Certified Management Accountant Eligibility Criteria & Fees Structure

Eligibility Criteria: Certified Management Accountant

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is a globally recognized credential offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). In India, aspiring CMAs need to meet specific eligibility criteria and understand the fee structure to pursue this prestigious certification. Below, we'll provide an overview of the eligibility requirements and fee structure for the CMA program in India.

1. Educational Qualifications:

   • To be eligible for the CMA program in India, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute. This is a fundamental requirement to begin the CMA journey.
     
     

2. Age Requirement:

   • There is no specific age limit to enroll in the CMA program. Candidates of all age groups are welcome to pursue this certification.
     
     

3. Membership with IMA:

   • Candidates must become members of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) to access the CMA program. Both students and professionals can join IMA as members. Membership provides access to study resources, networking opportunities, and exam discounts.
     
     

4. Registration with ICMAI:

   • In India, the CMA program is administered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI). Aspiring CMAs must register with ICMAI as students or members to be eligible for the CMA examinations.
     
     

5. Student Registration:

   • If you are a student seeking to become a CMA in India, you can register with ICMAI as a student member. This registration allows you to enroll in the CMA Foundation course, the first step in the CMA program.
     
     

6. Graduation for Intermediate Level:

   • To progress beyond the CMA Foundation level, candidates must complete their graduation before attempting the Intermediate level exams. This serves as a prerequisite to sit for the Intermediate examinations.
     
     

7. Work Experience:

   • While there are no specific work experience requirements to enroll in the CMA program or take the exams, candidates must accumulate relevant work experience after passing both CMA exams to be officially designated as CMAs. This experience must align with management accounting and financial management roles.

Fee Structure: Certified Management Accountant Course

The CMA program in India involves several components with associated fees. Additionally, candidates should budget for study materials, coaching, and other related expenses to ensure successful completion of the CMA program in India.Here's a breakdown of the fee structure:

1. IMA Membership Fee:

   • Becoming an IMA member is the first step. The membership fee varies depending on your student or professional status. Students typically have reduced membership fees compared to professionals. The fee includes access to study materials, networking opportunities, and exam discounts.
     
     

2. ICMAI Registration Fees:

   • To register with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) as a student or member, you'll need to pay registration fees. These fees may differ based on your status as a student or member.
     
     

3. CMA Foundation Course Registration:

   • Enrolling in the CMA Foundation course requires payment of course registration fees. These fees cover study materials, access to lectures, and examination fees for the Foundation level.
     
     

4. Examination Fees:

   • Candidates must pay examination fees for each part of the CMA exam. There are two parts in total: Part 1 and Part 2. The fees for each part may vary, and discounts are available for IMA members.
     
     

5. Coaching and Study Material:

   • While not mandatory, many candidates opt for coaching classes or purchase additional study materials to prepare for the CMA exams. The cost of coaching and study materials can vary widely based on the provider and the study package chosen.
     
     

6. Intermediate and Final Level Fees:

   • After completing the Foundation level, candidates need to register and pay fees for the Intermediate and Final levels of the CMA program. These fees include course registration, examination fees, and study materials.
     
     

7. Annual Membership Renewal:

   • To maintain your IMA membership and continue receiving benefits, you'll need to renew your membership annually. The renewal fee is typically lower than the initial membership fee.
     
     

8. Ethics Exam Fee:

   • As part of the CMA certification process, candidates are required to pass the CMA Ethics Exam. There is a separate fee associated with this exam.