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A Complete Guide to Pursue CMA USA Course in 2025

Every year, more than one lakh International students study the CMA USA course to boost their career opportunities. Do you want to know how? Read this blog and explore all about this course.

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Table of Contents

What is the CMA USA Course?

The CMA USA full form is Certified Management Accountant. It is a globally recognized six to twelve-months certification program for students interested in learning about accountancy and finances. It is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). There are a lot of benefits of pursuing this certification. However, you should know them. It will help you know why the CMA USA course is always in demand among international students.

  • This course is recognized by several developing countries like the UK, India, Canada, and Middle East countries. It helps the learners to gain worldwide exposure and business ethics at an international level along with developing some various skills.
  • As you know, CMA US Duration is 6 months to 12 months. It is a short-term course compared to an MBA and MS. Hence, it helps students to save a lot on their abroad education.
  • Students can avail several scholarships worth over $35 million provided by IMA. It help them pursue the CMA certification at affordable cost.
  • As per a Global survey by IMA, the average salary of a CMA is $110,000 per year. Hence, it is way higher than a MBA or MS.

No doubt, pursuing a CMA USA course is way more beneficial than other master's degrees. However, it is not an easy task to study them due to the eligibility criteria. Let's know them here. It will help you predict your chances of pursuing it in America.

CMA Exam Pattern

Before giving any exam in the world, understanding the exam pattern is one of the most crucial step. Therefore, the table below shows the details about the CMA exam pattern for 2025.

Exam Section

Exam Format

Duration

Section 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

l Multiple-choice questions: 100

l Two essay questions, which combine to cover 10-12 calculations or written answers

  •  Multiple-choice questions: 3 Hours
  •  Essay questions: 1 Hour

Section 2: Strategic Financial Management

l Multiple-choice questions: 100

l Two essay questions, which combine to cover 10-12 calculations or written answers

  •  Multiple-choice questions: 3 Hours
  •  Essay questions: 1 Hour

This is the CMA exam pattern for 2025. Thus, give a thorough read to it and be fully prepared to appear in the exam. Moreover, there are several scholarships that you can avail for this course. To know the important details about the same, go through the next section.

Planning to Study CMA in the USA?

CMA USA Course Eligibility Criteria and Requirements?

CMA is a highly reputed course in the United States and other developing countries. Students need to fulfil some eligibility and document requirements to study them.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria to study the CMA USA course are as follows:

  • Candidates must have an IMA Membership.
  • Higher Secondary Certificate/ Mark Sheet of Class 12th.
  • Completed the bachelor's degree course in a relevant discipline.
  • At least 2 years of professional experience in Finance, Accounting or Management.

Document Requirement

Students need a valid passport or government-issued identity card to register for the US CMA Course. Remember that the ID card should have your photograph. You must note that you will not be allowed to register or take the CMA exam without proper identification.

Now, you can evaluate your chances of studying for a CMA course in the USA. So, now, let's understand its syllabus.

Note- You must use a University Finder for USA to know about the institutes offering admissions based on your eligibility.

CMA USA Course Syllabus

The CMA syllabus is divided into two parts, with a range of topics. However, let's understand them in detail. It will help you with the best exam preparation.

CMA USA Course Details - Syllabus Part 1

The syllabus for the CMA USA course consists of a hundred multiple-choice questions and two essay-type questions. Candidates have to score a minimum of 360 marks on a scale of 0 to 500 to qualify for the CMA in the United States. However, the topics covered in the first part include:

  • Technology and Analysis- Data governance, Data Analytics, Information systems, Technology-enabled finance transformation.
  • Internal Controls- Governance, System controls, security measures and risk, and compliance.
  • Cost Management- Measurement concepts, Costing systems, Overhead costs, Supply chain management, Business process improvement.
  • Performance Management- Cost and variance measures, Responsibility centers and reporting segments, Performance measures.
  • Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting- Strategic planning, Budgeting concepts, Forecasting techniques, Budgeting methodologies, Annual profit plan and supporting schedules, Top-level planning and analysis.
  • External Financial Reporting Decisions- Financial statement, Recognition, measurement, valuation, and disclosure.

These are the CMA course details for part 1. Now, in this part, let's look at what you will face in the second part.

CMA USA Course Details - Syllabus Part 2

The exam pattern for the second syllabus of the CMA in the United is the same as the first one. However, the topics covered in this part are as follows:

  • Financial Statement Analysis:Basic financial statement analysis; Financial ratios; Profitability analysis; Special issues.
  • Corporate Finance:Risk and return; Long-term financial management; Raising capital; Working capital management; Corporate restructuring; International Finance.
  • Decision Analysis:Cost/volume/profit analysis; Marginal analysis; Pricing.
  • Risk Management:Enterprise risk
  • Investment Decisions:Capital budgeting process; Capital investment analysis methods.
  • Professional Ethics:Business ethics; Ethical considerations for management accounting and financial management professionals; Ethical considerations for the organization.

Note- You can use a Course Finder for USA to know the institutes offering your favourite course.

