Vertex Learning SolutionsChanging Behaviours Through Education
Enrol now
CMA (USA) · IMA

CMA USA fees, membership & exam costs.

IMA membership, the entrance fee, and exam fees for each part — student rates cost significantly less than professional rates.

IMA membershipExam fees
Required first

IMA membership

Active IMA membership is required before you can enter the CMA program — figures below are IMA's published 2026 rates (all in USD; check the official IMA website for current pricing). See eligibility & requirements.

Membership typeAnnual feeOne-time application fee
Student$49Waived
Professional$295$15
CMA program

Entrance & exam fees

You pay for each exam part individually when you're ready to schedule it. See exam process, windows & results.

FeeStudent rateProfessional rate
CMA Entrance Fee (one-time)$225$300
Exam Fee — Part 1$407$495
Exam Fee — Part 2$407$495

Student rates

Student rates apply if you're actively enrolled with at least six credit hours in the current or most recent semester.

Mind the three-year window

The entrance fee is valid for three years — you must pass both exam parts within that window, or you'll need to re-enter the program and pay it again.

First year

Illustrative all-in totals

These figures cover IMA/CMA fees only — membership, the entrance fee, and both exam parts — before any review course materials.

Students

Roughly **$1,050–$1,100** in the first year.

Professionals

Around **$1,585** in the first year.

Not included

These figures cover IMA/CMA fees only — study materials and review courses are a separate cost, typically ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars depending on the provider and format you choose.

After certification

Ongoing costs after certification

Annual renewal

An annual IMA membership renewal fee (around $30) is required to keep your CMA status active.

Continuing Professional Education

You must report 30 hours of CPE each year, including at least 2 hours of ethics — many CPE options are free, though paid courses can add up to roughly $1,200 a year if you choose them.

Prometric reschedule fee

A $50 Prometric fee applies if you reschedule or cancel an exam appointment within 3–30 days of your scheduled date. See [exam process, windows & results](/about-cma/exam-process-windows-and-results).

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does the whole CMA certification cost?

Roughly $850–$1,100 for students and $1,300–$1,600 for professionals in the first year, covering membership, the entrance fee, and both exam parts — before study materials.

Do I need to pay for both exam parts at once?

No — you pay for each part individually when you're ready to schedule it.

What happens if I don't pass both parts within 3 years?

Any part you did pass expires, and you'll need to re-enter the program and pay the entrance fee again to continue.

Are there ongoing costs after I'm certified?

Yes — an annual membership renewal fee (around $30) plus the cost of any paid CPE courses you choose to meet the 30-hour annual requirement.

Ready to start CMA (USA)? Study with Vertex.

Expert-led tuition for CMA Part 1 and Part 2 — plan your sittings around IMA membership and the three-year entrance window.

Browse CMA coursesBook a free consultation