IMA (USA)
US CMA — Certified Management Accountant
Market scope
FP&A, business finance, cost and management accounting, controllership. Hired by MNCs, GICs and Big 4 advisory in India, the Gulf and the US. The most complete credential for using data to run a business; strongest when combined with US CPA for US reporting.
Reality check
- Official fees
- ₹1.1L–₹1.6L
- IMA membership, USD 300 entrance fee and two exam fees — USD 1,088 all-in for students, USD 1,685 for professionals (2026)
- Months to complete
- 6–12
- Pass rate
- ≈45–50% per part
- Training
- Required, flexible
- 2 years of relevant experience, completed before or after the exams
Recommend when: FP&A, controllership, corporate finance; the shortest route to a global credential
Official fees in INR (registration, exams, membership — coaching excluded), realistic months including any mandatory training, and the awarding body's published pass rate. Verify with the awarding body before you register.
- Who it is for
- Undergraduates and graduates heading for FP&A, business finance, costing and controllership.
- Structure
- 2 parts · 100 MCQs + 2 essay scenarios each · 4 hours. Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics (external financial reporting decisions; planning, budgeting & forecasting; performance management; cost management; internal controls; technology & analytics). Part 2: Strategic Financial Management (financial statement analysis; corporate finance; decision analysis; risk management; investment decisions; professional ethics).
- Eligibility
- Can sit while studying. To certify: bachelor's degree (any discipline) + 2 years of relevant experience, within 7 years of passing.
- Duration
- 6–12 months.
- Exam windows
- Jan–Feb, May–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Experience requirement
- 2 years, before or after the exams.
- What comes next
- CSCA for strategy; CFA for corporate finance depth; AI in Finance.
Facts last reviewed: 2026-10-23
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