers and Fees Breakdown

Common reasons for failure in the US CMA exams

1. Insufficient time spent preparing for the exams.
2. Underestimating the depth of the syllabus.
3. Not solving enough practice papers and timed mock tests.
4. Not prioritising high-weightage topics like cost management, risk management, etc.
5. Lack of practice for the essay portion of the paper leads to weak, unclear answers.
6. Memorising the subjects rather than understanding them.
7. Stress or anxiety about the exams.

It is easy to overcome these factors when studying for the tests. Devote enough hours in advance and ensure you spend quality time understanding and retaining the study material. A coaching institute will help you learn the syllabus using multiple resources. Remember, don’t get intimidated by the low US CMA pass percentage. Students who are committed to the course often pass on their first attempt.

Also Read- US CMA Scholarship: What is its eligibility & how can you apply?

Everything you need to know about Proschool’s US CMA course

Don’t be alarmed by the low US CMA pass percentage. You need the right study partners to help you clear the exams. Proschool is one of India’s top coaching institutes with a proven track record. Students benefit from a holistic learning experience, including state-of-the-art resources, personalised attention and tutelage under experienced professors. The US CMA syllabus is taught with active learning methods and innovative training techniques. Students are exposed to real-world scenarios and case studies, strengthening their understanding of concept application. The focus is on learning, not memorisation. Here are a few more reasons why you should study with Proschool.

1. There is an option to join online and offline classes according to your convenience.
2. Proschool is well equipped to teach full-time college students, as well as working professionals.
3. Students receive full-length mock tests, advanced prep books, learning videos and many other learning resources.
4. Professors offer doubt-clearing sessions, customised study plans and revision classes.
5. Those who don’t pass on the first attempt can retake the course for free.
6. You can access a large Q&A bank of 90 essay questions and 4,000 MCQs.
7. Proschool gets you job-ready by providing resume writing support, mock interview sessions and placement assistance.

 

 

Conclusion

The US CMA course is a stepping stone to a vibrant and lucrative career in management accounting and financial management. However, you have to pass the exams first. Don’t be deterred by the current US CMA pass percentage. Disciplined study, strategic planning and an intensive understanding of the syllabus will lead to success. The right type of preparation is crucial. It’s why you should consider registering with a premium coaching centre such as Proschool.

FAQs

Will joining a coaching class help me pass the exams?

It definitely helps. A coaching class has experienced instructors, multiple learning resources and many other facilities to help you nail the exams. Make sure you research the coaching class before enrolling so you are assured of the quality.

How can I increase my chances of passing the US CMA exam?

While the exact US CMA pass percentage in India is unknown, experts have revealed that Indian students are above the global average and tend to fare well on the exams. If you plan well, seek educational support online, or enrol in a coaching class, your chances of doing well on the tests are high.

How much time should I dedicate to studying for each part?

The IMA board recommends 150 to 170 hours per part. You can break this down into months and then allot a set number of hours per week and follow that schedule. A disciplined study routine will help you succeed.