CMA US Course Duration & Study Plan: How to Clear CMA in 12 Months
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) – USA is one of the most prestigious professional certifications in management accounting and financial management. Offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the CMA qualification is globally recognized and highly valued by employers across industries.
One of the biggest advantages of CMA US is its short duration compared to other professional courses like CA, CPA, or ACCA. With the right strategy, discipline, and study plan, it is absolutely possible to clear CMA US in just 12 months.
This blog explains the CMA US course duration, exam structure, and a practical 12-month study plan to help you clear both parts in one year.
What Is the CMA US Course?
The CMA US certification focuses on management accounting, financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. It is ideal for students and professionals who want careers in:
- Corporate Finance
- Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
- Management Accounting
- Business Consulting
- Cost & Performance Management
The CMA US exam consists of only two parts, making it one of the fastest global accounting certifications to complete.
CMA US Course Duration
Official Duration
IMA allows candidates up to 3 years to complete both CMA exam parts after registration.
Practical Duration
With proper planning, most candidates can complete CMA in:
- 6–9 months (aggressive full-time study)
- 9–12 months (ideal for students and working professionals)
- 12–18 months (relaxed pace)
👉 12 months is the most balanced and realistic timeline, especially for students pursuing graduation or professionals with jobs
CMA US Exam Structure
CMA Exam Parts
Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics
- External Financial Reporting
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Performance Management
- Cost Management
- Internal Controls
- Technology & Analytics
Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance
- Decision Analysis
- Risk Management
- Investment Decisions
- Professional Ethics
Exam Format
- 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- 2 Essay-Type Questions
- Duration: 4 hours per part
- Passing Score: 360 out of 500
Can You Clear CMA US in 12 Months?
Yes, absolutely. Thousands of candidates clear CMA within one year every year.
Success depends on:
- Consistent study (2–3 hours daily)
- Strong conceptual understanding
- Regular MCQ practice
- Mock exams and revision
CMA does not test rote learning—it tests application and analytical thinking, which makes smart preparation more important than long study hours.
12-Month CMA US Study Plan (Step-by-Step)
Below is a realistic and proven 12-month study plan suitable for students and working professionals.
Months 1–5: Prepare for CMA Part 1
Month 1: Foundations & Financial Reporting
- Understand CMA exam pattern and syllabus
- Study:
- External Financial Reporting
- Basic accounting concepts
- Practice MCQs after every topic
Goal: Build strong accounting fundamentals
Month 2: Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Master:
- Budgeting techniques
- Forecasting methods
- Variance analysis
- Daily MCQ practice
- Weekly revision
Goal: Concept clarity + speed in problem-solving
Month 3: Cost & Performance Management
- Topics:
- Cost behavior & costing methods
- Performance measurement
- Responsibility centers
- Focus on numerical problems
- Start solving mixed-topic MCQs
Goal: Accuracy and application skills
Month 4: Internal Controls & Technology
- Study:
- Internal control frameworks
- Risk assessment
- Technology and analytics
- Revise earlier topics simultaneously
Goal: Link theory with real-world scenarios
Month 5: Revision & Mock Exams
- Full syllabus revision
- At least 2–3 full-length mock exams
- Analyze weak areas
- Improve time management
Attempt CMA Part 1 Exam at the end of Month 5 or early Month 6
Months 6–10: Prepare for CMA Part 2
Month 6: Financial Statement Analysis
- Ratio analysis
- Cash flow analysis
- Performance evaluation
- Daily MCQ practice
Goal: Analytical thinking development
Month 7: Corporate Finance
- Topics:
- Cost of capital
- Capital structure
- Working capital management
- Focus on formulas and interpretation
Goal: Strong command over finance concepts
Month 8: Decision Analysis & Risk Management
- Marginal costing decisions
- Pricing decisions
- Risk measurement
- Sensitivity analysis
Goal: Apply concepts to business decisions
Month 9: Investment Decisions & Ethics
- Capital budgeting techniques
- NPV, IRR, Payback
- Professional ethics
- Case-based questions
Goal: Strategic thinking and ethics clarity
Month 10: Revision & Mock Exams
- Full Part 2 revision
- Multiple mock tests
- Improve essay writing skills
- Final formula revision
Attempt CMA Part 2 Exam by the end of Month 10 or early Month 11
Months 11–12: Buffer, Retakes & Certification Process
- Buffer time in case one part needs retake
- Complete IMA experience documentation (if applicable)
- Focus on resume building and job applications
- Prepare for interviews
Daily Study Time Required
- Students: 2–3 hours per day
- Working Professionals: 1.5–2.5 hours per day
- Weekends: 4–6 hours
Consistency matters more than long study hours.
Tips to Clear CMA US in 12 Months
- Follow a structured study plan
- Practice MCQs daily – CMA is MCQ-driven
- Revise regularly – weekly and monthly
- Take mock exams seriously
- Focus on application, not memorization
- Stay disciplined and motivated
The CMA US course duration is flexible, but with the right mindset and a strategic approach, clearing CMA in 12 months is completely achievable. Its short duration, global recognition, and industry relevance make CMA US an excellent choice for students and professionals aiming for high-growth finance and management roles.
If you stay consistent, practice smartly, and follow a structured study plan, CMA US can be your gateway to a successful global finance career—in just one year.