Become a CMA US
with Global Fin X

To earn the CMA US designation you need two things: an accredited bachelor's degree (any discipline — B.Com, MBA, CA, ACCA, and engineering graduates all qualify) and two years of continuous professional experience in management accounting or financial management. The work experience can be completed before, during, or after passing the exams, giving you flexibility to study while working. IMA membership is also required before you can register for the exam.

CMA US consists of two parts. Part 1 covers Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics across six topic areas including budgeting, cost management, and technology. Part 2 covers Strategic Financial Management including corporate finance, risk management, and investment decisions. Each part is a 4-hour exam: 3 hours for 100 multiple-choice questions (worth 75% of the total score) followed by two case-based questions in 1 hour (worth 25%; these replaced the essay section from May/June 2026). The minimum passing score is 360 out of 500. IMA recommends 150–170 study hours for Part 1 and a similar commitment for Part 2.

CMA US exams are offered in three windows each year: January–February, May–June, and September–October. Exams are sat at Prometric test centres. In India, centres are located in Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Pune. You register for your exam window through the IMA portal after purchasing the CMA Entrance Fee and selecting your preferred Prometric centre.

Both CMA US parts must be passed within a 3-year window from the date of your initial exam registration. Most Global Fin X students complete both parts in 12 to 18 months when studying consistently. There is no mandated order — you can sit Part 1 or Part 2 first, and you can sit both parts in the same exam window if you choose. The 3-year completion requirement gives you flexibility without removing the incentive to finish promptly.

CMA US is awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA, USA) and is recognised globally, particularly in MNCs, Big 4 firms, and finance leadership roles. CMA India is awarded by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) and is a statutory qualification with mandatory requirements in specific Indian regulatory contexts. CMA US has stronger recognition in management accounting, FP&A, and CFO-track roles internationally, and commands higher compensation in India's multinational sector. The two qualifications are complementary and not competing for the same roles.

On successful enrolment you will receive credentials for the Global Fin X learning portal. Lectures are accessible on Windows PC, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. The CMA US programme covers both Part 1 and Part 2 with recorded video lectures, digital class notes, mock MCQ banks, and case-based question practice. You get 163+ hours of lectures with 1 year of access, and each lecture can be watched for up to 5× its length. If you need more time, access is extended free until you pass — just ask.

Academic doubts for CMA US can be raised in the dedicated Part 1 and Part 2 Telegram groups, where faculty respond during working hours. For administrative queries, reach Global Fin X on WhatsApp or call +91 8328080730, email info@globalfinx.in, or use the contact form on the website. Support is available Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday, 9 AM to 2 PM.