Certified Management Accountant Exam Cost: Complete 2026 Guide
If you’re planning to pursue the Certified Management Accountant exam cost is one of the first things you should clearly understand. Many students only look at the exam fee, but the total CMA (US) cost includes multiple components like membership, entrance fee, and exam fees for both parts. In this guide, we’ll break down everything in simple terms so you know exactly how much investment is required.
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA US) credential is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and all official payments are made directly to IMA. The exam is divided into two parts, and each part has a separate fee.
1. IMA Membership Fee (Mandatory)
Before registering for the CMA program, you must become a member of IMA. Without membership, you cannot sit for the exam.
There are different membership categories:
Student Membership – Lower fee (for college/university students)
Professional Membership – Higher fee (for working professionals)
The membership fee is paid annually, and you must keep it active until you complete the certification process.
2. CMA Entrance Fee (One-Time)
After becoming a member, you must pay a one-time CMA entrance fee. This fee officially enrolls you into the CMA program.
This is non-refundable and is paid only once when you enter the program.
3. CMA Exam Fees (Two Parts)
The CMA exam consists of two parts, and you must pay the exam fee separately for each part.
Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics
Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management
If you fail a part, you must pay the exam fee again for re-attempt.
Total Certified Management Accountant Exam Cost (Approximate)
The overall Certified Management Accountant exam cost depends on whether you are registering as a student or a professional.
For Students:
IMA Membership (discounted)
Entrance Fee (lower than professional category)
Exam Fee for Part 1
Exam Fee for Part 2
Estimated total official cost: Around $1,000–$1,200
For Professionals:
IMA Membership (standard rate)
Entrance Fee
Exam Fee for both parts
Estimated total official cost: Around $1,500–$1,700
This cost includes only official IMA payments. It does not include coaching, study material, mock tests, or GST (if applicable).
Additional Costs to Consider
While calculating the Certified Management Accountant exam cost, you should also consider:
Study materials (Wiley, Gleim, Becker, etc.)
Coaching or training institute fees
Mock test series
Travel (if exam center is in another city)
Membership renewal if you take longer to complete the exams
These additional costs can increase the total investment.
CMA Exam Cost in India (Approximate INR)
For Indian students, the total official CMA US cost usually falls between:
₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 (Student category)
₹1,30,000 to ₹1,60,000 (Professional category)
The final amount depends on the dollar exchange rate at the time of payment.
Is the CMA Exam Cost Worth It?
When evaluating the Certified Management Accountant exam cost, it’s important to look at return on investment. CMA professionals often earn higher salaries compared to non-certified accountants and get better opportunities in multinational companies.
The certification focuses on management accounting, decision-making, budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic finance — which are highly valued skills in today’s corporate world.
If your goal is to work in corporate finance, become a financial controller, or move toward CFO-level roles, the CMA certification can justify the investment.
Final Thoughts
The Certified Management Accountant exam cost includes membership, entrance fee, and exam fees for two parts. On average, you should plan a budget of $1,000–$1,700 for official fees, plus additional preparation expenses.