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IMA supports you at university and beyond

As an IMA Student member, you can learn about the role of accountants and financial managers in business and explore your career options. IMA offers Student members access to many of the benefits of regular Professional membership at a significantly reduced rate. To qualify for this membership type you must be enrolled in 6 or more credit hours at university.

Membership

CMA Students

  • Students like you are well prepared to succeed on the CMA exam, as much of the exam content is already covered in your coursework.
  • You’re in study mode, with key concepts fresh and top of mind.
  • You can complete both CMA exam parts while still in school and submit your required work experience later.
  • The CMA is an impressive accolade to have on your resume. It shows that even as a student, you’re career-focused, ambitious, and have the tools and knowledge that management accountants need.
  • CMAs aged 26 and younger earn up to 41% more in median salary globally than non-CMAs.

*Source: IMA’s 2023 Global Salary Surveys

CMA: Everything you need to know

The CMA: Two Exam Parts Covering 12 Competencies

CMA Part 1

Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

  • 15%

    External Financial Reporting Decisions
  • 20%

    Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
  • 20%

    Performance Management
  • 15%

    Cost Management
  • 15%

    Internal Controls
  • 15%

    Technology and Analytics
CMA Part 2

Strategic Financial Management

  • 20%

    Financial Statement Analysis
  • 20%

    Corporate Finance
  • 25%

    Business Decision Analysis
  • 10%

    Enterprise Risk Management
  • 10%

    Capital Investment Decisions
  • 15%

    Professional Ethics

Plan to succeed as a CMA. Here’s how you can get started:

Membership

Enroll in the CMA program

Enter the CMA program directly or ask a professor to nominate you for a CMA Scholarship.

Page 1E - Step 2

Study for the CMA Exams

Accounting and finance coursework gives you a head start on CMA prep. With some study time you can pass both parts!

Page 1E - Step 3

Register and sit for your exams

You can take the exams in any order you wish. Most students complete both exams in 12-18 months.

Page 1E - Step 4

Complete education and work requirements

In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you must complete two years of relevant work experience. You can provide this after completing the exams.

The CMA Scholarship

With the CMA Scholarship, you can complete the CMA program at no cost. Take the exam while still in college and dazzle future employers with your management accounting skills.