FAQs: Study and Exam Process
Where do I take the exam?
Exams are administered through the worldwide network of Prometric Testing Centers and are available in accordance with local customs. There are many locations throughout the U.S. and internationally.
When can I take the exam?
Exams are offered according to the following schedule:
- January and February
- May and June
- September and October
To schedule exam appointments, visit www.prometric.com/ICMA.
To ensure your first choice of date, time, and location, it is best to schedule your appointment at least four weeks in advance. All exam appointments must be scheduled at least 72 hours in advance of the exam date. Once you are registered, you must take the exam part during your assigned testing session. If for any reason you are unable to schedule an exam appointment during the assigned testing window, you will need to pay another registration fee. Appointments cannot be rescheduled to another testing window.
Can I reschedule my exam appointment?
If you find that you are unable to keep a scheduled appointment at Prometric or wish to move your appointment to another date, you must do so 72 hours before your appointment. Please note if you reschedule your appointment within 30 days of your appointment date you will incur a $50 rescheduling fee.
To cancel or reschedule your appointment, please have your confirmation number ready and visit www.prometric.com/ICMA or call 800-479-6370 and select option one to be directed to the automated system. International candidates can visit the Prometric web site or call the Regional Registration Contact Center. Both options are available twenty-four hours, seven days a week. If you do not comply with the cancellation policy, you will be considered a "no-show" and you will need to reregister with the ICMA and REPAY the examination fee.
Can I get an extension and switch my exam-testing window?
No, exam extensions are not granted. You must take the exam in the test window that you registered for.
Can I schedule an exam by phone?
To schedule an exam by phone, find the phone number for your region at www.prometric.com/ICMA. You will need:
- Your Registration acknowledgment form, which provides your authorization number(s)
- The first four letters of your last name
- A valid email address.
Then, select the exam that you’re eligible to take, determine the testing location and choose an available exam date and time. Once you’ve completed registration, an email will automatically be sent to you reconfirming your selection of exam, location and time.
When do I receive my exam performance report?
Performance Reports for Parts 1 and 2 are sent via postal mail only to candidates who fail an exam part. Performance reports are mailed approximately 14 days after exam results are posted to the candidate's transcript. Performance reports are not provided for the Transition Exam.
How much time do I have to pass both exam parts?
All CMA candidates have three years to complete Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam. The time period will begin with the date of your entry into the CMA program. If you do not complete the two-part exam within three years, credit for the part passed will expire and you will have to retake the exam.
Can I retake the exam?
An exam part may be taken only once in a testing window and no more than three times in a 12-month period (e.g., Part 1 may only be taken once within the January/February testing window). All exam retakes require a new registration along with payment of appropriate fees.
How do I send my education and work credentials?
To validate your work credential, download the CMA Experience Requirement Verification Form.
The completed form can be returned via email to ccurtin@imanet.org or via post to:
ICMA - Work Experience.
10 Paragon Drive, Suite 1
Montvale, NJ 07645-1759
To complete the educational requirement, you must submit a transcript verifying your bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
Obtain a Bachelor's Degree, in any area, from an accredited college or University. A listing of International and US institutions accepted without evaluation is available at:
univ.cc/world.php
Degrees not from accredited institutions must be evaluated by an independent agency listed at:
www.aice-eval.org or www.naces.org/members.
All transcripts must be submitted in English and show the official seal of the college or university. Your college or university should forward an official copy of your transcripts to IMA at the below address. If this is not possible, you may mail us a notarized copy directly.
ICMA - Transcript
10 Paragon Drive Suite 1
Montvale, NJ 07645-1759
If I started on the four-part exam, how do I register for the Transition Exam?
Candidates who have passed Parts 2 and 3 of the previous CMA exam program may choose to take Transition Part T to earn their CMA certificate. To register:
- Transfer into the new CMA program.
- File an Exam Registration Form selecting the exam(s) you wish to take and pay the indicated fees.
- Receive a Registration acknowledgment providing your authorization number(s), testing window(s), and the Instructions for Candidates.
- Schedule your exam appointment(s) with Prometric.
- Appear for your scheduled appointment(s) with the required identification documents.
If you enrolled for the four-part exam CMA program prior to February 28, 2010, click here for additional information.
How do I check my Certification status?
- Log into the IMA website using your IMA Member ID and password.
- Click on the "My Profile" link in the upper right hand corner.
- From your profile you will see your certification information on the right-hand side of the page.
How do I find the list of active CMAs?
A list of current CMAs can be found on this page.
Complete Instructions to Candidates
Read the complete instructions for candidates.