How do you become a CMA?

The CMA path takes different forms in the same way that applicants have any one of many varied backgrounds (and interests). CMA’s high standards are never comprised, but we do provide options and choices where we can.

There are three required steps to obtain your CMA designation. These steps are as follows:

Step 1: Foundational Studies
Step 2: CMA Entrance Exam
Step 3: CMA Professional Studies

To obtain more information, please choose the path that best describes you...

• Path for University Graduates
• Path for Accounting Graduates
• Path from a CMA-Accredited Program
• Path for Executives

Path for University Graduates

Step 1:

The CMA Foundational Studies Program is the quickest and most cost-effective path for meeting the CMA foundational requirements (though, if you have a university degree in accounting, please see column at right).

To be eligible, applicants must have a completed university degree including introductory courses in financial accounting, management accounting, economics, and statistics.

Step 2:

Having completed the CMA Foundational Studies Program,  everyone in this stream must successfully challenge the CMA Entrance Exam.

Step 3:

Having passed the CMA  Entrance Exam, candidates may choose between the regular CMA Professional Program or the combined MBA -CMA Program.

Path for Accounting Graduates

Step 1:

Most university-degree programs specializing in accounting will meet (or nearly meet) the CMA foundational requirements provided students select their elective courses appropriately.

Step 2:

Having completed their foundational studies as part of their university accounting studies, all graduates must successfully challenge the CMA Entrance Exam. (If, however, you graduated from a CMA-accredited program, then see below).

Step 3:

Having passed the CMA Entrance Exam, registrants may choose between the regular CMA Professional Program or the combined  MBA-CMA Program.

Path from a CMA-Accredited Program

Step 1 and Step 2

A CMA-accredited university program allows a student to pursue a pre-determined selection of accounting courses that integrate all the CMA foundational requirements.

Those graduates with an overall average of 75 per cent will bypass the CMA Entrance Exam, in addition to the CMA Foundational Studies Program

Step 3:

Eligible graduates may choose  between the regular CMA Professional Program or the combined MBA-CMA Program.

Path for Executives

Step 1 through to Step 3

The Executive CMA Program incorporates all stages of the CMA path from foundational studies through to accreditation.

Admission is normally restricted to university graduates with a minimum of five years’ qualifying experience in senior strategic leadership positions.

Depending on individual organizations, examples will typically include directors, vice-presidents, CFOs, and CEOs.