The full form of the CMA is Certified Management Accountant. It is a globally recognized professional certification offered by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), USA. It focuses on management accounting, financial management, strategic thinking and business decision making. It is a global association with over 140,000 members in more than 150 countries.
The US CMA course gives you real-world financial and business knowledge, not just accounting theory, and also gives you global recognition. CMAs are highly valued in regions such as the US, Middle East, Canada, India and Europe. CMA professionals advance their careers faster, earning 30-60% more than non-certified colleagues in similar positions. With only two exams to take, you invest less time and money but get a high return on your career and salary. As AI and automation transform finance, CMAs have the analytical and strategic edge they need to future-proof positions as they are trained to be finance leaders, not just technicians.
The US CMA course prepares professionals to make strategic financial decisions and is highly regarded in the fields of corporate finance and management accounting worldwide. The US CMA is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills required to strategically manage the accounting and financial aspects of an organization.
USA CMA Exam Structure | The US CMA exam structure consists of two papers: 1. Financial Planning, Performance, & Analytics 2. Strategic Financial Management |
USA CMA Course Duration | 8-12 months |
USA CMA Success Rate | 50% for both Part 1 and Part 2 |
To become a U.S. Certified Management Accountant (CMA), candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria established by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). First, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or equivalent international institution in any field. Second, they must have two years of continuous professional experience in accounting or financial management, such as budgeting, financial analysis or internal auditing. In addition, candidates must become an active member of the IMA and pass both parts of the CMA exam, which covers financial planning, performance and strategic financial management. All requirements must be met within seven years of passing the exams.
The US CMA course curriculum covers everything you need to know to be successful in financial and management roles, such as budgeting, analyzing performance, making smart business decisions, and understanding ethics in the workplace. The US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam is divided into 2 parts, both of which you must pass to earn the CMA certification. One exam is called Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics and the other is called Strategic Financial Management. There is a detailed syllabus:
Financial Planning, Performance, & Analytics | Strategic Financial Management |
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As per the latest guidelines, the US CMA course fees for Student/Academic Members:
The best place to prepare for US CMA is KC GlobEd, as it offers a variety of features to the students which makes their learning smooth and fruitful, using the TEEE(Tailored Education for Enhanced Efficiency) technology. Following are the features listed for the same:
Basis | US CMA | Indian CMA |
Governing Body | Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA | Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI), India |
Global Recognition | Yes, globally recognized | Primarily recognized in India and some neighboring countries |
Duration | 6-12 months (can be shorter with prior experience) | 3 years (three levels) |
Exam Structure | Two parts (Part 1 and Part 2) | Three levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final) with multiple papers per level |
Career Scope | Wider opportunities, especially in multinational corporations or for roles requiring global financial management expertise | Stronger focus on roles within India and the Indian market, particularly in cost management and control |
CMA is a course which teaches how to manage money wisely in a business. It helps in understanding costs and making smart financial decisions. It enhances career prospects and provides global recognition. It is one of the courses that is considered as a benchmark in accounting.
The U.S. CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA, focusing on financial planning, analysis, control, decision support and professional ethics.
Graduates, undergraduate students (of any major) and professionals in accounting, finance or business are eligible to apply. Students may take the exam prior to graduation, but must complete their education and work experience within 7 years.
The course can usually be completed in 6 to 12 months, depending on your pace of study and preparation.
There are 2 parts to the exam:
Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analysis
Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
You must achieve at least 360 out of 500 points in each part to pass.