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

Maintaining Your Credential

Maintain your CMA credential by following three easy steps:

  • 1

    Continue your membership in IMA

  • 2

    Pay the CMA maintenance fee*

  • 3

    Fulfill your annual CPE requirement

*The CMA Maintenance Fee is payable at the time of a CMA member’s renewal term.

Maintaining the Value of the CMA

The CMA Maintenance Fee is used by ICMA to promote the CMA program to increase brand awareness in the marketplace and thereby enhance the value to certificants. It also covers the administrative costs of maintaining CMA records and providing confirmation of one’s CMA credential to employers.

CMA members receive a discount off the subscription price of IMA’s NASBA-approved CPEdge learning products, as well as free access to IMA's series of CPE-earning webinars.

Maintaining the CMA credential distinguishes CMAs as premium members of IMA.

Next: Promoting Your Credential

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