Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized certification course offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. It provides professionals and students with essential skills in problem-solving and strategic management. In this blog, we will explore the US CMA course in 2023, including exam dates, registration, syllabus, exam pattern, and weightage of each paper.
US CMA Course Overview:
The US CMA course bridges the gap between financial accounting and business management. While the course is relatively short, clearing the US CMA exam can be challenging. Understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, and weightage of each paper is crucial for success.
US CMA Course Syllabus 2023
The US CMA exam syllabus is divided into two parts: Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics, and Part 2 – Strategic Finance Management. Each part covers various topics with different weightages. Here’s an overview of the syllabus and weightage for both parts:
Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
| Topic | Weightage |
| Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting | 20% |
| External Financial Reporting Decisions | 15% |
| Cost Management | 20% |
| Performance Management | 20% |
| Technology and Analytics | 15% |
| Internal Controls | 10% |
Part 2: Strategic Finance Management
| Topic | Weightage |
| Corporate Finance | 20% |
| Financial Statement Analysis | 25% |
| Investment Decisions | 20% |
| Decision Analysis | 10% |
| Risk Management | 10% |
| Professional Ethics | 15% |
Also Read: US CMA Salaries in India in 2023
US CMA Exam Pattern 2023:
The US CMA exam consists of two parts, each comprising 100 multiple-choice questions and essay-type questions. Candidates must score a minimum of 360 out of 500 on each part to qualify for the program. The exam provides flexibility in choosing the order of examination between Part 1 and Part 2. Here are the key details of the exam pattern:
- Exam Duration: 4 hours for each part
- Section Breakdown: 100 MCQs and essay-type questions
- MCQ Section Time: 3 hours
- Essay Section Time: 1 hour (accessible only after scoring 50% or more in the MCQ section)
Also Read : US CMA Vs India CMA : What’s the Difference?
US CMA Exam Dates 2024-2025:
| Exam Session | Last Date for Exam Registration | First Exam Date | Last Exam Date | Result Announcement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January/February 2024 | January 31, 2024 | January 1, 2024 | February 29, 2024 | To be announced |
| May/June 2024 | April 30, 2024 | May 1, 2024 | June 30, 2024 | To be announced |
| September/October 2024 | August 15, 2024 | September 1, 2024 | October 31, 2024 | To be announced |
| January/February 2025 | January 31, 2025 | January 1, 2025 | February 28, 2025 | To be announced |
| May/June 2025 | April 30, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | June 30, 2025 | To be announced |
| September/October 2025 | August 15, 2025 | September 1, 2025 | October 31, 2025 | To be announced |
Detailed Information for 2024-2025:
January/February 2024 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: January 31, 2024
- First Exam Date: January 1, 2024
- Last Exam Date: February 29, 2024
May/June 2024 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: April 30, 2024
- First Exam Date: May 1, 2024
- Last Exam Date: June 30, 2024
September/October 2024 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: August 15, 2024
- First Exam Date: September 1, 2024
- Last Exam Date: October 31, 2024
January/February 2025 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: January 31, 2025
- First Exam Date: January 1, 2025
- Last Exam Date: February 28, 2025
May/June 2025 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: April 30, 2025
- First Exam Date: May 1, 2025
- Last Exam Date: June 30, 2025
September/October 2025 Session:
- Last Date for Exam Registration: August 15, 2025
- First Exam Date: September 1, 2025
- Last Exam Date: October 31, 2025
To succeed in the US CMA exam, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus, exam pattern, and weightage of each paper. By following a well-structured study plan and aligning their preparation with the exam dates, aspiring CMAs can enhance their chances of success. It’s crucial to keep track of the official IMA website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the US CMA exam.
What are the US CMA exam dates for 2025?
The US CMA exams in 2025 will be conducted in three testing windows:
1. January/February 2025: Exams can be taken between January 1 and February 28.
2. May/June 2025: Exams are available from May 1 to June 30.
3.September/October 2025: Exams are conducted between September 1 and October 31.
How do I register for the US CMA exam in 2025?
You can register for the US CMA exam through the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) website. Ensure you register before the last date of the desired testing window. For instance, the registration deadline for the January/February 2025 window is January 31, 2025.
Can I take both parts of the US CMA exam in the same window?
Yes, candidates can take both Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics and Part 2: Strategic Financial Management during the same testing window. However, sufficient preparation time is recommended before attempting both parts in one window
When are the results for the US CMA exam announced?
Results for the US CMA exam are usually announced within 6 to 8 weeks after the last date of the testing window. For example, results for the January/February 2025 session are expected by April 2025
How often are the US CMA exams conducted each year?
The US CMA exam is held three times annually during the following windows:
1. January/February
2. May/June
3. September/October
How should I plan my study schedule for the US CMA exam?
Allocate at least 3-6 months of preparation per part. If targeting the May/June 2025 window, begin studying by January 2025.
