If you’re waiting to take the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam, you’re probably wondering one of two things: What are the CMA exam dates, and how much is the CMA entrance fee?
Below, I’ll answer both of those questions.
The CMA exam schedule is released every year, and it’s important to note for those who are planning to use a CMA program and need to make a study schedule.
This is especially important since the CMA is one of the most difficult financial exams to prepare for and pass.
Below, I’ll give you info about the exam window, when to schedule your CMA exam, how much the CMA exam fee runs, how to schedule your exam appointment at a Prometric test center, and more.
Key Takeaways
- May/June: Exams from May 1 to June 30; register by June 15.
- September/October: Exams from September 1 to October 31; register by October 15.
- January/February 2025: Exams from January 1 to February 28; register by February 15.
- Budget for the CMA journey: Professional members face a $300 entrance fee and $495 per exam part, while students can benefit from reduced rates.
CMA Testing Window Exam Dates
May/June Testing Window
- First Exam Date: May 1
- Last Exam Date: June 30
- Last Day to Register: June 15
Spring into action with the May/June testing window. Perfect for candidates looking to capitalize on the momentum of early-year preparations, this window offers the flexibility to schedule exams at various Prometric test centers or via remote testing options, aligning with the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)’s commitment to accessibility.
September/October Testing Window
- First Exam Date: September 1
- Last Exam Date: October 31
- Last Day to Register: October 15
Fall brings another opportunity with the September/October window, ideal for those who prefer to study over the summer or need extra preparation time. The comfortable weather and academic rhythm of this season can provide a conducive study environment leading up to your scheduled test date.
January/February Testing Window
- First Exam Date: January 1
- Last Exam Date: February 28
- Last Day to Register: February 15
Kick off the new year by tackling your CMA exam. This window is especially suitable for candidates who have utilized the end-of-year period for intensive study and are ready to hit the ground running in January.
CMA Exam Fee Info
For Professional Members
- CMA Entrance Fee: $300
- Exam Fee: $495 per part
- IMA Membership Fee: $295
For Student/Academic Members
- CMA Entrance Fee: $225
- Exam Fee: $370 per part
- IMA Membership Fee: $49/$160
Note: An active IMA membership is required for all candidates.
CMA Certification Fees Explained
Embarking on the path to becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) involves not just dedication and study, but also an understanding of the fees associated with the journey. Whether you’re well into your career or still charting your course through academia, let’s dive into what this financial commitment looks like.
For the professionals out there, think of these fees as the entry ticket to an elite club. Your journey begins with a $300 entrance fee, a kind of initiation into the world of CMA hopefuls. Then, as you prepare to tackle the exam, remember that each of its two parts comes with a $495 price tag. And, of course, none of this would be possible without being a part of the broader community, courtesy of the IMA membership, which is your all-access pass at $295.
For the student and academic crowd, the financial pathway is a bit gentler, acknowledging the tight budgets that often accompany student life. Your entrance fee is $225, with each exam part costing $370. The IMA membership, a gateway to resources and community, varies between $49 and $160, depending on your academic status.
How to Schedule Your CMA Exam Appointment
Scheduling your CMA exam doesn’t have to feel like navigating a labyrinth. Here’s a straightforward path to secure your spot at a Prometric test center, ensuring your journey to certification is as smooth as a well-audited report. Let’s break it down:
- Initial Preparation: Before you even think about dates, make sure you’re a member of the IMA and have paid your CMA entrance fee. This is like getting your passport ready before booking a flight to an exotic destination.
- Authorization to Test: Once you’ve paid the entrance fee and your application is approved, you’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) email. This is your golden ticket, granting you the green light to book your exam. Treat it like a backstage pass to your own rock concert.
- Choosing Your Prometric Center: Head over to the Prometric website. Here, you can find your nearest test center. It’s like choosing the perfect venue for your big show.
