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GAPICTInternational Testing Centre
ProfessionalOwned by Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), through the ICMA

CMA

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam

Two-part management accounting exam from IMA, taken at Prometric test centres.

Facts checked 21 October 2026

Duration
4h per part
Delivered through
Prometric
Results
About six weeks after the end of the month in which you tested.

Not yet available at GAPICT

Register your interest and we will contact you if CMA becomes available in Lahore.

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Overview

The CMA is IMA's management accounting certification. It has two exam parts that can be taken in any order. Exams run at Prometric test centres in three windows a year.

Who it is for

  • Management accountants and financial analysts
  • Accountants moving into planning, budgeting or controller roles
  • Graduates with, or working towards, a bachelor's degree
  • Professionals with two years' relevant experience (needed for certification)

Versions

Part 1

Financial planning, performance and analytics topics.

Part 2

Strategic financial management topics.

Where it is accepted

  • IMA CMA certification (with education and experience requirements)
  • Management accounting and corporate finance roles

Always check the current requirements of the university, employer, regulator or visa authority you are applying to.

Test format

CMA sections
SectionWhat it involves
Multiple-choice section (each part)100 questions in 3 hours. At least 50% correct is needed to reach the second section.
Second section (each part)1 hour. Two essay scenarios until 2026; from the September/October 2026 window, two case-based questions (250-word case with drag-and-drop, fill-in, list and calculation items).

Total time: 4 hours per part

Scores and validity

Scoring
Scaled 0-500. A score of 360 or higher passes. Multiple choice is 75% of the score, second section 25%.
Validity
You must pass both parts within three years of enrolling. Certified CMAs keep IMA membership and complete 30 CPE hours a year.

How long results take is shown at the top of this page.

Fees

Fees are set by the test owner, were checked on 21 October 2026, and can change. Confirm the price when you book. GAPICT never takes exam fees.

On test day

Identification

One primary ID (such as a passport or government national ID with photo) or two secondary IDs. Names must match your authorisation letter. Prometric requires a passport if you test outside your country of citizenship.

Arrive early, bring only what the test owner allows, and expect identity checks and a photo at check-in. Read our test day guide and exam day FAQs.

How to book

Exam seats for CMA are booked and paid on the test owner's own system. Delivered through: Prometric.

  1. 1

    Register for a testing window through IMA's CMA enrolment page, receive your authorisation number, then book a seat at prometric.com/ICMA at least 72 hours ahead.

  2. 2

    Create or sign in to your account on the official booking site.

  3. 3

    Choose your exam, then a test centre, date and time.

  4. 4

    Pay the exam fee to the test owner and keep your confirmation email.

  5. 5

    Check the ID rules and arrive early on test day.

Book on official CMA website (opens in a new tab)

You book and pay with Prometric (ProScheduler) or the exam sponsor. Changes close to the test date usually cost a fee, set by the sponsor.

GAPICT cannot take bookings for this exam. Exam seats are booked and paid on the test owner's system.

Need help booking?

We can walk you through the test owner's registration, step by step.

Book a free registration help session

GAPICT's status with these organisations

CMA FAQs

When are the testing windows?
January/February, May/June and September/October each year.
What changed in 2026?
From the September/October 2026 window, two case-based questions replace the essays. They carry the same weight.
Can I move my appointment to another window?
No. If you miss your window you must pay the registration fee again.
How long do I have to pass?
Three years from enrolling to pass both parts.

Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 21 October 2026. If anything here differs from the test owner's website, the owner's website is correct.

CMA and related names are trademarks of their owners and are used here only to describe the test. GAPICT is independent of Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), through the ICMA, is not endorsed by it, and is not currently an authorised centre for this test.

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