CMA USA Certification: Course Fees, Jobs & Full Syllabus Sections Covered What is CMA USA Certification and who should apply? Detailed CMA USA Exam Syllabus: Part 1 and Part 2 CMA USA Certification Fees — exact cost breakdown Top Jobs, Roles and Salary Expectations in India How to Prepare: Study Plan, Resources and Tips Conclusion Schedule a call The CMA USA certification (Certified Management Accountant) is a globally recognised professional credential offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). It trains you in management accounting, strategic finance and business decision-making — skills that employers value across industry, consulting and startups. This blog explains eligibility, exact CMA USA certification fees, the full syllabus (Part 1 & Part 2), likely jobs and salary expectations in India, plus a practical study plan and FAQs. What is CMA USA Certification and who should apply? The CMA USA certification equips finance professionals with expertise in budgeting, performance management, risk, finance strategy and analytics. It suits:Finance graduates and working accountants aiming for management roles.Professionals seeking international mobility and higher pay.Business managers who need financial decision-making skills.To become eligible you must have a bachelor’s degree (or professional qualification) and two years of relevant professional experience — completed within three years of passing the exam. IMA . Read More CMA USA Syllabus and Subjects Explained ClearlyIs CMA USA the Best Course for Accounting Students?CMA USA Job Opportunities in Top Countries . Detailed CMA USA Exam Syllabus: Part 1 and Part 2 The CMA is split into two parts. Each part tests a blend of technical knowledge and applied decision making. Below is a concise weightage and topic map you can use while planning. IMAExam PartMain Domains (topics)Approx. WeightagePart 1 — Financial Planning, Performance & AnalyticsExternal financial reporting, Planning & budgeting, Performance management, Cost management, Internal controls, Technology & analytics100% distributed (15–20% per domain)Part 2 — Strategic Financial ManagementFinancial statement analysis, Corporate finance, Decision analysis, Risk management, Investment decisions, Professional ethics100% distributed (10–25% per domain)Each exam paper: 4 hours (100 multiple choice + 2 essay scenarios). Passing score: 360/500 per part. You may take Parts in any order.Part-wise quick topic checklistPart 1 highlightsBudgeting methods and forecasting modelsStandard costing, variance analysis, cost allocationInternal controls and risk assessmentData analytics basics for financePart 2 highlightsCapital budgeting, risk-adjusted returnsWorking capital management, corporate finance decisionsBusiness valuation and financial statement interpretationEnterprise risk management and ethics . Latest Updates CMA Course Online – Become a Management AccountantCMA USA vs CA India: Top Accounting Course ComparisonDifference between CMA VS EA, The Accounting DesignationQuitting CA To Pursue CMA USA CMA USA Certification Fees — exact cost breakdown Costs vary by membership status (professional vs student) and currency fluctuations. The IMA lists entrance and exam fees; institutions and coaching add optional costs. Typical fee heads: enrollment/entrance fee, exam fee (per part), IMA membership, and annual maintenance. The official IMA breakdown is the authoritative reference. Note: Many coaching providers publish packaged prices (tuition + test series) in INR — expect coaching packages to range from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 depending on mode (self-study, live online, classroom) and features. Always confirm live fees on IMA and the training provider’s website before payment. IMA+1 .Latest UpdatesSuccess Stories: CA Professionals Journey to becoming a CPAThe Best CPA Comprehensive GuideUS CPA Eligibility in India - Step-by-Step GuideCPA Canada Requirements - How to pursue CPA Canada after BCom Top Jobs, Roles and Salary Expectations in India Holding a CMA USA certification usually improves role scope and pay. Common career paths:Management Accountant / Cost AccountantFinancial Analyst / FP&A ExecutiveFinance Manager / Senior AccountantBusiness Controller / Financial ControllerCorporate Finance Analyst / Treasury AnalystAnalytics & Decision Support rolesSalary snapshots (India, indicative ranges):Freshers (entry level): ₹4–8 LPA.Mid-level (3–6 years): ₹8–18 LPA.Senior/Managerial: ₹18–35+ LPA depending on company and city.These are broad ranges; top MNCs and consulting firms often pay higher packages. Several Indian training providers and NorthStar Academy’s own placement analysis report freshers earning ~₹6–8 LPA on average for US CMA holders. NorthStar Academy . Latest UpdatesEnrolled Agents Frequently Asked QuestionsEnrolled Agent (EA) Jobs Opportunities and Career ScopeTop 5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Becoming an Enrolled AgentCan I Pursue Enrolled Agent Course in India? How to Prepare: Study Plan, Resources and Tips A practical study approach for the CMA USA certification:1. Timeline (recommended: 6–9 months per part)Months 0–1: Syllabus mapping + select study material (official IMA learning system or reputed review courses).Months 2–4: Core study — read, make notes, solve MCQs. Target 200–300 MCQs/week.Months 5–6: Mock tests, essay practice and weak-area revision.Final 2–4 weeks: Full-length timed mocks, exam strategies.2. Essential resourcesIMA’s official learning system and blueprints. IMAPractice essay scenarios — learn to structure answers (calculations + short discussion).3. Study tips that workTime-boxed study blocks (Pomodoro)Daily MCQ target + weekly simulated exam.Group study for essays and case discussions.Focus on conceptual clarity (management accounting is applied, not just formulaic).Comparison Table: CMA vs Other Finance CertificationsFeatureCMA USAACCACPAFocusManagement accounting & strategic financeGlobal accounting & auditUS GAAP, auditing & taxBest forFinance managers, controllersPublic accounting & global accounting rolesUS public accounting & audit rolesTypical exam parts2 partsMultiple papers4 sectionsGlobal recognitionStrong in industry/finance functionsWidely globalStrong in US & multinational firms Conclusion The CMA USA certification is a practical, career-boosting qualification for finance professionals who want to move into strategic and managerial roles. With clear planning, the right study resources and consistent practice (MCQs + essays), you can clear both parts and access higher paying roles in India and abroad. For a personalised plan, course details and batch schedules, reach out.WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 8147470505 for Expert Guidance from NorthStar Academy. Trending BlogsCourseLinksACCAACCA vs MBA Which is betterCareer Option after ACCACMA USCMA US Job Opportunities Best CMA booksCPA USCPA Course after Bcom CPA Salary in IndiaEnrolled AgentEnrolled Agent course Job & salaryEnrolled Agent Sample questions Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to complete the CMA? Typical candidates finish both parts in 9–18 months depending on study intensity and work commitments. Aim for 6–9 months per part for balanced study. Can I do CMA while working? Yes — many candidates study part-time. Evening and weekend study plus disciplined scheduling work well. Is CMA recognised in India? Yes — Indian companies (especially MNCs, manufacturing, FMCG and analytics firms) value CMAs for finance leadership roles. Salary uplift is common after certification. NorthStar Academy Which CMA part is tougher — Part 1 or Part 2? Difficulty is subjective. Part 1 is technique heavy (costing & performance), Part 2 tests strategic finance and analytics. Choose the order that plays to your strengths. What’s the passing score and pattern? Each part: 100 MCQs + 2 essay scenarios, 4 hours total. Passing score: 360/500.
