Why Become a CMA?
Salary
Findings of IMA’s 19th Annual Salary Survey reveal that accountants who are certified earn 25% more than those who are not. Personal Satisfaction Prove your ability to become a strategic business partner, while you also enhance your self-confidence, your sense of accomplishment, and your resume.
Competitive Advantage
Businesses around the world rely on CMAs for accounting, finance and information management and most importantly, for the strategic planning and business solutions provided by these qualified professionals. Companies such as 3M, Boeing, DaimlerChrysler, DuPont, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Johnson & Johnson, Milliken and Procter & Gamble recognize that employing CMAs helps to improve company performance in an aggressive global business arena.
Professional Recognition
The CMA designation represents a broad business competency and mastery of the management-level skills required to add value, drive business performance, and build quality financial practices within organizations. The program objectively tests and validate expertise in areas essential to analyzing, managing and evaluating business solutions that contribute to the success of an organization. The CMA credential indicates a commitment to excellence based on a strong, ethical foundation and dedication to lifelong learning.
Learn more about the exam
CMA exam parts
There are four parts to the CMA exam. Parts 1, 2, and 3 consist of multiple-choice questions, while Part 4 is comprehensive essay. You can take one part at a time. The four parts are:
- Business Analysis (3 hours - 110 questions)
- Management Accounting and Reporting (4 hours – 140 questions)
- Strategic Management (3 hours - 110 questions)
- Business Applications (3 hours – 3 to 7 essay/problems)
CMA costs
- Must be a member of IMA – general annual membership is $195
- Must register for admission into the Certification program - $200 (one time only)
- Exam fee - $190 per part
CMA pass rate
- About 55% pass rate per section
Grading
The first 3 parts will be graded by the computer and you will know the result upon completion. Part 4 is essay and will be graded offline. Results will be mailed to the candidate approximately 30 – 45 days after the testing period.
Exam Schedule
- January and February Parts 1, 2, and 3
- March No exam parts
- April Part 4 only
- May and June Parts 1, 2, and 3
- July No exam parts
- August Part 4 only
- September and October Parts 1, 2, and 3
- November No exam parts
- December Part 4 only
Additional CMA information
Additional questions
Contact Michael Johnston, CMA Director of the St. Louis IMA chapter at Johnston9124@sbcglobal.net
Recommended Study Resources