CMA – Certified Management Accountant

Intermediate IMA Finance & Accounting

The leading credential for management accountants and financial managers. Issued by IMA (imanet.org). Covers financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support.

Quick Verdict

CMA – Certified Management Accountant sits at the Intermediate level — a solid next step once you have some foundational experience, without requiring the multi-year track record advanced credentials demand.

Overview

The leading credential for management accountants and financial managers. Issued by IMA (imanet.org). Covers financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support.

Key topics covered: External Financial Reporting, Planning & Budgeting, Performance Management, Cost Management, Internal Controls, Professional Ethics, Investment Decisions.

Best suited for: Accountants and finance professionals in corporate finance, FP&A, and management accounting roles.

Common career paths: Management Accountant, Financial Analyst, FP&A Manager, Controller.

Who This Is For

Accountants and finance professionals in corporate finance, FP&A, and management accounting roles.

Exam Focus Areas

  • External Financial Reporting
  • Planning & Budgeting
  • Performance Management
  • Cost Management
  • Internal Controls
  • Professional Ethics
  • Investment Decisions

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

Management AccountantFinancial AnalystFP&A ManagerController

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CMA – Certified Management Accountant certification?

The leading credential for management accountants and financial managers. Issued by IMA (imanet.org). Covers financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. offered by IMA, focused on Finance & Accounting.

Who offers the CMA – Certified Management Accountant certification?

CMA – Certified Management Accountant is issued by IMA.

Is CMA – Certified Management Accountant a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

CMA – Certified Management Accountant is classified as Intermediate-level. It generally assumes some prior foundational knowledge or entry-level experience.

How much does the CMA – Certified Management Accountant exam cost?

The CMA – Certified Management Accountant exam costs $415–$830. Always confirm current pricing on the official IMA certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with CMA – Certified Management Accountant?

Professionals holding CMA – Certified Management Accountant commonly report compensation in the $85K–$130K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does CMA – Certified Management Accountant fall under?

CMA – Certified Management Accountant is categorized under Finance & Accounting on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is CMA – Certified Management Accountant worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Intermediate-level credential, it works well once you have some foundational experience but haven't yet formalized it.

How does CMA – Certified Management Accountant compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for CMA – Certified Management Accountant to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Finance & Accounting.

Where do I register for the CMA – Certified Management Accountant exam?

Registration happens directly through IMA's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for CMA – Certified Management Accountant?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for CMA – Certified Management Accountant is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.