The US Certified Management Accountant course is a highly prestigious course known for the global accounting knowledge it imparts. Students before taking up any professional course often wonder how much time would it take for them to complete a certain course. In this fast-paced world where competition keeps getting intense by the day, every student wants to quickly build industry-relevant skills and start working.
The US CMA duration in that case gives students the perfect opportunity to complete their learning trajectory soon and kickstart a successful accounting career. The minimum US CMA course duration can be anywhere between 6 to 9 months. This means you can be a global accounting professional within a year and receive exciting offers.Â
If you are already considering US CMA as your ideal career choice, you’d want to know more about the total US CMA course duration and whether you should apply for this course after completing your 12th, graduation or CA, this article is here to answer all your questions.
What is US CMA?
The US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is a globally recognised professional certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. It equips candidates with key skills in financial planning, performance analysis, decision support, and control. With a focus on strategic management and cost accounting, US CMA is tailored for students and professionals who want to build global careers in finance, accounting, and business leadership. The course’s credibility, concise duration, and international appeal make it one of the most sought-after certifications for commerce graduates and professionals.
US CMA Course Eligibility
The eligibility for US CMA is designed to accommodate both students and professionals. Here’s a quick look at the key requirements:
- Academic Qualification: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. However, students can begin their US CMA journey after Class 12 and appear for the exams during or after graduation.
- Work Experience: Two years of relevant full-time work experience in management accounting or financial management, which can be completed before or within seven years of passing the exams.
- IMA Membership: Candidates must be an active member of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
This flexible structure allows students to prepare early and professionals to upskill while working.
US CMA Course Duration
Apart from being a fairly interesting course that helps build leadership skills, the US CMA course is also a fairly short course that can be completed within a year. While there are no exemptions for US CMA, this course can be fairly easy to clear if you have some prior accounting experience or have pursued your graduation in any of the commerce fields like B.Com, BAF, BBI, or BMS.Â
Here’s a breakdown of the US CMA course duration.Â
|
Course Duration Breakdown |
Time Span |
| Course Duration | 6 to 9 Months |
| Work Experience | 2 years full time/ 4 years part-time |
The testing window for US CMA professionals goes on for three years. This means, that you can give your US CMA examinations while balancing your work experience or other educational qualifications. While the US CMA course is a fairly short course with just two parts, it is not that easy to clear since the role requires cutting-edge management skills, the course ensures that only the best candidates make it to the industry.Â
Wondering about the passing rates? Take a glimpse at the US CMA passing rates below.
| Exam Part | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | 35% | 35% | 36% | 35% | 35% | 40% | 35% | 45% |
| Part 2 | 42% | 49% | 55% | 52% | 50% | 50% | 50% | 45% |
Pursue the US CMA course after 12thÂ
For those who want to pursue this course and aren’t sure about the eligibility requirements we understand your dilemma. The best part about this course is that you can pursue US CMA right after your 12th degree. This means you can complete your graduation along with your professional course and explore a range of global opportunities by the time you graduate.
However, if you wish to work along with your graduation and then pursue US CMA, you can do this course post your graduation or during the the last year of your Bachelor’s degree. What you need to keep in mind is that after completing your US CMA course, you also require 2 years of relevant work experience to receive your final certification.
Also Read : US CMA vs CMA India: Which is better?
Pursuing US CMA after CAÂ
CMA stands for Certified Management Accounting. It is a professional accounting course offered by the Institute of Management Accountants with a legacy of over a 100 years. While it’s a top trending course in India, due to the global opportunities it offers. There are several students these days who pursue US CMA during or after CA. Here are some of the reasons why.
- CA prepares students for accounting challenges in India while US CMA opens up broader, global opportunities.
- The CA course equips students with taxation, financial accounting and controlling, and budgeting skills, while US CMA on the other hand, equips students with forecasting, budgeting, consulting and decision-making skills.
- A CA degree gives you signing authority in India, Australia, the Middle East, Ireland, and some parts of Europe. A US CMA degree on the other hand has great demand in all the economically developed/developing countries.
- A dual degree in these varied accounting courses could expand your skillset and bring you attractive salary packages.
US CMA Course Details: Syllabus
The US CMA course is divided into two parts, each covering essential topics in management accounting:
Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
- External Financial Reporting Decisions
- Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology and Analytics
Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Decision Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
Each part requires in-depth understanding and application-based learning, which helps candidates develop practical finance skills for global careers.
