CMA Eligibility 2025 sets forth the mandatory age and educational criteria that must be satisfied for an applicant to qualify for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) professional program. Today, CMA is recognized globally, focusing on expertise in the fields of financial management, cost control, and strategic planning. It is of utmost importance that aspiring candidates go through the eligibility norms of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) prior to applying. An individual has to fulfill these requirements to mark their very first step towards establishing a career in management accounting and prepare them for various financial-related occupations globally. Candidates should check the official CMA handbook to obtain comprehensive knowledge pertaining to eligibility, documentation, and guidelines, and after that, they would become competent to fill in the CMA exam application form.
CMA Course Eligibility Criteria
Before discussing CMA eligibility details, it is important to understand the key requirements for the CMA program. The following table outlines the age limits, educational qualifications, and other essential criteria that candidates must meet to be eligible for the US CMA course certification. This information will help prospective candidates assess their eligibility and plan their preparation accordingly. The CMA exam has no upper age limit, and the applicant must be an Indian.
The CMA eligibility to apply for the CMA exam at all three levels varies.
| Course | Educational Qualifications |
| CMA Eligibility Foundation Course | Candidate should have passed Class 10 or equivalent from a recognized Board or Institution |
| CMA Eligibility Intermediate Course | Passed Senior Secondary School Examination / Higher Secondary Examination (10+2) and Foundation Course of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India |
Also, check out the detailed syllabus for CMA Inter examination.
CMA Eligibility Criteria For Foundation Course
To be eligible for the CMA Foundation Course, candidates must meet certain educational criteria. Below is a summary of the eligibility requirements and exemptions available for prospective candidates:
- Candidates must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or institution.
- Alternatively, candidates must have passed the Senior Secondary School Examination under the 10+2 scheme of a recognized board or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent.
- Candidates who have passed the National Diploma in Commerce Examination conducted by the All India Council for Technical Education or any State Board of Technical Education are also eligible.
- Those who have completed the Diploma in Rural Service Examination conducted by the National Council of Rural Higher Education can also apply.
- Candidates who have passed the Foundation level examination conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) are exempt from the CMA Foundation Course, and vice versa.
- Candidates who have passed the Intermediate Examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) are also exempt from the CMA Foundation Course. Similarly, those who have passed the intermediate examination are exempt from the Common Proficiency Test conducted by ICAI.
- Direct admission to the Intermediate Course is available for candidates who have passed the qualifying examination, exempting them from the Foundation Course (as per Annexure VI).
- Students can apply for provisional admission to the CMA Course. They are given 36 months to convert their provisional status to regular status.
CMA Eligibility Checker
Highest Educational Qualification: — Select — Passed Class 10 Passed Class 12 (10+2) National Diploma in Commerce Graduation (Other than Fine Arts) Foundation of ICSI/Intermediate of ICAI Foundation of CMA Intermediate of CMA
Have you completed 15 months of practical training? — Select — Yes No
Check Eligibility
CMA Exam Eligibility For Intermediate Course
For admission to the CMA Intermediate Course, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications. The following criteria outline the eligibility requirements, including options for provisional registration for those awaiting their final level results:
- Candidates must have passed Senior Secondary School Examination (10+2) or the Higher Secondary Examination and completed the Foundation Course of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India.
- Alternatively, candidates who have qualified in the Foundation (Entry Level) Part I Examination of the Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) Course conducted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India are eligible.
- Those who have completed a degree examination from any recognized university can also apply for the Intermediate Course.
- Candidates currently pursuing an Engineering course who have completed the second year (or Semester IV/equivalent) are eligible, as well as those who have qualified as engineers.
- Applicants must qualify as a subject other than music, dancing, photography, painting, sculpture, or similar fields.
- A detailed list of other qualifying examinations for direct admission to the Intermediate Course is provided in Annexure VI.
- Candidates awaiting the results of their degree examinations can apply for provisional registration. Such candidates have 18 months to convert their provisional status to regular status.
To qualify for the CMA Final Course, candidates must satisfy the following detailed CMA eligibility standards:
- Candidates should have completed their Intermediate education (typically high school or an equivalent qualification). This serves as the foundational requirement for further studies.
- Candidates must have obtained a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institution, excluding Fine Arts. This ensures that candidates have a broad academic background suitable for the advanced study required in the CMA Final Course.
- Candidates must have cleared all eight papers of the CMA Intermediate Course. This criterion ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge and skills in understanding of management accounting and related subjects. Thus, preparing them for the rigorous content of the CMA Final Course.
CMA Direct Entry Eligibility Criteria
If you wish to become a Registered Student, you must apply to the Institute of Cost Accountants of India using the provided registration form, pay the required fees, and submit documentary evidence that satisfies the Council of your qualifications. You should have completed one of the following examinations:
- A bcom degree examination from any recognized university or its equivalent.
- Graduate students with honors degrees from any recognized university.
- If you are an engineering student who has completed the second year or Semester IV. Or if you are a qualified engineer, you can apply for direct admission to the Intermediate Course.
- A master’s degree examination from any recognized university or any of the Indian Institutes of Management.
- An engineering degree examination from any recognized university an Indian Institute of Technology or the Indian Institute of Science.
- The final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or from similar institutes in England and Wales, Scotland, or Ireland, or the final examinations of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in London, or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Or the final examination of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, U.K.
- Cleared the Foundation Course Examination of this Institute.
- Cleared the Entry Level-Part I Examination of the Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) course of this Institute.
- Both the Entry Level-Part I Examination and Competency Level Part II Examination of the Certificate in Accounting Technicians (CAT) course of this institute make you eligible for admission to the Intermediate Course.
- Section ‘A’ and Section ‘B’ Examinations of the Institution of Engineers (India) or equivalent.
- The Subordinate Accounts Service Examination is conducted by Central/State Government Organisations.
- Parts I and II of the Banking Examinations styled C.A.I.I.B.
- Any other examination recognized by the Council for admission as a registered student of the Institute.
- The Foundation Course Examination is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
- The Intermediate Examination (regardless of its name) for students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Note: Please note that registering as a student does not grant membership rights, nor does it entitle the registered individual to become a member of the Institute or any of its Regional Councils.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the CMA course in India?
To be eligible for the CMA USA course, candidates must have:
- A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (for certification)
- Passed Class 12 (for Indian CMA Foundation level)
- For CMA India, students can start after Class 12 for Foundation or after graduation for Intermediate.
2. Can I pursue CMA USA without a graduation degree?
Yes, but with a condition.
- You can start the CMA USA course and even appear for the exams.
- However, you need to complete your graduation before obtaining the certification.
3. What is the age limit for CMA exam eligibility?
There is no upper age limit for either CMA India or CMA USA.
- Students of any age can apply, but most candidates fall between 18 to 30 years.
- It is open to both working professionals and students.
4. What documents are needed for CMA eligibility verification?
To verify your CMA eligibility, you’ll need:
- Valid government ID proof (Aadhaar, Passport)
- Mark sheets or degree certificate
- Passport-size photos
- For CMA USA, you must also submit your academic credentials to IMA for verification.
5. Is work experience required for CMA eligibility?
- To appear for the exam: No work experience is required.
- For certification (CMA USA): You need at least 2 years of relevant work experience in financial management or management accounting.
- CMA India does not require work experience for certification.
