What are the CMA exam requirements?

To become a CMA (Certified Management Accountant), you need an active IMA membership, a bachelor's degree (or equivalent), two continuous years of relevant finance/accounting work experience, and must pass the two-part CMA exam (Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics; Part 2: Strategic Financial Management). You can take the exams before meeting the education and experience requirements, but must fulfill them within seven years of passing.

What are the requirements to take the CMA exam?

To meet the CMA requirements, you need to complete the following:

• Be a member of the IMA and enroll in their CMA program.
• Have a bachelor's degree or an IMA-approved credential.
• Complete two years of full-time, relevant experience in financial or management accounting.
• Pass the two-part CMA Exam.

Can I take the CMA exam without experience?

You must demonstrate 2 years of full-time professional experience in management accounting or financial accounting. You can meet this requirement prior to or within 7 years of passing the CMA exam.

Who is eligible for the US CMA exam?

Who can apply for the U.S. CMA course? Graduates, undergraduate students (of any major) and professionals in accounting, finance or business are eligible to apply. Students may take the exam prior to graduation, but must complete their education and work experience within 7 years.

Is CMA harder than CA?

Duration: CMA is a short-term course of 6-9 months, while CA is a professional course that takes about 5 years. Difficulty Level: CA is considered much more difficult than CMA. Job Opportunities: CA candidates have job opportunities in areas like financial management, taxation, and auditing.

CMA Certification Requirements For 2026

Can you take the CMA exam without a degree?

“To be eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, you must be a student or graduate of medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), previously CMA (AAMA) certified, or meet the ...

Can I take the CMA test without going to school?

Yes, you can take some medical assistant certification exams, like the CCMA (NHA) and RMA (AMT), without formal schooling by using relevant work experience (usually 1-3 years) in lieu of program completion, but the popular CMA (AAMA) exam requires graduation from an accredited program. Eligibility depends on the certifying body, with the CMA needing accredited education, while CCMA and RMA offer experience-based pathways. 

Is the CMA hard to pass?

How Hard is the CMA Exam? The CMA exam is very difficult and it will test your intellectual limits. The industry average CMA pass rate for both sections is only 45%, meaning less than half of the people taking the test will pass.

Is CMA higher than a CNA?

Yes, a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) generally has more responsibility, broader skills (clinical & administrative), and typically earns a higher salary than a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), though CNAs provide essential hands-on care and are vital for quick entry into healthcare, with CMAs often taking longer to train but offering more diverse work settings and career growth.
 

What is the fastest way to become a CMA?

The fastest way to become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) involves enrolling in an accelerated, accredited diploma or certificate program, focusing full-time, and immediately taking the certification exam after completing the program and required externship, potentially getting you job-ready in 3-4 months, though 6-9 months is common for structured programs. Key steps include choosing a program that offers online/hybrid options with condensed schedules, passing your certification exam (like CCMA or NCMA) quickly, and maximizing your clinical experience. 

Can an unlicensed person prepare a CMA?

Unlicensed assistants can prepare comparative market analyses under the supervision and approval of a licensed agent. These analyses provide insights into the value of a property by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold, helping clients make informed decisions.

What is the CMA exam fee?

The exam fees for the CMA Intermediate level is typically Rs. 12,000, and there may also be additional charges for coaching and study materials.

Can I become a CMA without being a CNA?

Yes, in most states, you do need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and often work as one for a period (like 6 months) before you can become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), as CMAs build upon CNA skills, but rules vary by state, with some allowing direct pathways or different requirements. Becoming a CMA means you're a CNA with extra training to administer medications, but you must first be a qualified CNA to start, ensuring foundational patient care knowledge.
 

How long does CMA certification take?

Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) typically takes 9 months to 2 years, depending on the program, with certificate/diploma programs being faster (9-12 months) and associate degrees offering more depth (18-24 months). Shorter, accelerated programs can be as fast as 4 months, while some might take a year. The key is completing an accredited program and passing a certification exam, like the AAMA's CMA exam or NHA's CCMA, after training. 

What pays more, CPA or CMA?

Both CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) offer high earning potential, but CPAs often edge out CMAs in overall average salary, especially in public accounting and senior controller roles, while CMAs excel in corporate finance, FP&A, and strategic finance, with high demand in management roles, and dual certification bringing significant boosts to both. CPAs typically see salaries ranging from $75k-$125k+ with experience, while CMAs often earn $80k-$160k+, with both leading to six figures and potentially $100k+ for CFO/Director roles, notes Charlotte Observer and Controller Academy. 

How many times can you fail the CMA exam?

While you can retake the exam as many times as you'd like, the CMA program has a strict 3-year timeline you'll need to keep in mind. The countdown begins from the date you pay the CMA entrance fee. From that day, you have three years to pass both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam.

How many hours to study for the CMA exam?

Average CMA study time for most candidates

On average, Part 1 requires 170 study hours, which you can cover in 10-13 weeks, and Part 2 takes 130 hours and 8-11 weeks. We recommend that candidates study a minimum of 12 hours each week.

Who gets paid more, MA or CNA?

Yes, Medical Assistants (MAs) generally earn more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because MAs often have broader responsibilities, combining administrative and clinical tasks in settings like doctor's offices, while CNAs focus more on direct patient care in hospitals or nursing homes, with MAs typically earning around $44,200 median annual wage compared to CNAs' median of about $39,500, though salaries vary by location and experience for both roles. 

Can I take the CMA exam at home?

CMA Exam Dates Quick Facts

You schedule your CMA exam with IMA testing partner Prometric. The CMA exam can be taken in-person at a Prometric testing center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor service. If needed, you can easily reschedule your exam through the Prometric website.

What's the fastest you can become a medical assistant?

The fastest way to get a Medical Assistant (MA) certificate is through an accelerated online or hybrid program, with some finishing in 4-8 months, or even as quickly as 6-12 weeks, by focusing on self-paced learning, immediate enrollment, and prompt exam preparation, ensuring the program includes required externships and hands-on labs for certification eligibility (like NHA's CCMA). 

What disqualifies you from being a medical assistant?

Medical assistant disqualifications often stem from serious criminal offenses like violent crimes, sexual offenses, major fraud, or drug distribution, but it depends heavily on state laws, the specific offense, how long ago it occurred, and the hiring facility's policies, with felonies and crimes involving vulnerable populations often being key factors. Disqualifying factors include a history of abuse, theft, financial crimes, or drug-related felonies, leading to program denial or limited job prospects, though some states offer rehabilitation waivers. 

Are CMA and CNA the same thing?

While both CNAs and CMAs provide essential patient care, the main difference between a CNA and a CMA is medication administration.

What is the minimum qualification for CMA?

Must have a 10+2 certificate from a recognized board. Commerce Examination from Qualified National Diploma by AICTE or State Board of Technical Education. Diploma in Rural Service Examination under National Council for Higher Education. As per the ICMAI, there is no upper age limit to apply for the CMA course.