The CMA certification consists of two exam parts: CMA Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics, and CMA Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management. Candidates can take the exams in any order, with each part containing 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay or case-based questions.
To earn the CMA designation, candidates must pass both exam parts, hold a bachelor's degree or approved professional qualification, maintain active IMA membership, and complete two years of relevant professional experience in management accounting or financial management.most candidates complete the CMA journey within 6–12 months, making it one of the fastest pathways to a globally recognized finance qualification.
US CMA focuses on financial planning, analytics, and corporate decision-making making it ideal for finance professionals working in Dubai, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the broader GCC
Structure: Consists of two CMA exam parts
- CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics (Cost management, internal controls, and data analytics).
- CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management (Financial statement analysis, corporate finance, and risk management).
Why CMA is valued in the Middle East:
The CMA is globally recognised and particularly in demand across the GCC, where multinational corporations, financial institutions, and government-linked enterprises actively seek CMA-certified professionals.
- High demand in UAE & GCC: Finance roles in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Doha increasingly list CMA as a preferred or required qualification.
- Salary advantage: CMA holders in the Middle East typically command significantly higher compensation compared to non-certified peers in similar roles.
- Global & regional mobility: Recognised in over 100 countries, the CMA is ideal for professionals targeting cross-border careers within the Middle East or internationally.
- Flexible study options: Edoxi Training Institute offers in-person classes in Dubai and live online sessions for candidates across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
Suggested CMA study timeline:
Experts recommend dedicating 3 to 4 months of preparation per exam part. Prioritising official IMA study materials, consistent MCQ practice, and timed mock tests is the most effective way to pass on your first attempt. Edoxi Training Institute, Dubai provides structured CMA prep programs designed for working professionals in the Middle East.
CMA Eligibility Requirements:
To earn the CMA certification, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Education : Bachelor's degree or approved professional qualification
- Experience /Eligibility : Requires a bachelor's degree and Two years of management accounting or financial management experience
- Membership : Active IMA membership
- Language : English
- Age : Minimum 18 years
- Exam format: Each part includes 100 MCQs (75% of score) and two Case-Based Questions (25% of score), completed in 4 hours.
- Registration: Register on the IMA Global portal. For coaching in Dubai, enrol at Edoxi Training Institute.
CMA Exam Structure
The CMA exam consists of two parts that can be taken in any order.
| Component |
Details |
| Multiple Choice Questions |
100 |
| Essay/Case-Based Questions |
2 |
| Exam Duration |
4 Hours |
| Passing Score |
360/500 |
CMA Exam Windows in Dubai
The CMA examination is conducted three times annually.
| Testing Window |
Months |
| Window 1 |
January – February |
| Window 2 |
May – June |
| Window 3 |
September – October |
CMA Registration Process
The registration process involves:
- Joining IMA
- Enrolling in the CMA program
- Registering for an exam part
- Scheduling the exam at Prometric
- Completing the examination
- Submitting experience verification
- Receiving the CMA designation
CMA Study Timeline
Most candidates complete both exam parts within 6–12 months, depending on study commitment and preparation schedule.
FAQs
Can I take the CMA exam online from UAE?
As of 2025–2026, the IMA
CMA exam is available only at authorized Prometric test centers, not via online remote proctoring. You must sit the exam at a physical Prometric location in Dubai-UAE or internationally.
What is the minimum passing score for the CMA exam?
360 out of 500 on a scaled scoring system. This is approximately equivalent to scoring correctly on 72% of questions, but because scores are scaled based on exam version difficulty, the exact raw score required may vary slightly.
Which part of the CMA exam should I take first - CMA Part 1 or CMA Part 2?
You can take either CMA part first, and both can be taken in any order. Common advice: if you work in FP&A, budgeting, or cost accounting, start with
CMA Part 1 as it aligns more closely with your daily work. If you work in treasury, corporate finance, or investment analysis, start with CMA Part 2. Many Dubai,UAE-based prep providers recommend
CMA Part 2 first as candidates often find it conceptually more intuitive.
Is there any exemption from the CMA exam for CA or ACCA holders?
No exam exemptions exist for the IMA
CMA, regardless of prior qualifications. However, CA and ACCA holders may meet the academic eligibility requirement, and their professional experience likely counts toward the 2-year work experience requirement. Contact IMA directly to confirm qualification recognition.
What are the CMA exam dates in UAE for 2025–2026?
The IMA conducts
CMA exams in three annual windows: January–February, May–June, and September–October. You can schedule your specific exam date within these windows at a UAE Prometric center once you receive your Authorization to Test (ATT) letter from IMA
How many times can I retake the CMA exam if I fail?
There is no limit on the number of retakes. However, you must pass both parts within 3 years of your initial
CMA course enrollment. Each retake requires paying the full CMA exam fee again. You may retake a failed part in the very next testing window.
Jun 11, 2026
