US CMA Course Fees & Total Cost Guide

US CMA, which stands for Certified Management Accountant, is a course offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in the US. This course allows you to get qualified to work in the field of management accounting in countries like the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

In this course, you will learn the management aspects of accounting and finance such that you will be able to make strategic financial decisions for your company or client. 

If you’re considering a career in global finance or strategic management, the US CMA course might be the right step forward. This certification, offered by the IMA, opens doors to international job opportunities in the accounting and finance sectors. But before diving in, it’s essential to understand the total investment required—including exam fees, coaching costs, and additional expenses.

US CMA Eligibility Criteria 

• You can start studying for CMA after completing your class 12. 
• To be certified as a CMA, you will need a Bachelor’s degree, completion of the CMA papers and 2 years of work experience. 

US CMA Exam Fees in India 

Wondering how much it will cost you to pursue US CMA? Here are the nitty-gritty details –

 The total amount payable to the IMA body depends on whether you are a student or a professional. It would cost you a lot more to pursue US CMA as a professional than it would as a full-time student. The entire amount payable to the IMA body can be broken down as follows: 

US CMA Course Fees

If you sign up with a coaching class for US CMA, in addition to these fees, you will also have to pay your coaching fees.

At Zell Education, the total fees for US CMA are INR 85,000. 

So the total cost of pursuing US CMA in India will be around INR 1 to 1.3 lakhs.

US CMA Course Structure

Scope of US CMA

The US CMA course is great for those who have an inclination toward learning about business strategies when it comes to accounting and finance. After completing US CMA, you will be able to work with a lot of customer-focused brands and companies that need management accounting professionals.  

There are many benefits to pursuing the US CMA course including international exposure, growth opportunities and development of entrepreneurial skills. You will have a chance to work with companies like Amazon, Accenture, Coca-cola and even Apple.

After completing this course, the starting salary that you can expect will be around INR 5-7 lpa. Even if you are already in the field of accounting and finance and you would like to pursue international opportunities in your career, pursuing US CMA might be a good fit for you.

CMA India vs CMA US

People often mistakes the US CMA course with the Indian Cost and Management Accounting (CMA) course when they do their research. Both of these courses are quite different in a lot of ways. In the recent past, students tend to prefer the option of the CMA course offered by IMA as compared to the one offered by the ICWAI. 

The Indian CMA course is offered by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) and has a course duration of 3-4 years, which is quite long compared to US CMA. So, if you are interested in pursuing a career as a Management Accountant in India and across the world, the US CMA course might be a better option to choose.

If you are planning to take the US CMA course, post your graduation, we hope that these details on US CMA fees will help you understand the overall costs in a better way. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a credential awarded by the Institute for Management Accountants, USA. This global certification is open to all students who have completed their 10+2 or the high school equivalent. If you are interested in pursuing a career in accounting, check out Zell Education’s Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Course.

Total Cost Breakdown for CMA US Certification

Understanding the fee structure for CMA US is essential to making a well-informed decision. The total cost varies depending on whether you’re enrolling as a student or a working professional.  These IMA-related fees are mandatory and form the core investment of your CMA journey.

Student Category Total

• IMA Membership Fee: USD 39
• Entrance Fee: USD 210
• Exam Fee (both parts): USD 690 (USD 345 x 2)

Total: USD 939 (Approx. INR 74,000*)
Students benefit from significantly discounted rates, which makes it a great time to enrol and save.

Professional Category Total

• IMA Membership Fee: USD 245
• Entrance Fee: USD 280
• Exam Fee (both parts): USD 920 (USD 460 x 2)

Total: USD 1,445 (Approx. INR 113,000*)
Professionals pay a higher fee due to increased access to resources and industry-level recognition benefits.

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Additional Costs to Consider for CMA USA

While IMA fees form the foundation, there are additional expenses you must plan for. These are usually related to your preparation and logistics. Factoring in these costs early on helps prevent last-minute surprises and keeps your budget realistic.

