US CMA Fees: Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)

If you’re planning to pursue the certification, understanding the US CMA fees structure is very important before registering. Many candidates only consider the exam fee, but the total cost includes membership, entrance fee, and exam fees for both parts. Knowing the full breakdown helps you plan your budget properly and avoid surprises later.

The US CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certification is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), and all official payments are made directly to IMA.

Let’s understand the US CMA fees step by step.

1. IMA Membership Fee (Mandatory)

Before entering the CMA program, you must become a member of IMA. Without active membership, you cannot register for the exams.

There are two main categories:

Student/Academic Membership – Lower annual fee

Professional Membership – Higher annual fee

Membership must be renewed annually until you complete the certification.

2. CMA Entrance Fee (One-Time Payment)

After becoming a member, you must pay a one-time CMA entrance fee. This officially enrolls you into the CMA program.

Students pay a reduced entrance fee

Professionals pay a slightly higher entrance fee

This fee is non-refundable and paid only once.

3. CMA Exam Fees (Two Parts)

The CMA exam consists of two parts:

Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance & Analytics

Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management

You must pay the exam fee separately for each part.

Student/Academic members pay a lower fee per part

Professional members pay a higher fee per part

If you fail a part, you must pay the exam fee again for reattempt.

Total US CMA Fees (Approximate)

The total official US CMA fees depend on whether you register as a student or professional.

For Students:

IMA Membership (discounted)

CMA Entrance Fee (lower rate)

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)

CMA Entrance Fee

Exam Fees for both parts

Estimated total official cost: Around $1,500–$1,700

These costs include only official payments to IMA. Coaching, study materials, mock tests, and taxes are not included.

US CMA Fees in India (Approx INR)

For Indian candidates, depending on the exchange rate:

Students: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000 (official fees only)

Professionals: ₹1,30,000 – ₹1,60,000 (official fees only)

Preparation courses and coaching can increase the total investment.

Additional Costs to Consider

While calculating US CMA fees, also consider:

Study materials (Wiley, Gleim, Becker, etc.)

Coaching institute fees

Mock exams and question banks

Travel expenses (if exam center is outside your city)

Membership renewal (if exams take longer to complete)

Is US CMA Worth the Fees?

When evaluating the US CMA fees, it’s important to think about long-term return on investment. CMA-certified professionals often receive better salary growth, leadership opportunities, and global career exposure compared to non-certified peers.

The certification focuses on management accounting, budgeting, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making — skills that are highly valued in multinational companies.

Final Thoughts

The US CMA fees include membership, entrance fee, and exam fees for two parts. On average, you should plan a budget of $1,000–$1,700 for official payments, plus additional preparation costs.