CMA US Exam Dates 2026–2027: Testing Windows and Score Release
CMA US exams run in three testing windows a year: January–February, May–June and September–October. The September–October 2026 window is open now; the next windows are January–February 2027 and May–June 2027. You book a Prometric slot at least 72 hours ahead, and scores arrive about six weeks after the end of your test month.
Last reviewed by Sai Manikanta Pedamallu, ACCA, CMA ·
When are the CMA US testing windows in 2026 and 2027?
IMA offers the CMA exam every January–February, May–June and September–October. Within a window you can pick any available Prometric appointment; IMA does not publish separate day-level dates.
| Testing window | You can test in | Status (October 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| September–October 2026 | September and October 2026 | Open now | IMA |
| January–February 2027 | January and February 2027 | Upcoming | IMA |
| May–June 2027 | May and June 2027 | Upcoming | IMA |
| September–October 2027 | September and October 2027 | Upcoming | IMA |
Appointment availability at individual Prometric centres varies, so book early in the window.
How do CMA US registration, scheduling and results work?
You register for one part and one window at a time, then book a Prometric appointment — at least 72 hours before, ideally four weeks before. Scores are released about six weeks after the end of the month you tested in.
| Rule | What IMA says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Registration validity | Each exam registration is valid for one testing window only | IMA Middle East |
| Minimum booking notice | At least 72 hours before the exam date | IMA |
| Recommended booking notice | At least four weeks in advance | IMA |
| Changing windows | Appointments cannot be moved to another testing window; if you cannot test in your window you pay another registration fee | IMA |
| Score release | About six weeks after the end of the month in which you tested, by email and on your MyIMA transcript | IMA Middle East |
| Time limit | Three years to pass both exam parts | IMA |
Which window should you aim for?
Choose the window that leaves you enough preparation time for one part. If you are studying alongside a job, planning one part per window is a manageable pace.
You can take Part 1 and Part 2 in any order. If you test early in a window (for example in September), your score arrives sooner than if you test at the end (October), because scores are released about six weeks after the end of your test month.
Since May–June 2026, each part has two case-based questions in place of the old essay section; the exam is still four hours long.
What happens if you miss your window?
Your registration lapses: appointments cannot be moved into another window, so you would pay a new registration fee and sign up for a later window.
To avoid this, book your Prometric appointment as soon as IMA confirms your registration. IMA fees are paid in US dollars on top of coaching fees; our fee page and cost calculator show the full cost in rupees.
Frequently asked questions
When is the next CMA US exam window?
The September–October 2026 window is open now. The next windows are January–February 2027, May–June 2027 and September–October 2027.
How long does it take to get CMA US results?
IMA releases scores about six weeks after the end of the month in which you took the exam, by email and on your MyIMA transcript.
Can I take the CMA US exam outside a testing window?
No. CMA exams are only offered in January–February, May–June and September–October, and each registration is valid for one window.
How far in advance should I book my CMA US exam?
IMA requires appointments to be booked at least 72 hours before the exam date and recommends booking at least four weeks in advance.
How long do I have to pass both CMA US parts?
IMA gives you three years to pass both exam parts.
Aiming for the January–February 2027 window?
Global Fin X teaches CMA US Part 1 and Part 2 fully online, with recorded lectures, MCQ banks and case-based question practice for the current exam format.
Sources
- IMA — How to earn the CMA (testing windows and scheduling) — as of 6 October 2026
- IMA Middle East — CMA exam (score release and registration) — as of 6 October 2026
Last reviewed by Sai Manikanta Pedamallu, ACCA, CMA · . Dates, fees and pay data are set or published by third parties and change — always confirm on the source.