What is US CMA?
If you’re aiming for a career in finance and want to rise through the ranks to possibly become a CFO, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is a powerful stepping stone. The US CMA credential is globally recognized, opening doors to strategic finance roles in some of the world’s top organizations. In this blog, we’ll break down the key details of the US CMA certification, from what it entails to how you can succeed in the field.
Also, Watch our video to learn US CMA Course Details :
What Does a US CMA Professional Do?
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a globally recognized professional association for management accountants and financial professionals. Established in 1919, the IMA offers its flagship certification, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), which is renowned for equipping professionals with the skills needed for strategic management and financial decision-making. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, USA, the IMA boasts a membership of over 140,000 individuals spread across more than 150 countries. In addition to the CMA certification, the IMA offers various courses, webinars, and resources focused on ethics, leadership, and advanced financial management, supporting the continuous development of its members.
A US CMA professional combines accounting expertise with management skills, enabling them to contribute significantly to a company’s financial health. A typical management accountant collects and analyzes financial data, turning it into actionable insights. For instance, if you were working for Google, you’d analyze search revenues, costs, and other data from Google products like YouTube, Gmail, and Google Drive. The goal is to use these insights to either increase revenue or reduce costs, ultimately adding value to the company.
In this role, you could contribute to shaping the company’s financial strategy, budget planning, and performance analysis. This expertise allows you to rise through the ranks within an organization, as companies increasingly value data-driven decision-making.
Interested in learning how to navigate the world of strategic finance? Enroll in Synthesis Learning’s CMA (US) coaching program and take your first step toward a high-impact finance career.
US CMA Eligibility and Work Experience Requirements
To pursue the US CMA, you must have completed Grade 12. If you’re still in college, you can begin taking the exams and gain relevant work experience while finishing your degree. Once you have two years of professional experience, you’ll be eligible to earn your US CMA certification. For graduates, the process is simpler—you can directly appear for the exams and work to earn your membership.
The US CMA Exam Structure
The US CMA exam is divided into two parts:
– Part 1 focuses on financial accounting, covering areas such as costing, variance analysis, and performance management. You’ll learn how to assess the difference between budgeted and actual results and understand how these discrepancies can impact a business.
– Part 2 is more finance-oriented, focusing on corporate finance, investment decisions, and risk management. Topics like capital budgeting and financial statement analysis are critical for making strategic business decisions.
Each part of the exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and two essay-based questions. You are tested not only on your theoretical knowledge but also on your ability to apply concepts to real-world business scenarios.
Exam Schedule and Passing Criteria
You can take the CMA exams three times a year:
– January to February
– May to June
– September to October
You need a scaled score of 360 out of 500 to pass. The exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric centers across various cities in India.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the US CMA?
On average, students take around 8-9 months to a year to complete both parts of the exam. With dedicated training, you can finish one part in three months. The typical timeline includes:
– 2 to 3 months of training
– 25 to 30 days of personal study and practice
Synthesis Learning offers structured coaching to ensure you’re well-prepared for both parts of the exam.
Ready to fast-track your CMA (US) journey? Join Synthesis Learning today and benefit from our expert-guided courses!
Job Opportunities for US CMA Holders
The US CMA designation opens up a world of opportunities both in India and internationally. Leading global companies like Amazon, Apple, and Accenture actively seek CMAs for management accounting roles. In India, firms such as KPMG specifically hire CMAs for positions in financial analysis, budgeting, and performance management.
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), which offers the CMA certification, partners with a wide range of approved employers that value and support their CMA-certified employees. These employers span various industries, from multinational corporations to financial institutions and consulting firms. Some of the most prominent names include Johnson & Johnson, PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, IBM, Caterpillar, and Saudi Aramco.
As businesses increasingly rely on data to drive decisions, the demand for management accountants is growing. CMAs are highly valued for their expertise in creating financial plans, budgets, and performance reports, all critical for strategic decision-making in today’s business environment.
Continuous Professional Development
One of the reasons the CMA designation remains relevant is that the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) conducts regular market research to update its curriculum based on industry needs. This ensures that CMAs stay current with evolving financial trends and practices, which is why the credential holds strong global recognition.
US CMA Fees and Scholarships :
The total cost of pursuing a US CMA ranges from ₹1.5 to ₹1.8 lakhs. This includes registration fees, training fees, and exam fees. The fees are split into three major components:
Registration Fee:
This is the initial cost when you sign up for the CMA course.
Training Fee:
This varies depending on the coaching provider.
Exam Fees:
These are separate for each part of the exam.
If you’re a full-time student, you fall under the “student” category and benefit from reduced fees. For working professionals, the cost may be slightly higher, but it’s an investment that pays off once you start working, often recovering the entire fee within your first six to eight months of employment.
Moreover, if your college endorses you, the IMA offers scholarships that cover registration and exam fees. As an Affiliated Learning Partner with the IMA, Synthesis Learning can help you secure these scholarships.
| Fee Category | Professionals | Students |
| IMA Membership Fee | $295 | $49 |
| CMA Entrance Fee(one-time) | $300 | $225 |
| Exam Fee (Per Part) | $495 | $370 |
| Total Cost | $1,585 | $1,014 |
Why Choose Synthesis Learning?
At Synthesis Learning, we don’t just prepare you for exams—we guide you toward a successful career. Our affiliation with the IMA gives us deep insights into the US CMA program, ensuring that our students get the most up-to-date information and industry-relevant training. We’re committed to helping you clear the exams on your first attempt and launching your career in the best possible way.
Unlock global career opportunities with the CMA (US) certification! Reach out to us at 9930953567 & Enroll at Synthesis Learning, let us help you achieve your career goals.
