CMA USA is the Certified Management Accountant course offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. This course builds strong knowledge in financial planning, control, analysis, decision support, and professional ethics.The CMA USA course helps you become a financial expert who supports business leaders in making the right choices. It is one of the most respected certifications in the finance world. Today, CMA USA jobs are in demand in India and abroad. Big firms like Deloitte, EY, PwC, and even global companies like Amazon hire CMAs.
What is CMA USA?
CMA USA full form is Certified Management Accountant—USA. The course comes from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a globally recognized body. It is a professional certification for people who want to work in management accounting and financial strategy.The CMA USA certification proves that you understand advanced accounting and financial skills. This includes planning, budgeting, risk management, and decision-making. You become a trusted financial advisor in a company.
This course is recognized in over 100 countries. It is accepted in the USA, Canada, India, UAE, UK, and many other parts of the world. It gives you strong global career options.You can complete this course in a short time. Compared to other courses like CA, CFA, or CPA, the CMA USA duration is only 6 to 12 months if you study regularly. The CMA USA certificate opens many doors in finance, accounting, and business leadership.
CMA USA Course Details
The CMA USA course is simple and has only two parts. You don’t need to study for years or pass many levels. The IMA keeps the structure clean and focused on real-world skills.
You must complete these two parts:
- Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
- Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
Each part has a computer-based test with 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay-type questions. You can take exams in testing windows spread across the year—January/February, May/June, and September/October. There are no group-wise exams like CA or scattered papers like CPA. You prepare one part at a time and pass. That’s why the CMA USA course duration is short.
Students who prepare well can complete the course in 6 to 12 months. The course is ideal for:
- Commerce students
- Finance or MBA students
- Working professionals
- People aiming for international careers
With the right study material and guidance, CMA USA becomes a career-changing qualification.
CMA USA Syllabus
The CMA USA syllabus is created to match real-world job needs. It covers all parts of finance and management. It includes both technical and business concepts.
CMA USA Syllabus – Part 1
Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics- 100 questions and 2 essay questions
- External Financial Reporting Decisions
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology and Analytics
CMA USA Syllabus – Part 2
Strategic Financial Management- 100 Questions and 2 essay questions
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Decision Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
You can easily get the CMA USA syllabus PDF from the IMA website or official partners. It helps you plan your study timeline. The syllabus is practical and connects with modern job roles. You don’t just learn theory. You solve case studies and business problems.
The CMA USA study material includes textbooks, video lectures, mock exams, and practice papers. You can also buy CMA USA books from Gleim, Wiley, Becker, or Hock publishers. These are globally accepted resources.
CMA USA Course Fees in Indian Rupees
The CMA USA fees may change based on exchange rates or discounts. Students can get lower membership and exam fees if they register as “student members.” You can also pay in dollars through the IMA USA site. But many coaching providers in India offer full packages in INR with books and mentoring.
Let’s break it down.
| Fee Type | Amount in INR (approx.) |
| IMA Membership | ₹19,000 |
| Entrance Fee (One-Time) | ₹30,000 |
| Exam Fees (Per Part – 2 Parts) | ₹40,000 x 2 = ₹80,000 |
| Coaching (Optional) | ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹1,70,000 – ₹2,30,000 |
CMA USA Eligibility Criteria
The CMA USA eligibility is simple. You do not need to pass entrance exams like CAT, GMAT, or CPT. So even 12th-passed students can start preparing early. You can complete the course and then work while waiting to fulfill your work experience.The CMA USA course suits freshers, college students, and working professionals alike.
Minimum CMA USA Eligibility
- Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university (in any stream)
- OR pursuing a bachelor’s degree (final year students can also apply)
- AND pass both parts of the CMA USA exam
- AND two years of relevant work experience (can be done before or after exams)
CMA USA Duration—How Long Does it Take?
The CMA USA course duration is short compared to other accounting courses. Each exam part takes about 3 to 4 months of preparation. If you are focused and use the right CMA USA study material, you can pass each part on the first attempt. Many working professionals study after office hours or on weekends and complete the course within a year. This short duration helps you start earning faster and grab job opportunities.
- Fastest Time: 6 to 9 months
- Average Time: 12 to 18 months
- Maximum Allowed Time: 3 years (after registering with IMA)
CMA USA Pass Percentage
The CMA USA pass percentage shows how tough or easy the exam is. It changes every year. This means the exam is not very easy, but not too hard either. You need the right planning and guidance. Many students fail Part 1 due to underestimating its depth. Using good CMA USA books and mock tests is the key to clearing it. Stick to a proper plan, revise smartly, and practice essays. But on average:
- Part 1 Pass Rate: 40% to 45%
- Part 2 Pass Rate: 45% to 50%
CMA USA Job Opportunities
Once you pass the exams and complete work experience, you unlock amazing CMA USA job opportunities.You can apply for CMA USA jobs in companies across the world. In India, MNCs and Big 4 firms are always hiring CMA USA candidates at various designations:
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Cost Controller
- Budget Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Risk Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Business Consultant
Top Companies Hiring CMA USA
Top MNCs and Big 4s hiring CMA professionals across various departments and positions are the following:
- Amazon
- Accenture
- Deloitte
- EY
- PwC
- KPMG
- IBM
- Infosys
- Capgemini
- Tata Group
CMA USA Salary in India & Abroad
The CMA USA salary in India is among the best in the accounting field. The CMA USA salary increases fast with experience and skills. The global demand ensures you always have career growth.
- Freshers: ₹5 to ₹8 LPA (lakhs per annum)
- 1–3 Years Experience: ₹8 to ₹12 LPA
- Managers/CFOs: ₹20+ LPA
In the USA or Gulf countries, CMA holders earn even more.
- USA CMA Salary: $70,000 to $125,000 per year
- UAE CMA Salary: AED 180,000 to AED 250,000 per year
CMA USA FAQs
1. Who can do the CMA USA course?
Anyone with a bachelor’s degree (in any stream) or even students in their final year of graduation can do the CMA USA course. There is no entrance exam to start this course.
2. How long is the CMA USA course duration?
The CMA USA course duration is around 6 to 12 months. Students who study consistently can finish the course in one year. You get up to 3 years to complete both exams after joining IMA.
3. What are the CMA USA course details?
The CMA USA course has only two parts:
- Part 1: Financial Planning and Analytics
- Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
Each part has an exam with MCQs and essays. You must pass both to earn the certification.
4. What is the CMA USA course fees in Indian rupees?
The CMA USA course fees in Indian rupees is around ₹1.7 to ₹2.3 lakhs. This includes IMA membership, entrance fee, exam fees, and coaching (if you choose).
5. What is the CMA USA exam fee?
The CMA USA exam fees is about $460 per part. You also pay a one-time IMA entrance fee of around $280. Students get discounts if they apply under the student category.
6. What is the CMA USA salary in India?
A CMA USA salary in India starts at ₹5–₹8 lakhs per year for freshers. With 3–5 years of experience, professionals can earn ₹10–₹15 lakhs per year or even more.
7. What is the pass percentage of CMA USA?
The average CMA USA pass percentage is 40–50% for each part. With proper study material and coaching, many students pass on their first attempt.
8. What are the CMA USA job opportunities?
CMA USA job opportunities include roles like:
- Management Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Internal Auditor
- Cost Controller
- Budget Analyst
These jobs are available in MNCs, Big 4 firms, banks, and manufacturing companies.
