USA CMA Course: Eligibility, Fees, Syllabus, Salaries
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CMA in the USA stands for Certified Management Accountant and CMA is a globally recognized professional certification for accounting and financial professionals and is offered by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants). CMA is a gauge of a candidate's expertise and understanding of management accounting. More than 1,15,000 international students enrol for CMA course in USA annually.
The CMA USA curriculum aligns with the information and abilities needed by a management accountant in today's business environment. Analytics, control, decision support, and financial planning are a few of them. To understand everything about CMA USA course details, exam format and other relevant details for studying in USA, applicants can check out this article.
CMA Course USA Highlights
We have listed below the CMA USA course details:
| CMA USA Exam Structure |
|
| CMA USA Course Duration |
CMA Course must be completed within 3 years from the registration date |
| CMA USA Exam Dates 2025 |
|
| CMA USA Course Fees |
Entrance Fee For Professional Members: USD 300 Entrance Fee For Students/Academic Members: USD 225 |
| CMA USA Success Rate |
50% average for Part 1 and Part 2 (however, it varies by geographic region) |
| CMA USA Salary (Total Annual) |
|
CMA USA Exam Details
In order to appear for the CMA exam in USA, applicants must read about the US CMA course details. Every candidate must understand the pattern of the exam. Before we move on to the finer details of the CMA course, the students must understand the CMA exam pattern. In order to earn the CMA certification, students must complete both parts of the examination. Here is the CMA exam pattern:
| CMA US Parts |
CMA US Subject |
Details |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 |
Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics |
|
| Part 2 |
Strategic Financial Management |
|
Few more details about the CMA examination:
- Essays will come after the MCQ section.
- At least 50% of MCQs must be answered correctly to become eligible for the essay section.
- You can take Part 1 and Part 2 in any order. You may also take them on the same day.
- The exam score range is 0-500 and you must score at least 360 for both parts to pass the exam. Your total score in both sections will determine whether you have passed the CMA exam.
- Six weeks after the end of the month, in which you took the exam, you will receive an email with your exam results and they will also be added to your online profile.
CMA Course Exam Eligibility in US
You must know and meet the CMA course eligibility criteria before taking the exam. The following points will help you understand the US CMA eligibility criteria:
- You need to register yourself with the IMA.
- You must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. If you are pursuing your graduation, you are still eligible for the US CMA. Degree verification must be done within 7 years of finishing the CMA examination.
- To earn a CMA certification, candidates must have 2 years of continuous work experience. This work experience must be in management accounting and/or financial management field.
US CMA course details are extensive, but first qualifying the eligibility is equally important. Applicants must fulfil all the eligibility criteria, check US CMA course details and then apply and sit for the US CMA exam.
CMA USA Course Details: Syllabus
CMA US exam is divided into two parts. Each part of the CMA USA syllabus has a different set of syllabus topics for testing. Each topic tested has a certain weightage in parts 1 and 2 of the CMA exam in USA. The topic-wise weightage has been tabulated below:
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| Part 1 CMA Exam Topics | Weightage | Part 2 CMA Exam Topics | Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| External Financial Reporting Decisions | 15% | Financial Statement Analysis | 20% |
| Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting | 20% | Corporate Finance | 20% |
| Performance Management | 20% | Decision Analysis | 25% |
| Cost Management | 15% | Risk Management | 10% |
| Internal Controls | 15% | Investment Decisions | 10% |
| Technology and Analytics | 15% | Professional Ethics | 15% |
The following points will help you understand the US CMA course syllabus:
CMA USA Course Details - Syllabus Part 1:
The CMA USA course details for part 1 syllabus are as follows:
- External Financial Reporting Decisions: Financial statement; Recognition, measurement, valuation, and disclosure
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting: Strategic planning; Budgeting concepts; Forecasting techniques; Budgeting methodologies; Annual profit plan and supporting schedules; Top-level planning and analysis
- Performance Management: Cost and variance measures; Responsibility centres and reporting segments; Performance measures
- Cost Management: Measurement concepts; Costing systems; Overhead costs; Supply chain management; Business process improvement
- Internal Controls: Governance, risk, and compliance; System controls and security measures
- Technology and Analytics: Information systems; Data governance; Technology-enabled finance transformation; Data Analytics
CMA USA Course Details - Syllabus Part 2:
The CMA USA course details for part 2 syllabus are as follows:
- Financial Statement Analysis: Basic financial statement analysis; Financial ratios; Profitability analysis; Special issues
- Corporate Finance: Risk and return; Long-term financial management; Raising capital; Working capital management; Corporate restructuring; International Finance
- Decision Analysis: Cost/volume/profit analysis; Marginal analysis; Pricing
- Risk Management: Enterprise risk
- Investment Decisions: Capital budgeting process; Capital investment analysis methods
- Professional Ethics: Business ethics; Ethical considerations for management accounting and financial management professionals; Ethical considerations for the organization
(Source: IMA Website)
CMA USA Course Fees
CMA USA course fees are different for Professional Members and Students. The following points provide the latest CMA US course fees:
- The CMA Entrance Fee for Professional Members is USD 300.
