CMA® Resource Center

"I use my CMA body of knowledge every day. It comes naturally in the role of CFO because I need to look at things from many different angles, not just from the financial perspective. Management accounting skills are very much in demand as foreign and local companies reach out from the local marketplace and into more global arenas. The CMA body of knowledge is very valuable in this regard."

John K. Lau, CMA
Chief Financial Officer
WesTrac China

"Don't just blindly follow the CPA track. More than 80% of accounting professionals wind up working in industry, so be aware of the non-public accounting opportunities. The big CPA firms sponsor everything on campus, so it's easy to think they're the only game in town. They're not."

Paula Riemer, CMA, CPA
Senior Financial Analyst
The Martin-Brower Co., LLC

"I tell my students: taking the CMA exam is something you can do even before graduation. It gives you and your potential employer evidence that you’re well prepared and well qualified. The CMA sets you apart from others who have a college degree alone, and it’s something that is recognized and respected by a lot of potential employers."

Christine McKeag, CMA, CPA
Assistant Dean
Schroeder Family School of Business Administration University of Evansville, Indiana

"The fact that I had recently completed the exam definitely came up in my interviews. It was a strong selling point that I think helped to set me apart. Pursuing my CMA shows not only that I have a specific skills set but also that I was able to prepare for the exam and accomplish a goal."

Amy White, CMA
Accounting
Safeway, Inc.

"The CMA gave me the cohesion and validation that I needed. Because I come from India and my education and experience came from there, my background wasn't as easily recognized. It's been very helpful for me to have this designation, because it shows that I'm a person who understands all the things that are tested on the exam."

Raj Bansal, CMA, CFM
Assistant VP, Banking Specialist HSBC Bank

"The CMA credential is a spotlight directed to anyone working in accounting and finance. To be certified as a CMA means that I’m a more knowledgeable and experienced professional. In addition, the certification gives me more confidence and adds to my clients’ trust, when they realize that they are dealing with a CMA."

Dr. Samir M.A. Hassan, Ph.D., CMA, CFM

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

After you have completed the last part of the CMA examination, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education annually, including a minimum of two hours in the area of ethics. Since CPE hours reported are verified on a random basis, you should keep CPE certificates and other supporting documents for a minimum of two years.

CPE Courses and Events

IMA offers a variety of programs uniquely geared for the professional development of accountants and financial professionals in business. To make meeting your CPE requirement convenient and enjoyable, IMA offers hundreds of NASBA-approved CPE courses and events every year, with content designed with you in mind.

For more information on IMA's CPE programs, visit these sites:


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