Certified Management Accountants are valuable to any business for their expertise in analytics and strategic financial planning. Passing the CMA Exam leads to professional and personal growth, opening opportunities for your career both at your current job and for future employment.
But can you pass the CMA Exam while you’re already working full time? CMA Exam readiness requires investing many hours of study—which may not seem feasible if you’re already balancing a full work and personal schedule. But it’s absolutely achievable with the right structure, dedication, and support!
Summary
Achieving the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification while working full-time is challenging but attainable. To succeed, it's crucial to build a realistic study plan, stay organized, and leverage a strong support system of family, friends, and coworkers. Communicating your plans with your employer and using a CMA Exam Review course, like Becker's, can significantly streamline preparation by providing structured content and tools such as customized study planners and practice tests. Passing the exam offers substantial professional and personal growth, opening new career opportunities.
What is the CMA Exam for accountants?
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized, advanced-level certification awarded to accountants and financial professionals in business by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
The requirements to become a CMA include education and experience, as well as passing the CMA Exam: a two-part exam that covers financial reporting, planning, and decision-making. Each part of the exam includes 100 multiple choice questions and two essays, and must be completed within four hours. Passing the exam requires a thorough and deep understanding of the material that comes with extensive CMA Exam study.
How do I prepare for the CMA Exam while working full time?
Passing the CMA Exam while working a full-time job is difficult, but attainable. It’s critical that you maximize productivity, maintain an organized schedule, and get a great support system.
Build a realistic study plan
Your schedule is important, and it’s simply not sustainable to throw all other priorities aside while preparing for the CMA Exam. Instead, reflect on the time you do have and schedule a realistic study plan that maintains work, exam prep, and leisure. Whether you get up an hour earlier each day, block out 2-4 hours every weekend, or use your lunch break for quick review—it’s important to be realistic and creative with your schedule and to stick to your plan!
Stay organized
It’s easier to maintain your study schedule if you stay organized. Keep clear track of your professional responsibilities, and separately, create study goals in preparation for the CMA Exam. Becker’s customizable study planner (included in our CMA Exam Review) is a great tool to help you stay organized, giving you clear focus on what you need to study and when, to be on track for your exam testing date.
Lean on your support system
When you have a full schedule balancing CMA Exam prep and a full-time job, your emotional support system is crucial. They can help motivate you take the time and space you need to study; they can help you take a much-needed break to relax and destress. Let those who are close to you know about your CMA journey and don’t be afraid to rely on their support!
Communicate with your team
Let your employer and colleagues know that you’re preparing for the CMA Exam and reassure them that you’re still committed to your work. You'll likely find that your team is very supportive of your process. Some organizations even offer support for their employees’ credentialing through CMA Exam Review or time that you can dedicate to study.
Use a CMA Exam Review course
Even with nothing else on your plate, CMA Exam prep can feel overwhelming. So if you are also working a full-time job, it’s even more important to streamline your study with the best tools and content possible. With a trusted CMA Exam Review, you know what you need to study each time you have the chance to dig in, and you won’t waste time figuring out where to begin or how to use your valuable study time.
How can Becker help me with CMA Exam prep?
Becker offers CMA Exam Review that is 100% aligned with CMA Exam syllabi, taught by expert and experienced instructors, and backed by our Pass Guarantee. For professionals who are already working full time, our CMA Exam Review makes the process smoother with a customized study planner, personalized and unlimited practice tests, and a mobile app that lets you optimize study even while you’re on-the-go.
Our CMA Exam Review course has a 96% satisfaction rate and includes:
- Engaging video lectures from expert instructors
- Hard copy and digital textbooks
- Practice questions and essay
- Unlimited, custom practice tests
- Simulated exams
- Customized study planner
- NewtTM AI study assistant
- Pass Guarantee
- …and more!
Start your journey to becoming a CMA (while you continue thriving in the workplace!) with a free 14-day trial of Becker's CMA Exam Review.
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