US CMA Course Details: Fees
Here’s a breakdown of the US CMA course fees (as per 2025 estimates):
| Component | Students | Professionals |
| IMA Membership | $49 | $295 |
| CMA Entrance Fee | $210 | $280 |
| Exam Fee (per part) | $345 | $460 |
| Total (Both Parts) | ~$949 | ~$1,495 |
Note: Zell Education often provides bundled packages including coaching, study materials, mock tests, and mentorship—making the preparation process more streamlined.
US CMA Passing Rate
The US CMA exams are known for their moderate difficulty, and passing requires consistent effort and the right preparation strategy. Here’s a look at recent passing rates:
| Year | Part 1 Pass Rate | Part 2 Pass Rate |
| 2020 | 45% | 45% |
| 2021 | 40% | 50% |
| 2022 | 45% | 50% |
| 2023 | 48% | 52% |
| 2024 | 51% (est.) | 55% (est.) |
These figures indicate a steadily improving pass rate, especially among students who follow structured guidance and coaching support.
US CMA Examination Pattern
The US CMA exam consists of two parts, each comprising 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and two essay-type questions. Here’s how it works:
- Duration: 4 hours per part
- 3 hours for MCQs
- 1 hour for essay questions
- Scoring: You must answer at least 50% of the MCQs correctly to qualify for the essay section.
- Passing Score: 360 out of 500
The exam pattern tests analytical thinking, practical decision-making, and financial acumen—key skills for management accountants.
How to Register for US CMA?
Here are the steps to register for the US CMA course:
- Join the IMA: Register as a member on the IMA website.
- Pay the CMA Entrance Fee: This gives you access to the exams.
- Schedule the Exam: Choose your preferred exam window (Jan-Feb, May-Jun, or Sep-Oct).
- Start Preparing: Enrol with a coaching provider like Zell Education for expert-led preparation, mock tests, and personalised guidance.
Ensure that you complete registration and scheduling well in advance of your chosen exam window.
CMA Scholarship in the US
The IMA offers a CMA Scholarship Program for high-achieving students, nominated by faculty members. It covers:
- IMA membership fees
- CMA entrance fee
- Exam registration fees for both parts
- Access to study resources
If you’re currently a student with strong academic performance, speak to your college faculty about nominating you for this scholarship. Zell Education can also guide eligible students through the application process.
Career Prospects and Salary After Completing US CMA
The US CMA designation opens doors to top-tier roles in finance and management across industries. Career opportunities include:
- Financial Analyst
- Cost Accountant
- Budget Analyst
- Finance Manager
- Internal Auditor
- Controller
- CFO
Average Salary Range in India (2025):
- Entry-Level: ₹6 – ₹8 LPA
- Mid-Level: ₹10 – ₹15 LPA
- Senior-Level: ₹20 LPA and above
Globally, CMAs earn an average of 67% more than non-certified peers. With companies increasingly hiring finance professionals with strategic and analytical skills, the US CMA is a great way to future-proof your career.
CMA in US vs CMA in India
| Feature | US CMA | CMA India |
| Governing Body | IMA (USA) | ICMAI (India) |
| Duration | 6–9 months | 3–4 years |
| Global Recognition | Widely recognised | Limited mostly to India |
| No. of Exams | 2 parts | 3 levels |
| Focus Areas | Costing, Strategic Finance, Analytics | Cost Accounting, Indian Taxation |
| Flexibility | High (online testing windows) | Fixed exam schedule |
Students aiming for global roles often prefer the US CMA, while those focused on Indian corporates and public sector jobs may opt for CMA India. A combination of both can be highly advantageous.
Conclusion
The US CMA is a power-packed professional qualification that combines speed, strategic value, and global reach. Whether you are starting after 12th, mid-way through graduation, or even after CA, this course offers flexibility, practical skills, and an international edge. With a duration of under a year, structured coaching, and a clear path to global finance careers, US CMA is a smart investment for any ambitious commerce student or professional.
We hope with this article, we’ve cleared all your doubts regarding the US CMA course duration and eligibility after 12th, graduation and CA. After getting all the information you need on US CMA, If you wish to pursue a career in management accounting, check out our Certified Management Accountant (CMA) course.
FAQs on US CMA Course Duration
Is US CMA recognized in India?
Yes, US CMA is a globally recognized course that is also accepted in India.
What is the approximate study time for US CMA?
The total time it takes to prepare for US CMA is approximately 300 hours. You need at least to give at least 150 hours to prepare for each exam.
Is US CMA better than CFA?
While both the courses are at par with each other, the US CMA course has more demand globally than CFA.
