US CMA Course Duration: After 12th, Graduation, BCom & CA

Are you looking for a career boost, that too in management accounting? So, for that, the US CMA course duration is one of the first things you will want to understand. Do not worry, we are here to help you out!

It is, no doubt, the best choice you can make if you are seeking a career in management accounting. And if you’re asking what is management accounting, it’s the practice of using financial information for internal business decision-making—a critical skillset for future finance leaders.

In this blog, let us understand the course duration because it is the first step toward planning your path to success.

About CMA Course

The US CMA course is globally recognised. Gaining the credential means opening up varied career opportunities for you. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) in the United States.

It validates your expertise in management accounting and financial management. Thus, making it highly valued by employers around the world.

However, the US CMA duration varies depending on your educational background and professional experience. So, read further to explore the duration for the US CMA certification after completing 12th grade, after graduation, and for those who already hold a CA qualification.

Understanding the CMA course duration will help you plan your journey more effectively. It will enable you to set realistic expectations for achieving this valued designation.

US CMA Course Duration: Overview

The time taken to complete the US CMA course is 12 to 18 months. However, there are several factors like

The candidate’s prior knowledge
Study pace
Professional experience
Mode of study (self-study or coaching)
Familiarity with accounting and finance concepts

that affect the US CMA duration. That is why it varies from student to student.

Here is an easy-to-read tabular chart summarising the US CMA Course Duration based on different educational backgrounds:

Educational Background	Eligibility	Typical Duration	Remarks
After 12th	12th from a recognised school; a Bachelor’s degree needed within 7 years	12 to 18 months	Can start CMA after 12th but must complete graduation later; duration may vary depending on concept clarity
After Graduation	Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university	Around 12 months	Graduates in accounting/finance/business tend to grasp concepts faster
After BCom	BCom from an accredited college	9 to 12 months	Subject overlap (e.g., Accounting, Costing) shortens prep time
After CA	CA-qualified individuals	6 to 12 months (sometimes 6)	Advanced financial knowledge makes the CMA prep quicker; eligibility is streamlined

US CMA Course Duration After 12th

The US CMA course duration after 12th from a recognised school of education is eligible for enrollment. You can initiate your CMA journey toward a successful career in management accounting. But, but, but. Hold your horses! You must complete a bachelor’s degree within 7 years of passing the CMA exams to obtain the certification.

The CMA duration after 12th is 12 to 18 months. So, you can consume 6 to 9 months each for Part 1 and Part 2, depending on the study schedule. However, for some high school students, the CMA duration after 12th may exceed because it is challenging for them to get familiar with the fundamental concepts of accounting.

US CMA Course Duration After Graduation

CMA aspirants with a bachelor’s degree from a recognised college or university can enroll in the US CMA course immediately. CMA duration after graduation will typically take 12 months, depending on the study plan and preparation level. Graduates, especially in fields such as accounting, finance, economics, or business management, will be able to grasp concepts quickly than their counterparts.

These opponents will consume more time achieving their CMA designation. Therefore, the CMA duration after graduation on average is of a year.

US CMA Course Duration After BCom

Graduates having BCom degrees from an accredited college or university are eligible to sit for the CMA exams. After BCom, CMA course selection is a good choice as some of the BCom subjects overlap with the CMA syllabus.

Several overlapping subjects, such as financial accounting, cost and management accounting, and financial management, are all core components of the CMA syllabus. Additionally, BCom students are aware of economics, business law, ethics, auditing, and taxation fundamentals, which align with financial reporting, internal controls, and professional ethics taught in the CMA course.

The degree also emphasises quantitative techniques, data analysis, and information technology for business. All of which is essential for decision-making and performance evaluation in management accounting.

So, the CMA course duration after BCom reduces to 9 to 12 months. The graduates are already equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue the CMA certification. And that too successfully, consuming less time.

CMA US Duration After CA

CAs can typically complete CMA in approximately 6 to 12 months as they have an advanced understanding of financial concepts, reducing the time needed for preparation. CMA focuses on management accounting, which includes cost management, budgeting, performance evaluation, financial planning, and strategic management. These subject areas align with a CA’s knowledge of financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and regulatory compliance.

Moreover, Both these certifications also teach about professional ethics, risk management, and internal controls in common. Due to their background, CAs may complete both parts of the exam even more quickly, sometimes within 6 months.

So, the CMA eligibility for Chartered Accountants (CA) is streamlined, recognizing their extensive financial expertise and professional experience. They are eligible to pursue the CMA certification without additional educational requirements, which significantly reduces CMA US duration after doing Chartered Accountancy.

Conclusion

CMA is a valuable certification that equips professionals with the necessary expertise required by employers to advance their careers in management accounting. Completing US CMA time duration depends on your educational background and the experience you have already gained, potentially reducing your time to gain CMA designation. Understanding these timelines is important as it will help you plan your path effectively, ensuring you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your CMA journey.