CMA USA Syllabus and Paper Pattern 2025

By IIC Lakshya

01 Aug 2024

CMA USA

The Institute of Management Accounts (IMA), a world-renowned association of accounting and finance professionals, provides the US CMA syllabus and paper pattern for all accounting and finance professionals. This course is intended to be a one-of-a-kind course where anyone interested and skilled in management accounting can meet the challenges of today’s corporate environment.

CMA USA Paper Pattern 2025

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) course gives potential candidates flexibility in finishing their certification. The US CMA syllabus is divided into two parts. Passing both parts takes 12-18 months, but with a determined and persistent study approach, one may cut that time down to 6 to 9 months. Aspirants have up to three years from registration to prepare for the US CMA course duration and obtain the certification.

Prometric conducts the CMA test in numerous places globally. Candidates have to schedule the exam at least 72 hours beforehand. It is advisable to book the exam at least four weeks in advance for better planning.

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CMA USA Syllabus 2025

The certification is a holy grail for folks in the accounting and finance sector who want to broaden their career horizon globally within a shorter duration of 9 - 12 months. You can start your CMA USA preparations once you complete your 12th grade. Companies and recruiters are searching for someone with those CMA letters after their name, making it the go-to certification in the accounting and finance world.

The US CMA course syllabus or exam is divided into two parts, each focusing on distinct aspects of management accounting:

Part 1: Performance, Financial Planning, and Analytics

This section emphasizes analysis, financial planning, decision support., and control
CMA USA subjects covered include risk management, corporate finance, cost management, and financial statement analysis.

The paper pattern for CMA USA part 1 is tabulated below:

S.NO	Topics	Marks
1.	External Financial Reporting Decisions	15%
2.	Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting	20%
3.	Performance Management	20%
4.	Cost Management	15%
5.	Internal Controls	15%
6.	Technology and Analytics	15%
Total	100%

During the four-hour prescribed examination for the topics in the CMA USA part 1 syllabus, candidates are required to complete a series of questions that assess their understanding of basic concepts and their ability to apply such principles in practicality.

Besides multiple-choice questions, the US CMA exam has an essay part that examines one's writing and critical thinking capabilities. Candidates are allocated two essays, each with a prescribed answer and a strict 30-minute time limit.

Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

Part 2 delves into strategic planning and analysis, and financial decision-making.
The CMA US subjects encompass areas such as professional ethics, corporate finance, risk management, investment decisions, and financial statement analysis.

The paper pattern for CMA USA part 2 is tabulated below:

S.No.	Topics	Marks
1.	Financial Statement Analysis	20%
2.	Corporate Finance	20%
3.	Decision Analysis	25%
4.	Risk Management	10%
5.	Investment Decisions	10%
6.	Professional Ethics	15%
Total	100%

Why Choose CMA USA?

Let's explore how this prestigious qualification can propel one's career forward

Diverse career opportunities

Preparing the US CMA course syllabus and qualifying for the examination bestows positions and opportunities that are desirable and fulfilling including Cost Accountant, Management Accountant, Budget Analyst, Finance Analyst, Finance Manager, and Senior Accountant among others.

Abundant growth prospects

Completing the CMA course opens up several chances for career progression. Graduates can work for reputable firms or pursue further education to improve their qualifications.

Attractive compensation

CMA-certified professionals receive competitive compensation packages. Certified Management Accountants in India earn an average of INR 5.8 LPA (entry-level) to INR 15.5 LPA (5-9 years of experience).

Comprehensive knowledge

Aspiring CMAs acquire considerable accounting, financial, and management expertise. This globally acknowledged credential provides access to the corporate and commercial worlds.

How is CMA USA Certification Beneficial?

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers the CMA credential, which denotes ability and proficiency in management accounting and opens the door to a variety of job choices and plentiful growth potential. The two-part test of the CMA USA syllabus rigorously examines applicants' abilities in financial planning, analysis, strategic management, and professional ethics. Individuals who grasp the exam's content and format might position themselves for profitable employment with competitive remuneration packages in a variety of industries.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the syllabus of CMA USA?

The CMA US syllabus includes financial analysis and strategy, management, planning, and reporting. Furthermore, the syllabus is divided into two sections: Part 1 includes financial preparation, effectiveness, and analytics, while Part 2 includes strategic finance management.

Is CMA USA easy to crack?

Only 50% of students pass this exam, and only a lucky few get the vital grades. You can sit for the CMA exam, right after 12th grade. You must have at least two years of pertinent and applicable work experience within seven years of taking the CMA USA exam.

Is CMA USA better than CA?

US CMA is a global certification, whereas CA is only relevant in India. As a result, a US CMA can receive higher income, global exposure, and better responsibilities in finance and accounting

Who hires CMA US in India?

Manufacturing, Banking and finance, pharmaceuticals, and other essential services are among the top sectors in India which offer excellent prospects for CMA-certified individuals. Leading firms such as Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC are aggressively recruiting CMA certified in India.

Is CMA USA equal to CA?

Unlike CA, US CMA is a worldwide recognized certification that is accepted in North America, the Middle East, Europe, Australia, and other Asian nations. If you finally want to develop your career overseas, you should obtain a certificate that will be accepted in your preferred country.

Is Articleship compulsory for CMA?

Following the CMA course, students must do an Articleship, which increases the time necessary to become a Certified Management Accountant. The CMA Foundation lasts eight months. CMA Inter lasts 10 months. The CMA Final lasts 18 months.

Can I do CMA with BCom?

BCom with CMA (Certified Management Accountant) allows students to gain an extensive core understanding of many financial and management accounting disciplines. Students who have completed their 10+2 in any subject are eligible to register for BCom with CMA Courses.