- The CMA Exam Fee for Professional Members is USD 495 for each part.
- The CMA Entrance Fee for Student/Academic Members is USD 225.
- CMA Exam Fee for Student/Academic Members is USD 370 for each part.
(Source: IMA Website)
CMA USA Testing Windows
Students are advised to have information about the CMA US exam dates. The US CMA exam is offered during three testing windows. Their details and last date of registration for 2024-25 are given below:
| CMA Testing Window |
Dates |
Last Date of Registration |
|---|---|---|
| May/June 2025 |
|
15 June |
| September/October 2025 |
|
15 October |
| January/February 2025 |
|
15 February |
(Source: IMA Website)
How to Register for CMA USA?
Registrations for CMA in USA for Parts 1 and 2 close after 15 February, 15 June, and 15 October each year. To register for an exam the applicants will have to either:
- Register online by going to an authorised online store of ICMA.
- Or applicants can register by calling 800-638-4427, or (201) 573-9000 with their credit card information.
The registrations are simple and not complicated. Hence, applicants can easily get CMA certification from USA.
How to Get CMA Certification?
There are three steps to get CMA Certification in the USA and they are as follows:
- First, join IMA as a member and then enrol in the CMA program.
- Register for the CMA exams (Part 1 and Part 2) in any order you want.
- Ensure that you meet the education and work experience requirements to earn your CMA certification in USA.
CMA Scholarship in the USA
CMA Scholarship can help you complete the CMA course without any cost. So far, 20,000 CMA scholarships have been awarded to the students globally and nearly USD 35 million have been invested in scholarships.
CMA Scholarship Eligibility:
- High achievers (undergraduate through PhD) of an accredited college or university.
- 10 students in each school and academic year may be nominated for a CMA scholarship.
- All the students who their professors have nominated will receive a CMA scholarship. However, students cannot nominate themselves.
How to Apply for CMA in USA?
The application process for the CMA US exam is straightforward. Please follow the steps to know about applying for CMA USA:
- Step 1: Make sure to check the eligibility criteria (academic and professional). Make sure to go through the possibility of earning a scholarship.
- Step 2: Visit the official website of the IMA and join as a member.
- Step 3: Once you have joined as a member, you need to enrol as a CMA candidate.
- Step 4: If you are well prepared for the CMA exam, you can register for Part 1 or Part 2 (in any order) by paying the exam fees. Once you receive authorization from ICMA, you will have to schedule your exam at a Prometric testing centre.
Students must note that they can reschedule their USA CMA examination in the same testing window. If you cancel your exam within 30 days of the appointment, you will be charged a fee. If you cancel your appointment within less than 72 hours of the appointment, you will not be given any refund.
How to Prepare for CMA USA?
