Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics
- External financial reporting decisions
- Planning, budgeting & forecasting
- Performance management & variance analysis
- Cost management & internal controls
Your Complete Guide to the CMA Exam
Understand the US CMA exam in one place: the two parts, how they are scored, the 2026 Case-Based Question format and how to schedule each part, with Becker-powered preparation and mentorship from Simandhar.
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About the Exam
Understanding the US CMA Exam
The US CMA Exam is a professional-level examination for the Certified Management Accountant credential, the globally respected qualification for finance, FP&A and cost roles.
The exam is conducted by the IMA and delivered through computer-based testing at Prometric centers, including across India. It has just two parts, which you can take in whichever order you prefer, in three testing windows every year.
To earn the credential, you clear both exam parts and meet the work experience and IMA membership requirements.
2 partstaken in the order you prefer
360passing scaled score out of 500, per part
CMA Exam Parts
The Two Parts of the US CMA Exam
Both parts are scored independently, so you need to reach 360 or higher on each to clear the certification.
Strategic Financial Management
- Financial statement analysis
- Corporate finance & WACC
- Decision analysis & risk management
- Investment decisions & capital projects
There is no fixed order. Start with Part 1 if you are strong in core accounting, cost management and budgeting, or with Part 2 if your work leans towards financial statement analysis, corporate finance or financial management.
How the Exam Works
Format, Scoring & Scheduling
Exam format
4 hrs
Each part has 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours (75% weightage), followed by 1 hour (25% weightage) of practical application scenarios.
Passing score
360
The passing score is 360 out of 500 on a scaled score for each part. Both parts are scored independently, so you need 360 or higher on each.
Testing windows
3 a year
The IMA conducts exams in three dedicated windows every year. Choose your date and time slot within any of them.
January – FebruaryMay – JuneSeptember – October
Test centres
India & abroad
Prometric test centers operate across major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.
New in 2026: the IMA moved the written section from open-ended essays to Case-Based Questions (CBQs), with numerical entry, drop-down selection and drag-and-drop tasks that mirror modern finance work.
Plan your CMA timeline
1
Check your eligibility and IMA membership requirements
2
Prepare one part at a time, in the order that suits your background
3
Book your exam in a testing window at a Prometric center
4
Complete the experience requirement to earn your CMA credential
Treat any timeline as a planning target, not a guarantee. Schedule each part only when you are exam-ready.
Plan Your Exam
Not sure which part to take first?
Talk to a Simandhar counsellor about your background, your target role and a study plan that fits.
Your Preparation Partner
Why Prepare for the CMA Exam with Simandhar?
IMA's Platinum Partner and Becker's official CMA partner in India, with mentors and support from your first part to your final credential.
Becker's Official CMA Platform
Becker's world-class learning resources, built for structured and effective CMA exam preparation, delivered by Becker's official CMA partner in India.
Expert Faculty & Mentorship
Expert faculty and practical mentorship to help you plan each part and prepare with confidence.
Corporate Network for Careers
A strong corporate network that supports your career, with placement pathways aligned for Big 4, MNC and GCC finance teams.
A Community That Keeps You Career Ready
A global community of finance professionals that keeps you motivated and career ready long after the exam.
Start Your CMA Success Story With Us
Step into a world of global careers, higher earnings & professional success
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Frequently Asked Questions on the US CMA Exam
How many exams are there in the US CMA?
The US CMA certification consists of just two exam parts: Part 1 (Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics) and Part 2 (Strategic Financial Management). Having only two parts makes it one of the most streamlined global accounting qualifications you can earn.
What are the two parts of the US CMA?
Part 1 covers the operational side of corporate finance — external financial reporting decisions, planning, budgeting, forecasting, cost management, internal controls, and technology & analytics. Part 2 covers strategic decision-making — financial statement analysis, corporate finance, decision analysis, risk management, investment decisions, and professional ethics. Together, they build a 360-degree foundation for internal management accounting.
Which US CMA part should I take first?
There is no fixed rule; you can take them in whichever order you prefer. That said, we generally advise students to start with Part 1 if they are strong in core accounting, cost management, and budgeting. If your background or daily work leans heavily toward financial statement analysis, corporate finance, or financial management, starting with Part 2 can help you build quick confidence and momentum.
Is the US CMA difficult?
It is a professional global certification, so it requires genuine conceptual clarity and disciplined effort. However, success on the CMA exam isn't about memorizing rules — it's about understanding how to analyze data and make real-world business decisions. With a dedicated study routine, practical practice, and proper guidance, clearing both parts on your first attempt is completely realistic.
What is the passing score for the US CMA?
The passing score is 360 out of 500 on a scaled score for each part. Both Part 1 and Part 2 are scored independently, meaning you need to reach 360 or higher on each exam to clear the certification.
What is the US CMA exam format in 2026?
Each 4-hour exam part consists of 100 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) taking up 3 hours (75% weightage), followed by 1 hour (25% weightage) dedicated to practical application scenarios. In 2026, the IMA transitioned the written section from traditional open-ended essays to Case-Based Questions (CBQs) featuring structured formats like numerical entry, drop-down selection, and drag-and-drop tasks. This reflects modern finance workplace tasks and provides faster, more objective scoring.
When can I take the US CMA exam?
The IMA conducts exams during three dedicated testing windows every year: January/February, May/June, and September/October. You can schedule your preferred date and time slot within any of these windows at an authorized Prometric testing center.
Can I take the US CMA exam from India?
Yes, absolutely. You do not need to travel abroad. The IMA has multiple Prometric test centers operating across major cities in India (including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and others), making it easy to sit for your exams locally.