Introduction

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is one of the most prestigious and globally recognized certifications in the fields of accounting and finance. It is issued by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), a leading international organization.

For nearly 50 years, the CMA certification has empowered accountants and financial managers to enhance their professional performance and strengthen their ability to make critical strategic decisions.

A Certified Management Accountant is considered a distinguished financial expert with extensive knowledge and strong qualifications that enable them to assume key positions in the field. These professionals excel in organizing and summarizing financial data accurately, enhancing their ability to manage corporate financial affairs efficiently and effectively.

Certification Awarding Body

The certification is granted by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), an international organization established in 1919 with the aim of advancing the accounting and finance profession. The institute offers professional certifications such as CMA and FMAA and provides educational resources, research, and networking opportunities for members worldwide. It is regarded as a reference for developing accounting standards and ethical practices.

Managerial & Financial Training Center is an accredited training center by the American Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and one of the leading institutions in delivering training programs and professional certificates in accounting, finance, banking, risk management, and various other specialties since 2004.

Benefits of Obtaining the CMA Certification

• Opens doors to roles such as Financial Manager, Accounts Manager, Cost Accountant, and Financial Analyst.

• A globally recognized credential that enhances your professional standing and credibility.

• Develops advanced technical skills in accounting and finance and improves your English accounting terminology.

• Increases your chances of receiving competitive job offers, especially from global companies.

• Provides a strong competitive advantage and higher salary potential in the job market.

• Grants membership in the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), one of the largest accounting associations worldwide.

• Keeps you updated with the latest trends in accounting and financial management.

• Enables participation in advanced educational programs and workshops that enhance your skills.

• Strengthens employer confidence in your ability to conduct accurate financial analysis and make sound strategic decisions.

• Allows you to build strong professional networks through IMA events and communities.

Certification Requirements

• Register for the IMA membership.

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.

• Have two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

• Enroll in the CMA Program.

• Pass both CMA exam parts.

Certification Structure

The CMA certification consists of two parts:

1. Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

2. Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management

Part 1 Exam Topics

• External Financial Reporting Decisions – 15%

• Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting – 20%

• Performance Management – 20%

• Cost Management – 15%

• Internal Controls – 15%

• Technology and Analytics – 15%

Exam Details

CMA exams are administered in Saudi Arabia and internationally through Prometric testing centers. Candidates can schedule their exams during the following testing windows: January–February, May–June, and September–October.

The exam is delivered in English and consists of two parts, each lasting 4 hours, including 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions.

Candidates have 3 hours for the MCQs and 1 hour for the essays. Any remaining time from the MCQ section is added to the essay section.

You may take either exam part first, and many candidates choose the easier part according to their background to maintain motivation.

Multiple-Choice Question Types

• Direct questions

• Negative questions

• Questions with two or three answer options

• Questions with multiple variables

Essay Question Structure

Essay questions include calculations, analyses, interpretations, and explanations:

• Calculation questions

• Analysis questions

• Explanation/interpretation questions

Exam Windows

January / February

• First exam date: January 1

• Last exam date: February 28

• Last registration day: February 15

May / June

• First exam date: May 1

• Last exam date: June 30

• Last registration day: June 15

September / October

• First exam date: September 1

• Last exam date: October 31

• Last registration day: October 15

Membership and Exam Fees

Professionals

• Membership: $295

• Entrance Fee: $300

• Exam parts (both): $1,090

• Total: $1,685

Academics

• Membership: $160

• Entrance Fee: $225

• Exam parts: $814

• Total: $1,199

Students

• Membership: $49

• Entrance Fee: $225

• Exam parts: $814

• Total: $1,088

A one-time $15 application processing fee applies for professionals and academics.

If a candidate fails any exam part, the exam fee must be repaid during a new testing window.

Note: Prices are subject to change according to IMA updates.

Recognition and Support in Saudi Arabia

• The certification is supported by Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF – Hadaf). Saudi nationals may reimburse training and exam fees up to 13,600 SAR after passing both parts (recognized since February 2021).

• The certification is recognized by the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA) as one of the professional credentials eligible for professional registration.

Recommended Study References

Popular study providers include:

HOCK – GLEIM – WILEY – PRC – SURGENT – BECKER

Gleim is recommended when studying with an instructor, while HOCK is suitable for self-study. Candidates can choose any reference based on personal preference.

Benefits of Attending the Training with Managerial & Financial Training Center

• Bilingual instruction (Arabic & English), with exam content in English.

• Professional trainer with extensive experience and international certification.

• Access to summaries, books, references, and practice questions.

• Original Gleim eBook and access code with question bank available upon request.

• A complete study plan with continuous monitoring and mock exams throughout the course.

• Practical training on exam-style questions and solving techniques.

• Interactive training sessions to ensure knowledge delivery and understanding.

• Dedicated WhatsApp group including trainer and participants for materials and support.

• Full technical support and assistance from our center, along with support from IMA.

Target Audience

• Accounting and finance professionals

• Financial analysts and cost accountants

• Financial managers and account managers

• Company managers and CEOs

• Chief Financial Officers (CFOs)

• Financial controllers and treasury officers

• Employees of accounting and auditing firms

• Accounting and finance students and graduates