IMA Membership Guide & What It Means for Your CMA Journey

If you're exploring the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential, you've come across the certification’s governing body, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Learn what, exactly the IMA does, the details of membership, and how it applies to your CMA journey. 

Summary 

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is the global organization that administers the CMA certification and provides members with professional development, networking opportunities, continuing education, career resources, and industry insights. Because active IMA membership is required to enroll in, earn, and maintain the CMA credential, joining the IMA is an essential first step for anyone pursuing the CMA designation. 

What Is the IMA? 

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a global professional association for accounting and finance professionals. Founded more than 100 years ago, the organization supports approximately 140,000 members across 150 countries through certifications, education, research, networking opportunities, and professional resources. 

The IMA is best known for administering the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification, one of the world's most respected credentials for professionals focused on: 

• Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) 
• Management accounting 
• Corporate finance 
• Performance management 
• Strategic decision-making 
• Risk management 
• Business analytics 
   

What Does IMA Membership Include? 

IMA membership provides much more than eligibility for certification programs. Members gain access to tools and resources designed to support career growth at every stage. Key membership benefits include: 

Professional Certifications 

Members can pursue globally recognized credentials, including the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis (CSCA). In fact, IMA membership is a requirement to join the CMA program. 

Continuing Education 

IMA members receive access to more than 1,200 continuing education resources and webinars. These include formats like discounted or free CPE courses, webinars on emerging accounting and finance topics, ethics training, and professional development. 

Networking Opportunities 

The IMA connects accounting and finance professionals through a global community. Whether through local chapters and regional councils, conferences and events, online communities, or mentorship programs, IMA members have immediate, established channels to grow their professional network. 

Industry Research and Thought Leadership 

Membership includes access to: 

• Strategic Finance magazine 
• Management Accounting Quarterly 
• Research reports 
• Industry trend analysis 
• Statements on Management Accounting (SMAs) 

These resources help professionals stay current in a rapidly evolving field. 

Career Advancement Resources 

Members can access job opportunities, leadership development resource, professional mentoring, and volunteer opportunities. These benefits can be particularly valuable for professionals looking to move from technical accounting roles into leadership positions. 

Do You Need to Be an IMA Member to Become a CMA? 

The short answer: Yes. If you want to earn and maintain the CMA certification, IMA membership is required. 

In fact, to enroll in the CMA program, sit for the CMA Exam, receive your exam results, and maintain your CMA certification, you must maintain active IMA membership. 

CMA Requirements at a Glance 

To earn the CMA designation, candidates must: 

1. Become an active IMA member 
2. Enroll in the CMA program 
3. Pass both parts of the CMA Exam 
4. Complete a bachelor's degree or qualifying educational equivalent 
5. Meet the required professional experience requirement 
    

Do You Need an IMA Membership for Other IMA Certifications? 

It depends on the credential. 

CMA (Certified Management Accountant) 

Yes, membership is required. Active membership is necessary to enroll, earn, and maintain the certification. 

CSCA (Certified in Strategy and Competitive Analysis) 

IMA membership is generally tied to the credential pathway and provides access to the resources and benefits that support CSCA candidates. 

FMAA (Financial and Managerial Accounting Associate) 

Unlike the CMA, IMA indicates that membership is not required to take the FMAA exam. Because requirements can change over time, candidates should always verify current eligibility requirements directly with the IMA before enrolling. 

Who Should Become an IMA Member? 

IMA membership can benefit a wide range of professionals.

• Aspiring CMAs: If earning the CMA is your goal, membership isn't optional. It is the first step toward certification, ongoing credential maintenance, and career advancement as a certified CMA. 
• Management Accountants: Professionals responsible for budgeting, forecasting, planning, reporting, and business analysis can benefit from the specialized knowledge and network available through the IMA. 
• FP&A Professionals: Financial planning and analysis professionals can use IMA resources to strengthen strategic finance, analytics, and performance management skills. 
• Controllers and Finance Managers: Membership helps experienced professionals stay current on industry developments while building leadership capabilities. 
• Students and Early-Career Professionals: Student memberships offer an affordable way to begin networking, exploring certifications, and gaining exposure to potential career paths before graduation. 
   

Is IMA Membership Worth It? 

For professionals pursuing the CMA designation, the value proposition is straightforward: membership is required. It is required to enter the CMA program, maintain certification, and access the professional resources that help CMAs continue growing throughout their careers. 

While the CMA is often the biggest draw, many members also find that the networking, learning opportunities, and career support deliver value long after they've earned their credential. 

Step Toward Becoming a CMA 

While IMA membership is required to become a CMA, passing the CMA Exam is the bigger challenge. But Becker provides the step-by-step support to help you get there. Our CMA Exam Review includes adaptive learning, Newt^TM AI, engaging content aligned with the latest exam syllabus, and more—everything you need to pass the first time. 

Try Becker CMA Exam Review free for 14 days to start your journey toward certification and going further in your accounting and finance career. 

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