How to do Registration Online for CMA USA Exam?

By IIC Lakshya

03 Feb 2026

How to do Registration Online for CMA USA Exam?

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA USA) qualification is one of the most globally respected credentials in management accounting and financial strategy. Before you begin your CMA journey, the very first milestone is successful online registration. While the process is fully digital, many students, especially first-time applicants, find it confusing due to multiple steps, fees, and timelines involved. This guide breaks down the entire CMA USA online registration process step by step, helping you register confidently without missing any critical detail.

How to do CMA USA Exam Registration Online?

CMA USA exams are conducted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Registration is done entirely online through the official IMA portal. Unlike many Indian exams, CMA USA registration is not a one-time action, it involves multiple stages, including IMA membership, program enrollment, and exam registration for each part.

The CMA exam consists of two parts:

Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

You can register for one part at a time or both, depending on your preparation strategy.

Step 1: Create Your IMA Account

The first step is to create an account on the IMA official website. This account will act as your central dashboard throughout your CMA journey, from registration and exam booking to result tracking.

While creating your account, you’ll need to enter:

Full name (as per passport)
Email ID (used for all official communication)
Country of residence
Basic personal details

Once submitted, your IMA account becomes your permanent CMA profile, so accuracy at this stage is extremely important.

Step 2: Become an IMA Member

IMA membership is mandatory to register for the CMA USA exam. Without an active membership, you cannot proceed to program enrollment or exam booking.

IMA offers different membership categories:

Student Membership (for full-time students)
Professional Membership (for graduates and working professionals)
Academic Membership (for faculty members)

Membership is valid for one year and must be renewed annually until you complete the CMA program. After payment, your membership becomes active almost immediately, allowing you to move to the next step.

Step 3: Enroll in the CMA Program

Once your IMA membership is active, you must enroll in the CMA Certification Program. This is a one-time enrollment fee and is separate from exam fees.

CMA program enrollment:

Confirms your intent to pursue the CMA qualification
Unlocks access to CMA exam registration
Starts your 3-year completion window (you must clear both exam parts within this period)

After enrolling, your CMA status will show as “Active” in your IMA dashboard.

Step 4: Pay the CMA Exam Registration Fee

After enrolling in the CMA program, the next step is to register for the exam part you want to attempt.

You must:

Choose Part 1 or Part 2
Pay the exam registration fee per part

Important points to note:

Exam fees are paid separately for each part
Fees are non-refundable
You can register for both parts together or one at a time

Once payment is completed, you become eligible to schedule your exam.

Step 5: Select Your Exam Window

CMA USA exams are conducted in three testing windows every year:

January–February
May–June
September–October

During registration, you’ll select the testing window in which you plan to appear. Choosing the right window is crucial, as it determines your preparation timeline and exam scheduling flexibility.

You are not required to choose the exact exam date at this stage—only the window.

Step 6: Schedule Your Exam with Prometric

After registering for the exam, you’ll receive an Authorization Number from IMA via email. This number allows you to book your exam slot with Prometric, the official CMA exam testing partner.

On the Prometric website, you can:

Select your country and nearest test center
Choose an available date and time within your testing window
Confirm your booking instantly

You’ll receive a confirmation email with exam day instructions and center details.

Step 7: Final Verification Before Exam Day

Before your exam day, ensure that:

Your name matches exactly with your passport
Your exam appointment confirmation is saved
Your IMA membership is active
You are aware of test center rules and ID requirements

Any mismatch in details can lead to exam denial, even after successful registration.

Example: CMA USA Registration Timeline

For example, if a B.Com graduate plans to appear for CMA Part 1 in June 2026, they might:

Create an IMA account in January 2026
Purchase student/professional membership in January
Enroll in the CMA program in February
Register for the May–June exam window in March
Schedule the exam date in April

This structured approach avoids last-minute stress and seat unavailability.

FAQs on Online CMA USA Registration

Can I register for CMA USA without completing graduation?

Yes. You can register and write the CMA exams before completing graduation. However, to receive the CMA certification, you must complete the education and work-experience requirements within 7 years of passing the exams.

Is CMA USA exam registration completely online?

Yes. The entire process, from IMA membership to exam scheduling—is done 100% online through IMA and Prometric portals.

Can I change my exam window after registration?

In most cases, exam window changes require additional fees or re-registration. It’s best to choose your testing window carefully based on your preparation readiness.