CMA USA Exam Dates 2026

By IIC Lakshya

07 Jan 2026

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is one of the most respected professional certifications in management accounting and financial management worldwide. Unlike many traditional annual exams, the CMA USA exam is offered multiple times a year in structured testing windows, giving candidates flexibility in scheduling and preparation. Understanding these exam windows — including their dates and registration deadlines- is essential for planning your study timeline, managing work or college schedules, and completing the CMA certification within the required timeframe.

Learn Everything you need to about CMA USA key details from this video in minutes!

CMA USA 2026 Exam Schedule

The CMA USA exam is conducted in three main testing windows across the year. Each window lasts roughly two months, during which you can schedule your exam date and time at a Prometric testing centre near you. This window-based model offers flexibility compared to fixed-date exams, letting candidates choose slots based on readiness and personal commitments.

January – February 2026 Window

The first testing window of 2026 opens at the very start of the year, January 1 to February 28, 2026. This 8-week period allows candidates who prepared over the winter break or late in the previous year to take the exam early. The last day to register for this window is February 15, 2026.

This early window is ideal for candidates who aim for an accelerated credential path or want to spread out attempts throughout the year. Many aspirants also use this period to evaluate their preparation and adjust their study plans if they plan to take the next window later.

May - June 2026 Window

The second major testing window runs from May 1 to June 30, 2026, with the last date to register being June 15, 2026. This window is typically popular among students who complete their semester exams or summer internships early in the year.

The May–June window gives candidates a good balance: plenty of time to prepare after the start of the year, yet early enough to finish the first half of the CMA journey before mid-year responsibilities like work projects or academic schedules pick up.

September – October 2026 Window

The third testing window in 2026 spans September 1 to October 31, 2026, and the registration deadline for this cycle is October 15, 2026. This window is particularly helpful for professionals who are busy earlier in the year or students completing their summer breaks.

While most official sites focus on the first two windows early in the year, the September–October window remains a key part of the CMA exam calendar, giving candidates three opportunities annually to take one or both parts of the exam.

How does the CMA USA Exam Scheduling Work?

Once you are registered and enrolled in the CMA program, you can choose any day within the active testing window to take Part 1 or Part 2 of the exam. You aren’t bound to a single fixed exam day like in traditional exams. Once your registration and authorization are complete, you schedule your specific date and time through Prometric (the official test-delivery partner).

Prometric centres operate globally, so candidates from India, the U.S., the Middle East, and other regions can pick a convenient test centre. Early scheduling is recommended, especially within a testing window, because centres can fill up quickly as the window progresses.

Why These Dates Matter for Your CMA Journey?

Unlike exams with fixed single dates, CMA’s testing windows give you strategic flexibility, but they also demand disciplined planning. Here’s why:

Flexible scheduling: Once enrolled, you choose your exam day within the testing window, so you can balance preparation with work or studies.
Multiple attempts: If you don’t clear a part in one window, you can register again in the next one – but remember, you must complete both Part 1 and Part 2 within three years of enrolling in the CMA program, or you’ll have to restart the certification process.
Global accessibility: CMA USA exams are offered worldwide at authorized Prometric centres, making it easier to plan travel and logistics.

This flexibility is particularly useful for working professionals who might prefer a specific month based on project cycles, workload, or personal commitments.

Unlike many other professional exams (which often have only one or two exam dates per year), the CMA USA exam’s three testing windows provide candidates with multiple opportunities to take the exam without waiting an entire year - a structure designed to reduce stress and align with diverse candidate schedules worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions on CMA USA Exam Dates 2026

Can I take Part 1 and Part 2 in the same testing window?

Yes, you can register for both parts and schedule them within the same window if you’re prepared. This lets you complete the exam faster, but it requires strong preparation for both parts.

What happens if I miss the registration deadline for a window?

If you miss the deadline (e.g., February 15 for the January-February window), you can’t take the exam in that window , you’ll need to register for the next testing window instead.

Are there fixed exam days like CA or CPA?

No, instead of fixed dates, the CMA USA uses testing windows (8–9 weeks long) where you schedule your own exam date and time through Prometric once your registration is complete.

How long do I have to complete both CMA exam parts?

You must clear both Part 1 and Part 2 within three years of enrolling in the CMA program, or previously passed scores will expire and you must re-enter the program.