{"id":4226,"date":"2024-11-26T12:34:50","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T07:04:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/?p=4226"},"modified":"2025-09-17T16:01:16","modified_gmt":"2025-09-17T10:31:16","slug":"us-cma-registration-a-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/us-cma-registration-a-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"US CMA Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been working in the financial domain for quite some time and you are looking forward to stepping up the career ladder, a US Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification can add significant value to your professional growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The US CMA certification is issued by the Institution of Management Accountants (IMA) and is a globally recognized designation in the field of financial management and accounting. Considering the difficulty level of the exam, it is given that anyone who possesses this certificate has excellent command over accounting, financial analysis, management, decision support, and strategic planning.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/in.imanet.org\/career-resources\/salary-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">83%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of CMAs agree that the certification has helped enhance their professional confidence. The CMA program prepares you for top leadership roles in organizations. Each step towards the CMA designation helps build a successful and rewarding career in finance, setting CMAs apart as leaders in the field.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this blog, we will be discussing the stages of the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA registration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> process, thereby helping you embark on your journey towards a prestigious and rewarding designation.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to complete the US <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA registration<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listed below are the steps that you need to follow to qualify as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/cma-coaching-in-delhi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Certified Management Accountant<\/a>:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Joining IMA:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA full form registration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is joining IMA. IMA or Institute of Management Accountants is the body that issues the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/cma-coaching-program\/\"> US CMA certificate<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listed below are the steps for joining the IMA:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this, candidates will have to visit the membership registration page and choose \u201cJoin\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you get to choose whether you are a professional, student, or academic member.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After choosing one of the three, you will have to enter the details like the email address, contact information, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will then have to choose a strong password for the IMA account.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all of this is done, you will have to choose an IMA subject.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paying the fees:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, candidates are required to pay a fee. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/in.imanet.org\/ima-certifications\/cma-certification\/enroll-in-the-cma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA program fees<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for professionals and students\/academic candidates are as listed below (in USD):\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>For professionals\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>For students\/academic candidates\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA entrance fees: $300<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA entrance fees: $225<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam fees (for each part): $495\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exam fees (for each part): $370<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An IMA membership fee amounting to $295 and $49\/$160 for professionals and students\/academic candidates respectively is also chargeable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have paid the fees, you will receive a confirmation via email.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Registering for the examination:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The next step includes registering for the examination. The CMA examination has two parts:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Part 2: Strategic Financial Management\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Both parts 1 and 2 are conducted thrice a year. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/in.imanet.org\/ima-certifications\/cma-certification\/enroll-in-the-cma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">examination slabs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, along with the first exam date, last exam date, and registration date are listed below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><\/td>\n<td><b>September\/October 2024<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>January\/February 2025<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>May\/June 2025<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First date of examination<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1st September\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1st January\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">1st May<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last date of examination\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">31st October\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">28th February\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30th June\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last date of registration\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15th October\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15th February\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15th June\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can choose the order in which you want to take the CMA examinations.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you have registered, you will receive an authorisation number along with the testing window and a set of instructions for the candidates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scheduling the examination and appearing for it:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you have completed the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA registration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you need to schedule your examination with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.prometric.com\/test-takers\/search\/icma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prometric<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which is the testing partner and conducts the CMA exam. It is important to note that the authorization number is valid only for the testing window that you have chosen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once the examination has been scheduled, arrive at the testing centre on the scheduled date and time with the required documents<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Submitting the educational qualifications:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get the CMA certificate, one also has to fulfil the educational requirements. According to the education requirement stated by CMA, candidates should have achieved at least one of the two educational statuses:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The candidate should hold a bachelor\u2019s degree from an accredited university or college.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In case they don&#8217;t possess a traditional graduation certificate, they should have at least one approved professional certification like CA (Chartered Accountant).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can either send your original transcripts or notarized copies of your certificates to <\/span><a href=\"mailto:CMAEducationDocuments@imanet.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMAEducationDocuments@imanet.org<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is mandatory to send the IMA membership number along with the documents.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work experience:\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To acquire the CMA certification, a candidate has to acquire two years of professional experience in the field of financial management or management accounting. This experience can either be gained prior to, or within seven years of qualifying for the exam.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Benefits of becoming a Certified Management Accountant<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some of the benefits of having a US CMA certification:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Robust financial skills and knowledge:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To pursue a CMA certification exam, one should have a good command over basic as well as complex financial management processes. The CMA examination has two parts which contain all the topics that can help a candidate master these skills.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>New opportunities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Achieving the US CMA certification is not an easy feat. The very fact that you own one shows your skill and expertise in accounting and financial management. This gives vent to a vast range of new opportunities for CMAs. Since this certification is recognised and valued globally, one may also get the opportunity to work abroad.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Salary boost:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> According to IMA\u2019s Global Survey conducted in 2023, CMAs aged between 27 to 42 years earn about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/in.imanet.org\/career-resources\/salary-information\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">19%<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> more than peers of the same age who do not possess the certification.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final words<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By following these steps for <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA registration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and meeting the requirements, you can gain valuable skills in strategic decision-making and financial management. Therefore, open the door to global opportunities and earn yourself a rewarding position in the field of finance with a US CMA certification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>How many years of CMA registration is valid?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CMA registration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is valid for a duration of 7 years from the date of registration. After the completion of 7 years, the registration expires and candidates have to apply for a \u201cde-novo\u201d registration if they wish to continue pursuing the CMA course.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>What happens if I do not renew my IMA membership?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The IMA membership has to be renewed every year to maintain the CMA certificate. If a candidate does not renew the membership, the certificate becomes inactive.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>What are CPE requirements?<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During their 3 year reporting period, CMAs should complete 120 hours of \u201ccontinuing professional education\u201d in order to maintain their designation. This helps them maintain or update their skills.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you have been working in the financial domain for quite some time and you are looking forward to stepping up the career ladder, a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[49],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4226","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-us-cma"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4226"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5160,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4226\/revisions\/5160"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4226"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4226"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thewallstreetschool.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4226"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}