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Understanding the
CMA Eligibility

Before diving into preparations, it’s important to understand your eligibility, as it’s the first crucial step on your journey to becoming a Certified Management Accountant.

The CMA course eligibility consists of an official checklist of requirements you must meet to earn your CMA credential.

Knowing these eligibility requirements upfront can save time and begin your CMA journey with complete clarity and confidence.

70,000+Global Alumni
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70,000+Global Alumni
100+University Partners
600+Employer Collaborations
1,000+Students placed in the U.S.
70,000+Global Alumni
100+University Partners
600+Employer Collaborations
1,000+Students placed in the U.S.
Accountants

CMA Eligibility: Educational Requirements

One of the key pillars to consider when checking the U.S. CMA eligibility requirements is ensuring you meet the CMA education requirements. Here’s what you need:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

OR

A professional certification that’s recognized as equivalent by the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)

Those with finance, accounting, economics, or business majors are a natural fit, but any discipline qualifies so long as it's from a recognized institution. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can still register for the exam while completing your degree.

Note: To get certified, you must own a degree. There are no exceptions here.

CMA Eligibility: Work Experience Requirements

As far as work experience is concerned, to fulfill the CMA course eligibility, you need two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

Note: The experience must be relevant and should ideally include accounting concepts like inventory, budgeting, and forecasting for it to count.

You can complete the experience before or within seven years after passing the CMA exam. This means, if you're a student or early-career professional, you have time to build up your resume.

CMA Background Pattern

CMA Registration Process &Eligibility Verification

Getting your registration and eligibility done can be simple if you know how to go about it. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Register With the IMA

Begin your journey by joining the IMA as a member

Pay the CMA Entrance Fee

Schedule your testing windows at Prometric centers

Submit Your Documents

Verify you meet the education and experience requirements

The IMA will likely request transcripts, degree certificates, or employer attestations for its records. Be sure to keep such documents ready and updated for when they’re needed.

Remember to also choose your testing window and schedule your exam parts wisely, so you have enough time to prepare.

Accountants

CMA Eligibility for Students & Professionals

The CMA qualification is flexible and built to accommodate different career stages, making the path open for students and professionals. Here’s an overall rundown:

Students:

  • You can take the CMA exams while you're still pursuing your degree.
  • You must complete your CMA education requirements and gain CMA work experience to receive the certification.

Professionals:

  • There’s a high chance you already meet the CMA education requirements.
  • Previously working in relevant fields like management accounting or financial management for at least two years can also help check your CMA work experience box.
CMA Background Pattern

Work Towards Your U.S. CMAEligibility with Miles

70,000+Alumni | Spread across 9 cities across India | IMA's Platinum Partner

It’s important to thoroughly check your US CMA eligibility requirements in advance to ensure a smooth journey. But we understand that some of these processes can feel a bit overwhelming. Miles Education cuts through all the noise and helps you navigate these steps, providing end-to-end support for the following:

Evaluation of your education and experience requirements for initial eligibility checks.

End-to-end support for IMA membership, entrance exam registration, and studies.

Personalized one-on-one guidance to answer all of your queries and provide you with the best solutions.

Free CPEs from Miles Masterclass by global faculty for 3 years after certification to maintain your qualification.

Ready to Become a CMA?

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