Introduction

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in the USA, is one of the most respected certifications in management accounting worldwide. If you are an international student, particularly based in India, enrolling in a CMA course in Bangalore can be the smartest step towards earning this prestigious US-based qualification. With the rise in demand for globally certified finance professionals, the CMA USA course opens doors to high-paying roles in multinational corporations, both in India and abroad.

CMA Full Form

The full form of CMA is Certified Management Accountant. This credential signifies expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. It is globally recognised and is especially valued in the US, Middle East, Canada, and India.

CMA USA Course Exam Details

The CMA USA certification consists of two parts, each covering essential areas of management accounting:

  • Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

  • Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

Each part includes 100 multiple-choice questions and two 30-minute essay questions.

Exams are conducted in three testing windows each year: January–February, May–June, and September–October.

Passing Score: 360 out of 500

Duration: Each exam lasts 4 hours (3 hours for MCQs and 1 hour for essays).

CMA USA Course Details: Eligibility

To become a CMA-certified professional, you must:

  1. Hold a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.

  2. Clear both CMA USA exam parts.

  3. Have two years of relevant work experience in management accounting or financial management.

  4. Hold active IMA membership.

International students can begin preparing for the exams while still pursuing their degree but must fulfill education and experience criteria before certification.

CMA USA Course Details: Scholarship

IMA offers the CMA Scholarship Program for students enrolled in accredited colleges or universities. It covers:

  • IMA membership fee

  • Entrance fee

  • Exam fees for both parts (one attempt each)

If you're a student in Bangalore, institutes like CFO Next assist with scholarship applications and provide the necessary academic support.

How to Apply for CMA in the USA?

To enroll in the CMA USA program:

  1. Become a member of the IMA (Institute of Management Accountants).

  2. Register for the CMA program and pay the entrance fee.

  3. Schedule your exam via Prometric testing centers.

  4. Start your preparation by enrolling in a trusted CMA coaching institute like CFO Next in Bangalore, which offers live classes, mock tests, and expert guidance.

CMA USA vs CMA India

Feature CMA USA CMA India
Governing Body Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)
Global Recognition High (180+ countries) Moderate (India-centric)
Exam Structure 2 parts 3 levels (Foundation, Intermediate, Final)
Duration 6–12 months 3+ years
Career Focus Management accounting, strategy Cost accounting, compliance
 

If your goal is to work globally or with multinational companies, CMA USA is the better choice. Pursuing the CMA course in Bangalore with a coaching partner like CFO Next gives you the advantage of international exposure with local mentorship.

Conclusion

The CMA USA certification is a fast-track, high-value credential for international students aiming to build a career in global finance and accounting. Enrolling in a CMA course in Bangalore offers the perfect mix of local classroom support and international certification access. With expert coaching from reputed institutes like CFO Next, you can confidently prepare for the CMA exam and unlock exciting career opportunities in India and abroad.