Each part of the CMA exam (Part 1 & Part 2) has a 4-hour duration, consisting of a 3-hour, 100-question multiple-choice section and a 1-hour, 2-essay scenario section, allowing time to carry over from the MCQs to the essays. You take these two parts separately, but both follow the same format, totaling 8 hours of exam time to earn the certification.
Yes, the CMA exam (Certified Management Accountant) is widely considered tough due to its comprehensive content, requiring deep understanding beyond memorization, challenging multiple-choice questions, difficult essays, and a low average pass rate of around 45-50% per part, though it's achievable with dedicated study and strategic preparation. Key challenges include mastering numerous formulas, time management, and the complex wording of questions, with Part 1 often cited as particularly challenging.
*The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 180 questions will be scored and 20 will be pretested.
To pass the CMA exam (US), you need a scaled score of 360 out of 500 for each of the two parts, which translates to roughly 72%, though it's based on scaled difficulty, not a fixed percentage; you must also answer at least 50% of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to advance to the essay portion.
To pass the CMA Exam, you need to earn at least 360 out of 500 points on each exam part. The national first-time CMA pass rate is only 45 percent.
While you can retake the exam as many times as you'd like, the CMA program has a strict 3-year timeline you'll need to keep in mind. The countdown begins from the date you pay the CMA entrance fee. From that day, you have three years to pass both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam.
Design an Effective Study Plan
So, what happens if a candidate does not pass the exam on the first try? Candidates are allowed to retake either part of the two-part CMA exam but will have to pay the exam registration fee again.
A CPA's average annual compensation throughout the course of their career is around $120,000, while a CMA's typical annual salary is around $100,000.
Why is the pass rate so low? It's not because the exam is unfair—it's because many CMA candidates underestimate the preparation needed. Unlike college exams, where cramming might get you through, the CMA exam consists of deep, practical financial and strategic concepts that require profound understanding.
Fortunately, with the right CMA exam tips and study strategies, you can spend fewer hours learning and still have good odds of passing on your first attempt. In fact, CMA Exam Academy aims to help you do just this. Our 16-Week Accelerator program can save students up to 84 hours of study time.
The CMA certification is valid for five years. Certification holders may renew by exam or by completing 60 units of continuing education. Additional information about recertification can be found on the CMA Recertification Policies page.
The CMA score range is 0-500, and the minimum passing score is 360 for both parts of the exam.
If you answer at least 50% of the MCQs correctly, you can move on to the essays. On the other hand, if you incorrectly answer 49% or fewer MCQs, you cannot attempt the essays and will automatically receive a failing CMA score. Additionally, you are allowed 3 hours for the MCQs and 1 hour for the essay question.
The CMA Exam format and topics
The CMA Exam consists of two separate exams, both of which test your knowledge of six competencies (12 total) and consist of 100 multiple choice questions and two essay questions.
Medical assistants and other unlicensed, non-nurse personnel should never call themselves “nurses,” even generically. State laws prohibit anyone without a valid nursing license from using “nurse” or other variations of this title. Violators can face criminal prosecution and regulatory action.
Both the CPA and CMA provide their unique benefits, and it's not a matter of one credential being better than the other, but a matter of which one is better for your career and interests. The CPA is a U.S. license, while the CMA is a globally recognized certification.
Medical assistants and CNAs perform different duties in different settings. Most states require CNA certification before you can legally work as a CNA. Some facilities may hire medical assistants for CNA-like roles under different titles.
If you see the CMA designation after your name, your CMA certificate number has been issued.