Students can prepare for the US CMA course with the help of standard reading material such as Wiley CMAexcel Learning System Exam Review 2021, various study programmes offered by Becker, CMA Exam Academy, GLEIM CMA Review, Hock international, PRC, SURGENT Accounting & Financial Education, and Wiley CMA.
In addition, there are certain Approved Course Providers for CMA Exam Prep. The table given below provides a list of the same:
| Approved Course Providers for CMA Exam Prep in India |
||
|---|---|---|
| ISDC- International Skill Development Corporation |
Logic School of Management |
Chanakya Business School |
| EduPristine |
NorthStar Academy |
Academy for Professional Studies and Charitable Trust |
| Ample Training Institute Private Limited |
Elance Learning |
Financial Planning Academy |
| FM Academy |
Hi-Educare Academics Private Limited |
Horizon Global Education |
| INPROX Campus for Professional Studies |
IPFC Academy |
LedgerGate CMA Academy |
| Orbit Institutes Private Limited |
Simandhar Education |
Uplift Professionals Private Limited |
| VG Learning Destination India Private Limited |
Vidyarupa School of Management Studies |
- |
Career Opportunities After CMA
Getting a CMA USA certification will add value to your resume and boost your skills and knowledge. Successful candidates may enter consulting services, financial services, accounting, financial planning, taxation, and other related fields. When it comes to the CMA USA salaries of successful candidates, it was revealed in the IMA 2021 Salary Survey that CMA professionals earn 58% more than non-CMA professionals do. The following table has been sourced from the IMA 2021 Global Salary Survey and provides the salary details of CMA professionals:
| Location |
Salary |
Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| USD 69,000 |
USD 72,500 |
|
| USD 105,000 |
USD 118,500 |
|
| India |
USD 15,000 |
USD 16,300 |
| China |
USD 22,000 |
USD 29,000 |
| Saudi Arabia |
USD 36,000 |
USD 38,000 |
CMA salary here refers to the in-hand salary the applicants get and the compensation is the additional benefit which is non-financial but calculated.
CMA USA vs. CMA India
The following table provides a comparative analysis of the USA CMA and CMA India:
| Head |
US CMA |
Indian CMA |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Body |
IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) |
Institute of Cost Accountants of India |
| Duration |
6 months – 3 years |
3-4 years |
| Exam Structure |
Part 1 Part 2 |
Foundation Intermediate Final |
| Eligibility Criteria |
12th UG |
12th |
| Minimum Marks for Qualification |
360 out of 500 |
40% (individual) 50% (total) |
| Recognition |
Globally |
Within India |
Now that all the aspects of CMA USA certification have been covered, students must research the official website for further details and must prepare a good study plan that will help them ace the exam. So for those who ask questions like - Is CMA India globally recognised? Then the answer is no!
Candidates looking to study abroad can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university applications. Candidates can also write to us in the comments section below.
CMA USA FAQs
Q. Is CMA valid in the USA?
A. CMA is not just valid in USA, but also in other countries like Europe, UK, Canada, Germany, UAE and others. Thus, those who graduate with CMA from USA are eligible to work across the globe.
Q. In how much time can applicants complete CMA in USA?
A. The CMA program in USA, offers flexibility for aspiring management accountants to complete the course. While CMA in USA typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete both exam parts, however, dedicated students can finish in 6 to 9 months also. Candidates also have a three-year window to complete the CMA course in USA starting from the date of registration to earn their CMA certification.
Q. What is CMA USA salary?
A. The average CMA in USA salary is USD 126,000, but may vary on factors like experience, industry, company size, and location. The details are given below:
- Mean Salary: USD 86,924 (INR 72.2 L)
- Median Salary: USD 67,500 (INR 56.5 L)
Conversion Rate: 1 USD = INR 83.70
Q. What is the US CMA eligibility criteria?
A. We have listed below the CMA US eligibility criteria for international students:
- Register yourself with the IMA.
- You must have a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. If you are pursuing your graduation, you are still eligible for the US CMA. Degree verification must be done within 7 years of finishing the CMA examination.
