The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is the most prestigious globalization certification. It would prepare an accountant to specialize in strategic management and financial decision-making roles. The subjects of the CMA syllabus will give detailed knowledge about the financial and non-financial areas of business management. This guide will take you through all areas of the CMA syllabus, outlining the topics that will be covered and the skills you will gain.
The entire CMA syllabus is divided into three parts: foundation, intermediate, and final level. They target different aspects of management accounting and are done in a manner that is clear and detailed. The topics that are covered are very vast and important for the current business environment. Here is the detailed syllabus for CMA foundation, intermediate, and final level examinations.
Four papers are conducted in the CMA Foundation level examination. Here take a look at the below table which explains a list of CMA Foundation level papers.
CMA Papers | Syllabus |
1 | Fundamentals of Economics & Management |
2 | Fundamentals of Accounting |
3 | Fundamentals of Law and Ethics |
4 | Fundamentals of Business Mathematics & Statistics |
CMA Intermediate syllabus is divided into two groups, Group I and Group II. Here look at the topics mentioned in the table below.
Four papers are conducted under CMA Intermediate course Group I. Let’s take a look at that.
CMA Papers | Syllabus |
5 | Business Law and Ethics |
6 | Financial Accounting |
7 | Direct and Indirect Taxation |
8 | Cost Accounting |
CMA Intermediate Course Group II has also four examinations mentioned in the table below.
CMA Papers | Syllabus |
9 | Operations Management and Strategic Management |
10 | Corporate Accounting and Auditing |
11 | Financial Management and Business Data Analytics |
12 | Management Accounting |
The CMA Final Course syllabus is divided into Group III and Group IV. The topics that fall under this exam are of advanced level. Here are the topics mentioned in the table below.
Checkout the syllabus for CMA Final Course Group III.
CMA Papers | Syllabus |
13 | Corporate and Economics Law |
14 | Strategic Financial Management |
15 | Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation |
16 | Strategic Cost Management |
The syllabus for CMA Final Course is also divided into 4 papers. Here is the table that explains the four exams of the CMA Final Course.
CMA Papers | Syllabus |
17 | Cost and Management Audit |
18 | Corporate Financial Accounting |
19 | Indirect Tax Laws and Practice |
20 | 20 A: Strategic Performance Management and Business Valuation |
20 B: Risk Management in Banking and Insurance | |
20 C: Entrepreneurship and Startup |
Part A of the CMA syllabus focuses on financial reporting, planning, performance management, and application of analytics in making business decisions. This will be a very essential segment of the course for candidates to understand what aspects of finance drive the decisions of businesses.
Part 2 of the CMA syllabus contains topics on financial management, strategy, decision analysis, and risk management. The information in this section helps to prepare candidates on how to make strategic financial decisions within a business set-up.
The CMA syllabus is not only designed to test one’s knowledge of the theory, but the same can also build practical skills and competencies that will be of much help in the practice of management accounting. Some of the key competencies acquired include:
The depth and breadth of the CMA syllabus make it a very resourceful package for professionals to practice the complex demands of the management accounting profession. The topics it covers range from financial planning to performance management and strategy in financial management, which makes sure that candidates develop relevant skills to excel in their careers. Whether you’re just initiating your career or looking for senior-level positions, the CMA certification will lead you through a pathway to fulfilling your professional goals.
Q1. What is the syllabus of CMA?
A1. The CMA syllabus is divided into two parts, one is, Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics and part 2 is Strategic Financial Management.
Q2. Will the CMA syllabus change yearly?
A2. No, the CMA syllabus does not change yearly. It was last changed in 2016 by ICMAI.
Q3. Is CMA very difficult?
A3. Yes, CMA is a difficult exam that tests your academic knowledge. The average passing rate for both subjects is 45%, which is less than half of the people taking this exam.
Q4. Is CMA as tough as CA?
A4. According to many students, CA is more tough than CMA because there are various students who pass the CMA exam with better marks as compared to CA.
Consumer rights and responsibilities are very essential components in the relationship between consumers and the…
The going concern concept is a fundamental principle in accounting that assumes a business will…
The channels of distribution play a critical role in ensuring that products reach the end…
Comparative statements are a critical tool in financial analysis, used to assess the performance of…
The differences between journal and ledger are essential to understanding the basics of accounting. Both…
The functions of commercial banks are crucial for the smooth operation of an economy. Commercial…
This website uses cookies.