CMA USA Course Exemptions and Eligibility Rules Sections Covered CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – India CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – United States CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – United Kingdom CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – Arab Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – Other Countries (Canada, Australia, Singapore) Important Note on Exemptions Conclusion Schedule a call The CMA USA (Certified Management Accountant) is one of the most prestigious global finance certifications offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. It equips professionals with advanced skills in management accounting, financial analysis, and decision-making. Students from different educational backgrounds like B.Com, BBA, BBM, MBA, M.Com, and even Class 12 often ask if they are eligible for CMA USA and whether they can get any exemptions based on their qualifications. Let’s break this down country-wise to understand eligibility, exemptions, and job opportunities. Latest Updates CMA Course Online – Become a Management AccountantUS CMA Passing Percentage 2025: Global Rates, Difficulty & TipsCMA USA vs CFP: Key Differences, Jobs & Growth [2025 Update]CMA USA 2025 Exam Resources: Essential Books & Exam Practice CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – India Eligibility & Exemption Table (India)QualificationCMA USA EligibilityExemption AvailabilityRemarks12th (Commerce Stream)Eligible to register for Part 1 after graduation NoCan begin preparation during collegeB.Com / BBA / BBM Fully eligible NoStandard eligibility; no paper exemptionMBA / M.Com Eligible NoAdvantage in management & costing papersCA / CS Qualified Eligible No (But conceptual advantage)Strong foundation in accounting & lawCMA India (ICMAI) Eligible No (Content overlap)Easier to clear due to similar syllabus Note: IMA does not offer subject exemptions for CMA USA — but your prior qualification gives a conceptual advantage. Career Scope After CMA USA (India)Job RoleAverage Salary (INR/year)Top RecruitersFinancial Analyst₹6–10 LPAGenpact, Accenture, CapgeminiCost Accountant₹8–12 LPADeloitte, EY, PwCFP&A Manager₹10–15 LPAAmazon, TCS, InfosysManagement Accountant₹7–12 LPAWipro, CognizantBusiness Consultant₹10–20 LPAKPMG, IBM, Grant Thornton CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – United States Eligibility & Exemption Table (USA)QualificationEligibilityExemptionRemarksHigh School (12th) Not eligible NoMust complete bachelor’s degreeBachelor’s in Accounting / Finance Fully eligible NoCore background; easier to clearMBA / Master’s in Finance Eligible NoAdvantage in strategic managementCPA (USA) Eligible NoConceptual overlap in reporting topicsIT / Engineering Degree Eligible NoMust strengthen accounting base Career Scope After CMA USA (USA)Job RoleAverage Salary (USD/year)Top EmployersManagement Accountant$75,000–$100,000IBM, Johnson & JohnsonSenior Financial Analyst$85,000–$120,000Amazon, MicrosoftFinance Controller$100,000–$140,000Deloitte, EYFP&A Manager$90,000–$130,000PwC, TeslaCFO$150,000–$250,000Fortune 500 CompaniesRead More CMA USA - Top 12 AI-Powered Changes in CMA USA Finance CareersWhich is Better: CMA India or Other Global CMA Courses?Top 7 Cities in India Offering the Highest CMA USA Salary Per Month CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – United Kingdom Eligibility & Exemption Table (UK)QualificationEligibilityExemptionRemarksA-Level / 12th EquivalentNot eligible NoNeed bachelor's degreeB.Com / BBA / Finance Degrees Eligible NoStandard pathway to CMA USAMBA / ACCA Qualified Eligible NoACCA gives strong overlapCIMA UK Students Eligible NoSimilar management focusNon-commerce Graduates Eligible NoMust complete accounting foundation first Career Scope After CMA USA (UK)Job RoleAverage Salary (GBP/year)Top RecruitersFinancial Controller£55,000–£75,000PwC, Deloitte, BDOBusiness Analyst£45,000–£60,000HSBC, BarclaysFinance Manager£50,000–£80,000KPMG, EYManagement Consultant£60,000–£90,000Accenture, Grant ThorntonCFO£100,000+Multinational Firms CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – Arab Countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) Eligibility & Exemption Table (Arab Countries)QualificationEligibilityExemptionRemarks12th Grade Not eligible NoMust complete bachelor’s degreeBBA / B.Com / Accounting Eligible NoPreferred for CMA USAMBA / M.Com Eligible NoStrategic advantage in business financeCMA (Middle East) Eligible NoDifferent body; not equivalentEngineering / IT Eligible NoNeed basic finance foundation Career Scope After CMA USA (Arab Countries)Job RoleAverage Salary (AED/year)Top RecruitersManagement Accountant180,000–250,000 AEDEmirates, ADNOCFinancial Analyst200,000–270,000 AEDDeloitte ME, PwCInternal Auditor220,000–300,000 AEDEY, KPMGFinance Controller250,000–350,000 AEDEtihad, PepsiCoCFO400,000+ AEDMNCs & Conglomerates CMA USA Exemptions & Eligibility – Other Countries (Canada, Australia, Singapore) Eligibility & Exemption Table (Other Countries)QualificationEligibilityExemptionRemarks12th Equivalent Not eligible NoMinimum bachelor’s neededBachelor’s in Accounting Eligible NoStandard routeMBA / M.Com / CPA (Australia) Eligible NoSome topic overlapEngineering / Science Eligible NoMust strengthen accounting knowledgeCareer Scope After CMA USA (Other Countries)Job RoleAverage Salary (in Local Currency)Top RecruitersFinance Manager$90,000 (Canada)RBC, KPMG, EYFP&A Analyst$80,000 (Australia)Deloitte, TelstraBusiness Consultant$85,000 (Singapore)PwC, DBS BankInternal Auditor$75,000 (Canada)Scotiabank, AmazonCFO$150,000+MNCs & Big 4Read More Your CMA Resume Tips: Expert Tips for CMA SuccessHow to overcome failure in the USA CMA Exam and remain positive?Responsibilities of Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) Professionals Important Note on Exemptions The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) offers no direct paper exemptions to any degree holder, CA, ACCA, or MBA student globally. However, students with prior accounting knowledge find it easier to pass due to overlapping subjects in:Financial ReportingCost ManagementStrategic PlanningPerformance ManagementWhy NorthStar Academy Is Best for CMA USANorthStar Academy (NSA) is India’s top-rated IMA-approved learning partner for CMA USA. Here’s why students across 40+ countries prefer NSA: Official IMA Learning Partner Live + Recorded Classes Mentorship from Expert Faculty (CA M. Irfat Sir) Placement Assistance with Top MNCs & Big 4s Highest Pass Rates in IndiaWith NSA, students from India, UAE, UK, and USA can prepare globally for CMA USA with structured guidance and career support. Conclusion The CMA USA course is open to students from all countries, provided they hold a bachelor’s degree. While no exemptions are granted officially, the conceptual advantage of commerce and accounting backgrounds makes the course easier. Once completed, CMA USA professionals enjoy global job opportunities in finance, FP&A, and management roles across India, USA, UK, and the Middle East.Still confused about which finance course is right for you? Join our exclusive webinar where industry experts will personally guide you through CMA USA, CPA, ACCA, and EA helping you make the smartest career choice. Have questions? Call or WhatsApp us directly at 8147470505 we’re here to help! Best CMA Books and Study Materials for US Exam 2025Trending BlogsCourseLinksACCAACCA vs MBA Which is betterCareer Option after ACCACMA USCMA US Job Opportunities Best CMA booksCPA USCPA Course after Bcom CPA Salary in IndiaEnrolled AgentEnrolled Agent course Job & salaryEnrolled Agent Sample questions Frequently Asked Questions Who is eligible to apply for the CMA USA course? Anyone who has completed a bachelor’s degree (in any stream) from an accredited university is eligible to apply for CMA USA. However, students can start preparing right after Class 12 and appear for the exam once they finish their graduation. Are there any exemptions in CMA USA for CA, CS, or MBA students? No, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) does not offer any subject exemptions for CA, CS, MBA, or any other qualification. But, these students have a conceptual advantage since their background aligns with CMA subjects like accounting, costing, and finance. Can non-commerce students pursue CMA USA? Yes, engineering, science, or IT graduates can also pursue CMA USA. They will need to strengthen their basics in accounting and financial management, which is easily covered in the foundation modules at institutes like NorthStar Academy. Is CMA USA valid and recognized in India? Absolutely! CMA USA is globally recognized, and in India, it is accepted by top employers including Big 4 firms (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) and MNCs such as Amazon, Accenture, and TCS. Many CMA USA professionals also work in finance, audit, and management roles across Indian corporates. Which institute is best for pursuing CMA USA in India? NorthStar Academy (NSA) is one of the best CMA USA institutes in India, being an IMA-approved partner. It offers Becker study materials, expert mentorship from CA M. Irfat Sir, and placement assistance with top MNCs and Big 4 firms.
