Introduction

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is one of the most prestigious accounting and financial qualifications worldwide, issued by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).

For nearly 50 years, this certification has supported accountants and financial managers in enhancing their professional performance and strengthening 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 possess the ability to organize and summarize financial data accurately, enhancing their capability 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. IMA offers professional certifications such as CMA and FMAA, and provides educational resources, research, and networking opportunities for members worldwide. It is considered a reference for developing accounting standards and ethical practices.

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

Benefits of Obtaining the CMA Certification

• Opens doors to high-level positions such as Financial Manager, Accounts Manager, Cost Accountant, and Financial Analyst.

• A globally recognized qualification widely respected by employers, enhancing your professional credibility.

• Enhances your technical skills in accounting and finance, while improving your English accounting terminology.

• Increases your chances of securing competitive job offers, especially with international companies.

• Provides a competitive edge in the job market and raises your salary potential.

• Grants membership in the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), one of the largest accounting bodies worldwide, giving you access to valuable resources and a broad professional network.

• Keeps you up to date with the latest trends in accounting and financial management.

• Allows you to participate in advanced educational programs and workshops that enhance your skills.

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

• Enables networking with other professionals in the field through IMA membership.

Certification Requirements

• Register for IMA membership.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

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

• Enroll in the CMA Program.

• Successfully pass both 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

Exam Topics (Part 2)

• Financial Statement Analysis – 20%

• Corporate Finance – 20%

• Decision Analysis – 25%

• Risk Management – 10%

• Investment Decisions – 10%

• Professional Ethics – 15%

Exam Details

CMA exams are administered in Saudi Arabia and internationally through authorized Prometric testing centers. Candidates may schedule their exams during the testing windows in January/February, May/June, and September/October.

The exam is delivered in English and consists of two parts. Each part is 4 hours long and includes 100 multiple-choice questions and 2 essay questions. You have 3 hours to complete the multiple-choice section and 1 hour for the essay section. If you complete the MCQs early, the remaining time is added to the essay portion.

You may take either part first. It is recommended to begin with the easier part based on your background to maintain motivation throughout the certification journey.

Multiple-Choice Question Structure

• Direct questions

• Negative questions

• Questions with two or three answer options

• Questions with multiple variables

Essay Question Structure

Essay questions include calculations, analyses, and explanations:

• Calculation questions

• Analysis questions

• Explanation and interpretation questions

Exam Windows

January / February

• First exam date: January 1

• Last exam date: February 28

• Last registration date: February 15

May / June

• First exam date: May 1

• Last exam date: June 30

• Last registration date: June 15

September / October

• First exam date: September 1

• Last exam date: October 31

• Last registration date: October 15

Membership and Exam Fees

Professionals

• Membership: $295

• Entrance Fee: $300

• Exam Parts (two parts): $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 fee of $15 applies for application processing for professionals and academics.

If any exam part is failed, its exam fee must be repaid within a new testing window.

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

Recognition and Support in Saudi Arabia

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

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

Recommended Study References

Common 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 may choose any reference based on personal preference.

Benefits of Attending the Training at Managerial & Financial Training Center

• Bilingual instruction (English and Arabic), 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 online access code including the question bank (upon request).

• A complete study plan with continuous monitoring and regular mock exams until the end of the course.

• Training on exam-style question-solving techniques.

• Live interaction between trainer and participants for effective knowledge delivery.

• A dedicated WhatsApp group including the trainer and participants for communication and material sharing.

• Full technical support from our center, in addition to support provided by IMA.

Target Audience

• Accounting and finance professionals

• Financial analysts and cost accountants

• Financial managers and account managers

• Company managers and Chief Executive Officers (CEO)

• Chief Financial Officers (CFO)

• Financial controllers and treasury officers

• Employees of accounting and auditing firms

• Accounting and finance students and graduates