Step 2: CMA Entrance Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the eligibility requirements for the CMA Entrance Exam?

To be eligible for the CMA Entrance Exam, registrants must have a completed university degree, an overall average of 60 per cent or above, and coverage of all 16 CMA prerequisite topics. For a full listing of the 16 CMA prerequisite topics, please click here.

2. How do I know if I am qualified for the CMA program?

The easiest way to confirm your personal CMA path is to have your transcript evaluated by our program administrators. Official transcripts are required. They can be faxed directly to 902.423.1605 or mailed to the following address:

Certified Management Accountants
Attention: Admissions
1559 Brunswick Street, Suite 500
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
B3J 2G1

3. Can I register before my degree/prerequisites are completed?

No, CMA requires that you meet all eligibility criteria prior to registering to write the CMA Entrance Exam. However, if you are missing one or more of the management topics, CMA is able to provide comprehensive preparatory materials and a short test for applicants in lieu of taking a university course. Applicants will be charged a fee of CAD $250 per topic in Nova Scotia and PEI and USD $250 in Bermuda and the Caribbean region. The management topics include the following:

• Internal Control
• Strategic management
• Operations management
• Organizational Behaviour/Human Resources
• Marketing
• Information technology

4. Can I be exempt from writing the CMA Entrance Exam?

Yes, in certain circumstances CMA will grant a waiver on the CMA Entrance Exam. For more information on how to bypass the CMA Entrance Exam, please click here.

5. Can I register to write the CMA Entrance Exam while completing another academic program?

Yes, but taking the CMA program concurrent with another academic program is strongly discouraged. The CMA program is a graduate-level program requiring a substantial investment of time.

6. How do I register?

For information on registering for the CMA Entrance Exam, please click here.

7. When can I apply to register?

We accept registrations for the CMA Entrance Exam year-round.

8. Do I have to be working before I write the exam?

No, CMA does not require registrants to be employed prior to writing the CMA Entrance Exam. Please note that students beginning their professional studies will be subject to practical experience requirements at that time.

9. What if I am not located close to an exam location?

Alternate exam locations will usually be accomodated upon request.

10. What is the pass mark for the exam?

The pass mark for the CMA Entrance Exam is 60 per cent.

11. What is the maximum number of attempts for the CMA Entrance Exam?

A maximum of three attempts at the CMA Entrance Exam are permitted.

12. What study resources are provided for students registered to write the CMA Entrance Exam?

Students are given access to a multiple-choice database and are invited to a multiple-day prep session that will take place approximately two to three weeks prior to the exam. Further to this, practice exams, study tips, and the exam syllabus are available to the public and can be accessed at anytime from the student portion of the CMA website.