- Picking a Date and Time: With your ATT in hand, you can now pick the date and time for your exam. Think of it as setting the date for a major event in your life. Early birds get more choices, so don’t dawdle!
- Confirmation: After you’ve selected your spot, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your appointment. This email is essentially your event ticket, so keep it safe!
- Preparation and Practice: With your exam scheduled, it’s time to hit the books. Dive into your study materials, take practice exams, and maybe even form a study group. It’s like rehearsing for a big performance.
- Exam Day: On the big day, arrive at the Prometric Center early with your ID and confirmation in hand. Think of it as showing up for the performance of a lifetime.
Receiving Your CMA Exam Results
After completing the rigorous CMA exam journey, the anticipation for results begins. I know when I was waiting for my CPA exam results, the stress was unreal! Especially because I didn’t really know when to expect it. Understanding when and how you’ll receive your CMA exam results is crucial for planning your next steps, whether celebrating your achievement or preparing for a retake.
When Will You Get Your CMA Results?
CMA exam results are typically released six weeks after the last day of the month in which you took your exam. This structured timeline ensures that the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) conducts thorough assessments, maintaining the integrity and high standards of the CMA certification.
- For the May/June Window: Expect your results in mid-August.
- For the September/October Window: Results are likely to be announced in mid-December.
- For the January/February Window: Anticipate receiving your results in mid-April.
How to Access Your CMA Exam Results
Upon the release of the results, candidates will receive an email notification from the IMA. Additionally, you can check your exam status directly through your IMA profile. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accessing your scores:
- Log into Your IMA Profile: Use your credentials to access your account on the IMA website.
- Navigate to the Exam/Transcript Section: Here, you’ll find a detailed record of your exam attempts and results.
- View Your Results: Your score report will detail your performance, including your score for each part of the exam and whether you’ve passed or need to retake.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your CMA score report is more than just a pass/fail indicator. It offers insights into your performance across different content areas, helping you identify strengths and areas for improvement. This feedback is invaluable, especially if you’re preparing to retake any part of the exam.
- Passing Score: The CMA exam uses a scaled scoring system, where 360 out of 500 is the passing mark.
- Performance Feedback: For those who need to retake the exam, the score report provides a breakdown of performance, allowing for targeted study and improvement.
Next Steps After Receiving Your CMA Exam Results
- Passed: If you’ve passed both parts of the CMA exam, congratulations are in order! You can proceed with fulfilling the remaining requirements for CMA certification, including the experience requirement.
- Retake Needed: If you didn’t pass one or both parts, don’t lose heart. Use the detailed feedback to guide your studies and schedule your retake within the next testing window.
Receiving your CMA exam results is a moment of truth in your journey to becoming a Certified Management Accountant. By understanding the process and timeline, you can prepare mentally and practically for what comes next, armed with the knowledge and strategies to achieve your certification goals.
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Final Thoughts
Embarking on your CMA journey is a pivotal step in advancing your career in management accounting. Key points to remember include:
- Mark your calendar for the CMA exam dates: May/June and September/October 2024, and January/February 2025.
- Be aware of the registration deadlines: June 15 for May/June, October 15 for September/October, and February 15 for January/February.
- Plan your study schedule according to these windows.
- Understand and prepare for the exam fees and registration process.
- Utilize IMA resources effectively for preparation.
FAQ
For professional members, the CMA entrance fee is $300, and each exam part costs $495. Student/Academic members enjoy reduced fees.
Schedule your CMA exam through the Prometric website after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) email, ensuring you’ve first paid your CMA entrance fee and joined the IMA.
CMA exam results are typically released six weeks after the end of the month in which you took your exam.
The CMA exam uses a scaled score system, with 360 out of 500 being the passing mark for each part of the exam.
Yes, a CMA exam prep course is highly recommended, regardless of your background in accounting or finance. It provides structured learning, up-to-date materials, and practice exams tailored to the CMA exam format and can significantly increase your chances of passing.
