Step-by-Step Guide: How to Become a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in the UAE in 2024

February 7, 2024

Are you aspiring to become a certified management accountant (CMA) and kickstart your career in the UAE? Look no further! This step-by-step guide for the CMA course qualification, will walk you through everything you need to know about becoming a CMA in the UAE. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking to enter the field of management accounting or an experienced professional seeking growth opportunities, obtaining your CMA course certification can open doors to exciting prospects and lucrative job offers. So, let’s dive in and explore the roadmap that will transform your dreams into reality!

Introduction to the CMA Course Certification

Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a globally recognized professional management accounting certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). Geared towards accounting professionals seeking to augment their expertise, this certification is crafted to enhance skills and knowledge in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics.

The CMA designation demonstrates expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support – the core competencies organizations worldwide demand.

The CMA course qualification consists of Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics and Part 2 – Strategic Financial Management. These two parts cover eleven critical practice areas, including external financial reporting decisions, planning, budgeting and forecasting, performance management, cost management, internal controls, and risk management.

Benefits of becoming a CMA in the UAE

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification is a globally recognized qualification for management accounting, financial planning, and analysis professionals. The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), renowned as one of the largest and most respected professional organizations globally for accountants and financial professionals, provides this offering.

Becoming a CMA in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has numerous benefits that can enhance your career prospects and open up new opportunities. This section will discuss the various advantages of earning a CMA in the UAE.

1. Global Recognition: As mentioned earlier, the CMA is a globally recognized credential, which means it holds value in the UAE and other countries worldwide. This opens up opportunities for CMA holders to work with multinational companies or relocate to other countries if desired.

2. Higher Salary Potential: According to IMA’s 2019 Global Salary Survey, CMAs earn an average salary of USD 94,244 per year compared to non-CMAs who earn an average salary of USD 72,783 per year. This shows that having a CMA designation can significantly increase your earning potential.

3. Career Advancement: The CMA course certification demonstrates your expertise and proficiency in management accounting concepts and techniques. This can help you stand out among your peers and advance your career faster in managerial roles, financial planning, corporate strategy, and more.

4. Networking Opportunities: The IMA has an active community of CMAs across the globe where members can connect through local chapters or online forums. By becoming a member of IMA’s UAE chapter after obtaining your CMA course certification, you will have access to networking events, workshops, conferences, and other professional development opportunities where you can meet like-minded individuals and expand your network.

5. Versatility: A key advantage of being a CMA is its versatility across industries, as it covers various topics such as financial planning, budgeting, cost management, risk management, and more. This makes CMAs suitable for multiple roles in different industries, such as healthcare, manufacturing, banking, government agencies, and more.

6. Continuous Learning: The CMA course certification requires candidates to fulfill continuing education requirements yearly to maintain their designation. This ensures that CMAs are constantly updated with industry trends and best practices.

Becoming a CMA in the UAE offers numerous benefits that can advance your career and open up new opportunities. With its global recognition and high demand in the job market, earning a CMA certification is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment in your professional development.

Eligibility requirements for the CMA course exam in the UAE

Eligibility requirements for the CMA exam in the UAE may vary slightly depending on which state you reside in. Still, specific criteria must be met before you can sit for the exam.

1. Education Requirements:

To qualify for the CMA exam, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. The degree must be in any accounting, finance, or business administration field. If your degree is not directly related to these fields, you must provide evidence of at least two years of work experience in a relevant field.

2. Professional Experience:

Besides the educational requirements, candidates also need professional experience to be eligible for the CMA exam. In the UAE, candidates must have at least two years of continuous full-time work experience in management accounting or financial management within seven years before taking the exam. This can include both public and private sector experience.

3. IMA Membership:

Membership in the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is a prerequisite for CMA exam registration. Individuals not enrolled at an accredited university are required to pay a one-time registration fee, whereas student members only need to pay this fee upon graduation.

4. Age Requirement:

There is no specific age requirement for taking the CMA course exam in UAE; however, according to IMA guidelines, anyone below 18 cannot appear for this examination.

5. English Proficiency:

As most of the study materials and exams are in English, proficiency level is essential while applying for the CMA certification program.

6. Good moral character:

Candidates should maintain good moral character throughout their journey towards becoming a certified management accountant and during their active IMA membership.

7. Exam Fees:

Candidates also need to pay fees when registering for each part of the CMA exam, which includes the application fee ($15), entrance fee ($250), and part fees ($415 for members, $311 for students, and academics). These fees are subject to change based on IMA policies.