These were all the US CMA course details. Now, this section is all about the course fees. Every aspirant planning to study in USA must know it as it will help them budget their journey.

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Course Fees of CMA in the USA in 2025

The CMA USA course fees are different for both students and professionals. The following points show the charges for every eligible aspirant. Let's look at them.

  • The IMA Registration or Entrance Fee for Professionals Members Pursuing CMA is USD 300.
  • The Certified Management Accountant Exam Fee for Professional Members is USD 495 for each part.
  • Students willing to register for the CMA have to pay USD 225 for their entrance.
  • Students have to pay USD 370 to take the CMA USA course

Suggested to read: CA Salary in USA for 2025

CMA USA Scholarship Opportunities

There are several CMA scholarships that you can avail of to get financial support during your admission. Moreover, read below to know details such as eligibility and coverage of the same.

 CMA scholarship Eligibility

The factors that impact the selection of students are:

  • High-performing students, from undergraduate through PhD level.
  • People at any renowned university or college from anywhere in the world.
  • Only 10 students from each school can be nominated for the scholarship every academic year.
  • Apart fromPhD level students, professors must nominate students.

What You Get From a CMA Scholarship?

  • A three-year IMA student membership.
  • Entrance fee to the CMA program.
  • An exam support package that has an assessment tool and study materials.
  • Registration fees for both parts of the CMA exam on the first attempt only.
  • Access to an online test bank for two years.

These are the details of scholarships for the CMA USA course. Check if you are eligible and also see what you will get when selected for the scholarship. Now the main goal of a student is to complete the course and get a high-paying good job. Thus, to know the job opportunities and salary of the CMA course, go through the next section.

CMA USA Salary and Job Opportunities

The average salary of a CMA professional is comparatively higher compared to others. The wages of a CMA can range from $50,000 to $120,000+ annually, with experienced professionals earning more. Moreover, some of the factors that affect the salary of the CMA professionals are:

1. Regional Differences- Salaries can vary by region, with some states offering higher base salaries than others.

2. Industry Differences- CMA professionals in certain industries, like information technology and banking, tend to earn higher base salaries than those in other sectors.

Apart from that, some of the specific job titles with their salaries are:

  • Accounting Manager: Average Salary $86,957.
  • Senior Financial Analyst: Average Salary $88,900.
  • Finance Director: Average Salary $125,318.
  • Senior Accountant: Average Salary $73,928.

These are the necessary details about the job opportunities and salaries of the CMA professionals.

CMA Accounting Certification

The CMA accounting certification proves the expertise of professionals in management accounting and financial management, which involves areas such as financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. Moreover, it is important to know that this course is recognized globally in over 150 countries. Thus, it is a beneficial factor to hold the CMA accounting certification as it promotes career advancement, increasing the potential of high earning and making life successful. 

Conclusion

This was all about the CMA USA course. In this blog, you read about the eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, and future career opportunities for the CMA course. Thus, it is clear that a CMA professional earns comparatively higher than other fields. So, if you also want to pursue a CMA course from the USA, then reach out to our study abroad consultants. They will help you in the admission process and other steps involved in your journey of studying abroad.

Also read: Education Loan in USA

FAQs

Q.1 What is the CMA Full form?

The CMA USA full form is Certified Management Accountant. It is a few months to a year course in the United States. Candidates must remember that they have only 3 years to complete this program and become a CMA abroad.

Q.2 Is CMA USA recognized worldwide?

Yes! CMA USA course is recognized worldwide. Over 150 countries open doors for CMA professionals by offering them high-paying jobs.

Q.3 What are the career opportunities after CMA USA?

Students unlock a wide range of career opportunities after completing their US CMA course. However, some of the most in-demand areas are mentioned below:

  1. Management Accountant at Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Nestlé and Johnson & Johnson
  2. Financial Analyst atGoldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, Citigroup, Amazon or Apple
  3. Cost Accountant at General Electric (GE), Procter & Gamble (P&G), PepsiCo, Siemens, Tata Group and Unilever.
  4. Corporate Controller at Microsoft, IBM, Coca-Cola, Ford Motor, Johnson & Johnson or ExxonMobil.
  5. Financial Manager at JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, HSBC, BlackRock, Boeing and Oracle.

Q.4 What is the average salary of a CMA in the USA?

As you know a CMA is globally recognized. Students who complete this course can get a good job with an average salary of $110,000 per year, which is way more than an MBA or MS.

 Q.5 What is the difference between CMA USA vs. CMA India?

Feature

US CMA

Indian CMA

Governing Body

Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI)

Exam Parts/Levels

2 Parts

3 Levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final)

Global Recognition

High

Moderate

Salary (Average)

$107,817

INR 6-12 lakhs per year

Exam Costs

$1,000 – $2,500

INR 50,000 – INR 100,000

Duration to Complete

6-12 months

2-3 years

Continuing Education

30 hours annually (2 ethics)

20 hours annually

Exam Pass Rate

~50%

~40%

Focus Areas

Strategic and Financial Management

Cost Management and Compliance

Ideal For

International careers

Indian market careers

 

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