Study Material Costs

Expect to spend INR 10,000–30,000 on textbooks, question banks, and mock test series depending on your provider. Opting for updated, comprehensive resources can make a huge difference in understanding key concepts.

Coaching or Training Fees

At Zell Education, the CMA USA course costs INR 85,000, which includes expert faculty guidance, study material, and exam support. Coaching helps fast-track your learning and reduces the chances of needing costly exam retakes.

Exam Retake Fees

If you don’t clear a part on the first attempt, you’ll need to repay the exam fee per part (USD 345/460). Being well-prepared from the beginning is the most effective way to avoid these extra costs.

Travel & Accommodation

If your nearest Prometric Center is in a different city, budget for transport, hotel stays, and meals. Depending on your location, this could range from INR 2,000–10,000 per exam attempt.

Tips to Maximize ROI on US CMA Certification

Getting the best value for your investment means thinking beyond just passing the exam.  Here are some practical tips to increase your return on investment and make the most of your CMA career path.

Create a Preparation Plan

Make a study calendar that aligns with your exam window and work/college schedule. Consistency in preparation reduces stress and lowers the risk of needing to retake exams.

Use Free Resources

Combine free tools like IMA samples, YouTube tutorials, and forums with your main materials. This enhances your understanding and keeps your costs low without sacrificing quality.

Look Out for Discounts

Watch for seasonal discounts, scholarships, or partner offers—IMA often has student deals. Also, some coaching institutes bundle discounts with early registration.

Join CMA Networks/Forums for Support

Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp study groups provide doubt-solving, motivation, and exam tips. Being part of a community keeps you focused and accountable throughout your journey.

Budgeting Tips for CMA Aspirants

Budgeting well ensures that you stay on track financially and complete the course without strain. Here’s how you can plan your money smartly during your CMA journey.

How to Set a Budget for the Certification Journey

Create a budget sheet including IMA fees, coaching costs, study materials, travel, and an emergency buffer. Divide this across the timeline of your study plan to track expenses monthly.

Payment Options & Instalment Plans 

Zell Education offers flexible EMI plans, allowing you to split your fees into manageable monthly payments. This makes the course more accessible, especially for students and working professionals with financial constraints.

Smart Ways to Save Without Compromising Quality

Opt for online coaching over classroom-based options to save on travel and lodging. Use digital materials, refer to shared notes from peers, and attend free webinars from credible educators.

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Conclusion

Pursuing the US CMA course is a strategic step that can lead to international career opportunities and impressive salary growth. With careful budgeting, strategic preparation, and guidance from the right training partner, you can successfully complete your CMA certification without overextending your finances. Your investment today can unlock a financially rewarding and globally recognized career tomorrow.

FAQs on US CMA Course Fees

Is the US CMA very difficult?

It can be challenging due to its analytical and application-based format, but it’s manageable with structured preparation and the right resources.

Are US CMAs in demand?

Yes, US CMAs are in demand across industries like consulting, retail, tech, and manufacturing due to their unique skills in financial strategy and performance management.

Can I pass the US CMA without coaching?

Technically yes, but many find coaching helpful for structured study, expert tips, and doubt-solving—especially while balancing work or studies.

Is CMA US better than MBA?

US CMA is more specialized and faster to complete, while an MBA offers broader business exposure. For accounting and finance roles, CMA can offer a better ROI and global relevance.

Can I Do Us CMA from India?

Yes, you can pursue US CMA from India. These exams are conducted at the designated Prometric Test Center which is also available in India.

What are the job prospects after US CMA?

After completing US CMA, you will be able to work in job profiles like Cost Accountant, Risk Management, Wealth Creation and Asset Management.

What are the eligibility criteria for US CMA?

Students can start studying for CMA after the 12th grade pass out. To be certified as a CMA, you will need a Bachelor’s degree, completion of the CMA papers and 2 years of work experience

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.