To be eligible for the CMA exam in UAE, candidates must have a relevant educational background, professional work experience, IMA membership, good moral character, and proficiency in English. Before applying for the exam, it is crucial to thoroughly review and satisfy all eligibility criteria. Upon meeting these requirements and successfully passing the exam, you will be on the path to becoming a certified management accountant in the UAE.

Step-by-step guide about the CMA course qualification in UAE in 2024

Becoming a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a highly sought-after designation for individuals looking to advance their career in management accounting. The CMA certification is recognized globally and holds high value in the job market, making it an attractive option for professionals in the UAE.

This section will provide a step-by-step guide to becoming a CMA in the UAE. These steps must be followed closely to attain your CMA designation successfully.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The first step towards becoming a CMA, |The CMA course qualification is to ensure you meet all the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) eligibility requirements. These CMA course qualification requirements include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and two years of work experience in management accounting or financial management.

Alternative pathways are also available for those who still need a bachelor’s degree but with relevant work experience. It is essential to review and understand these requirements before proceeding further.

Step 2: Register with IMA

Once you have confirmed that you meet all CMA course qualification requirements, you can register with IMA as a candidate for the CMA course program. You must pay an entrance and annual membership fees as part of this registration process.

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

The CMA course qualification exam consists of Part 1: Financial Reporting, Planning, Performance and Control and Part 2: Financial Decision Making. Each part consists of approximately 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions, to be completed within a four-hour timeframe.

Enrolling in a reputable review course offered by various institutes across the UAE or self-study using study materials provided by IMA is recommended to prepare for this challenging exam. Make sure to allocate enough time for studying, as passing both parts of the exam is crucial for obtaining your CMA designation.

Step 4: Schedule and Take the Exam

After preparing for the exam, you can schedule your exam date at any one of the Prometric testing centers in the UAE. It is important to note that these exams are offered during specific testing windows throughout the year, so plan accordingly.

On the day of your CMA exam, bring a valid government-issued ID and arrive early to avoid any last-minute stress.

Step 5: Fulfill Continuing Education Requirements

After successfully passing both parts of the CMA course qualification exam, you must fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your certification. This includes completing 30 hours of relevant CPE (Continuing Professional Education) annually.

Becoming a Certified Management Accountant in the UAE requires dedication and hard work. By adhering to this systematic guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and successfully attain your goal of becoming a CMA.

3. Register for the CMA exam

Registering for the CMA course exam is crucial to becoming a certified management accountant (CMA) in the UAE. Administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), the CMA exam is organized into two parts: Part 1 encompasses Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics, while Part 2 focuses on Strategic Financial Management.

Prior to registering for the exam, it is crucial to verify that you satisfy the eligibility criteria established by the IMA. To be eligible, individuals must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, uphold active membership in the IMA, and amass a minimum of two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management.

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you can register for the exam.

The registration can be finalized online via the IMA website. You must create an account on their website if you still need one. This account will also serve as your portal for all future interactions with the IMA.

Throughout the registration process, it is necessary to furnish personal details, including your name, contact information, and educational background. You will also be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee, which varies depending on your membership status with the IMA. As an active member of the IMA, you are eligible for discounted rates on both exam fees and study materials.

Upon successfully finishing your registration and payment, the IMA will send you a confirmation email along with instructions for scheduling your exam appointment at one of their testing centers. It is important to note that there are specific testing windows within which you must take each exam part. These windows typically occur every three months throughout the year.

Training Facility in UAE: Dubai, Sharjah

If you are looking for CMA Course in Dubai, and Sharjah in UAE, you are reading the right article. Zabeel Institute has designed the best IMA preparation course.

CMA Course Certification Training offered by Zabeel Institute stands out from other training in the market.
CMA exam results and pass percentages in Zabeel Institute are very high, which is increasing day by day under the constant support and guidance from the instructor.

Zabeel Institute is well known for delivering several successful batches for the CMA course every year. Zabeel ensures to help all students with all sorts of assistance for their brilliant performance in the exam.

Zabeel Institute, established in 1988, is a leading Educational and Training Institute for executives in Dubai. Zabeel Institute is by the KHDA and Ministry of Education UAE. Zabeel offers training programs to professionals from various industries like Airlines, Travel & Tourism, Engineering, Construction, Accounts & Finance, Information Technology, Logistics, Languages, and Management. Zabeel’s career-specific courses are imparted through interactive teaching techniques, state-of-the-art technology, an experienced and highly qualified faculty.