- In order to earn a CMA certification, you must have 2 years of continuous work experience. This work experience must be in Management Accounting and/or Financial Management field.
Q. Is US CMA better than India?
A. CMA US opens the door to various opportunities for international students. Some of the benefits of earning the CMA are global recognition, advancement in career, professional growth, higher salary, and much more. In addition to this, the CMA USA offers opportunities for international networking, which makes it the preferred choice among international students.
Q. How do I become a CMA in USA?
A. To become a CMA in the USA, you need to:
- Become a member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
- Meet the required education and work experience criteria.
- Successfully pass both parts of the computer-based CMA exam.
- Complete required continuing education units to keep your certification active.
Q. Is US CMA very difficult?
A. Yes, passing the exams of CMA in USA is very difficult. The passing percentage for CMA course in USA stands somewhere around 45%, which is an average rate of passing. Thus, applicants have to be very adept with their preparation to qualify these exams.
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: What is the maximum and minimum score in GRE to get admission for MS in USA?
GRE is a popular standardised test for getting admission in MS program in the world. However, there are many universities in the USA that offer admission to MS courses without GRE scores. There is fixed minimum or maximum GRE score for admission. However, even if your GRE score is below the average for a particular program, you may still be considered for admission if you have strong qualifications in other areas. It is adviseble to check university website for the exact information.
Q: Is it hard to get into the UTSA in San Antonio Texas?
According to various sources, University of Texas San Antonio has an overall acceptance rate of around 87% which makes it somewhat selective for international student admissions. Some of the general requirements to be considered for admission are given as follows:
- SAT/ACT scores
- Overall Student's GPA
- Letters of Recommendation
- High School Class Rank
- Additional Academic Records
Q: Which is better, UIC (University of Illinois Chicago) or NIU (Northern Illinois University)?
As per an unofficial source, the University of Illinois Chicago ranked at #80 among national universities which is better than the NIU ranking at #273 position. The UIC is also exceeding in terms of graduation rates and easier selection than NIU. However, the tuition cost is more affordable at Northern Illinois University as compared to UIC. Students can get more clarity from the comparison table given below:
Particulars | University of Illinois Chicago | Northern Illinois University |
|---|---|---|
US News National Rankings 2024 | #80 | #273 |
Acceptance Rate | 79% | 70% |
Graduation Rate | 40% | 33% |
Tuition Cost | UG: INR 22L-INR 49L PG: INR 13L-INR 37L | UG: INR 10L-INR 16.5L PG: INR 8L-INR 45L |
Student-faculty ratio | 17:1 | 14:1 |
Q: What is the decent score required on the ACT test to get a good university in the USA?
The definition of a good ACT score varies from university to country. However, to get into the top 100 universities, you must aim for a score higher than 31 on the ACT.
Q: Is University of North Dakota good for Indian students?
The University of North Dakota is one of the top choices for international students to pursue their higher education. The UND warmly welcomes its international students as they have contributed a lot to the success of the university. Moreover, the university offers a top-notch environment, the best academic opportunities, technical & career training, etc. The university boasts over 1000 international students who represent more than 95 countries. Additionally, international students highly enjoy the facilities provided by the University of North Dakota. The UND is one of the largest research universities in the United States for international students.
Q: Why choose Touro University for MBA in USA rather than Kansas State University?
There are several reasons to pursue your MBA from Touro University rather than Kansas State University as Touro University is one of the top 100 MBA schools in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report, while Kansas State University's MBA programme ranks 144th. In addition, Touro University has a more reasonable cost of tuition, with MBA tuition at $950 per credit and other degrees ranging from $910 to $950 per credit. In contrast, Kansas State University's MBA tuition is $21,170 per year, plus $1,300 in other expenses. Finally, Touro University's Graduate School of Business also offers an online MBA alternative for flexible learning, tuition support programs, along with variety of scholarships for international students, including the Dean's Excellence Award.
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a year ago
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.