What is the Eligibility for CMA USA?

By IIC Lakshya

04 Nov 2025

One of the most sought after international diplomas of accounting and finance has been made to the Certified Management Accountant or CMA course. This certification is granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA and shows high level of finance planning, analysis, control and decision making. Over the recent years, CMA USA has been selected by thousands of Indian commerce students due to the fact that it provides them with access to the high-paying international jobs in the field of finance, business strategy and management.

Nevertheless, it is important to become familiar with the eligibility requirements of CMA USA before joining it such as education requirements, working experience, membership, and exams format. This guide will assist you in knowing all that you require to know concerning who can pursue CMA USA and how to start off.

Key Eligibility Requirements of CMA USA

In order to gain CMA USA certification, one has to complete certain educational and professional qualifications outlined by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Such requirements mean that CMA holders have an academic and practical level of knowledge to be able to cope with complex financial jobs.

The following are the major eligibility criteria:

Educational Qualification

In order to qualify to be a CMA USA, you need to have:

A Bachelor of degree, an accredited college or university (in any field), or
One of the professional certifications that are relevant to IMA is CA, CPA, ACCA or CS.

Note: CMA program can also be taken by students in their final year of their degree course. They are however required to do their degree, and then they can apply to the CMA certificate.

IMA Membership

Any hopeful is required to join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) before they begin their CMA journey.

Through membership, they get access to:

Formal educational resources.
Exam registration
Career Resources and Professional Networking.
You cannot sit for the CMA exams without being a member of IMA.

Work Experience Requirement

A candidate has to meet the requirement of two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management to claim the CMA designation.

This work experience can be:

Obtained in less than seven years prior to or on passing of the CMA exam.
Full-time work or part-time work (two years equivalent).
Qualifying work experience can include some of the following:
Financial analysis
Budgeting and forecasting
Internal auditing
Management accounting
Financial decision support and financial planning.

This is necessary so that all professionals who have acquired the CMA certifications do not just conceptualize the theory but can apply it in a business setting.

Eligibility and Registration of CMA USA Exams

The CMA USA requirements in order to obtain the degree are such that the candidates joining the program possess a sound academic foundation and comprehension of finance. Being a major in India with only a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in accounting and management, students are able to begin their journey in the CMA and become global professionals within a relatively short period of time. CMA USA is your key to international finance success, whether you are a student thinking of your future career or an employee looking to enhance your qualifications.

CMA USA has two parts, and you can attempt them in any order:

Part	Subject	Focus Area
Part 1	Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics	Cost management, internal controls, data analytics
Part 2	Strategic Financial Management	Corporate finance, risk management, investment decisions

Upon joining IMA and registering the CMA Entrance Fee program, you can register the exam. Examinations are conducted in three testing periods annually in January-February, May- June, and September-October.

Who Can Apply for CMA USA?

The fact that CMA USA can be available to a large group of students and professionals makes it one of the attractive features of this place. You are eligible to pursue CMA USA provided you are:

B.Com, BBA or M.Com student majoring in commerce and seeking a career in accounting across the globe.
A working financial, audit or accounting practitioner seeking to upgrade qualification.
An international competitive advantage is made by a CA, CS, or ACCA professional.
A graduate level management accountant who wants to develop a career in management accounting.
CMA USA offers a good combination of technical accounting skills and decision-making skills that are very strategic- both are considered very desirable by any employer globally.

Why CMA USA is a Good Choice of Indian Students?

The reason why Indian students choose CMA USA is that it is recognized on a global level and can be successfully completed within 12-18 months. Compared to other accounting qualifications in the world, CMA USA is more inclined towards management accounting and corporate strategy than on traditional auditing.

The certification as well offers a clear career route in multinational firms, and consulting firms as well as in the global finance positions. As outsourcing and shared service centers in India are growing, CMA USA-qualified people are in demand in such positions as Financial Analyst, Cost Manager, Business Consultant, and CFO Track positions

Did you know?

A career-value of CMA USA certification and course work is supported by the results of the IMA Global Salary Survey, which reveals that CMA-certified professionals receive up to 58% more median total compensation than their uncertified counterparts do.

FAQs on CMA USA Eligibility

Is it possible to join CMA USA after Class 12?

No, to be eligible to become a CMAs, one needs at least a bachelor degree, or be in the last year of an undergraduate program.

Am I required to have work experience prior to enrolment CMA USA?

No, to take the exams or start work experience is not necessary. But to receive the CMA certificate you have to have two years of pertinent working experience.

Is CMA USA a household name in India?

Yes, CMA USA is a well-known and well-regarded brand worldwide and among the MNCs, the Big Four firm, and the finance section of big companies in the world.