The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation is a globally respected certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). CMAs are recognized for their expertise in management accounting and financial strategy, equipping them with essential skills in financial analysis, risk management, budgeting, and strategic decision-making. Obtaining the CMA designation is an excellent way to stand out in the accounting and finance industry.
Online CMA courses provide a flexible and accessible route to achieving this certification, making it possible to balance work, study, and other commitments.
Here’s an in-depth look at the best CMA online courses, structured to help you succeed on the CMA exams and further your career.
Understanding the CMA Certification
The CMA certification process requires you to:
- Meet the Education Requirement: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience: Two years of experience in financial management or accounting.
- Pass Two Exams: The exams are split into two parts:
- Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics.
- Part 2: Strategic Financial Management.
The exams are challenging, but online CMA courses are designed to help you acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to pass them. Below are some of the top online CMA courses available, each offering unique features and benefits.
Top Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Online Courses
Each of these courses has been selected based on quality, flexibility, reputation, and support.
1. Wiley CMAexcel – CMA Review Course
- Overview: Wiley CMAexcel is one of the most popular CMA review programs, highly rated for its structured and comprehensive approach to the CMA exam.
- Features:
- Offers adaptive learning technology that customizes study plans based on your performance.
- Over 2,000 practice questions, detailed explanations, and step-by-step video lectures.
- Includes a mobile app, flashcards, and downloadable study guides.
- Lifetime access to course materials, which is ideal for students who may need extra time.
- Duration: Self-paced, typically completed within 6–12 months.
- Cost: Packages range from $1,500 to $2,400, depending on the package chosen.
Best for: Candidates seeking a structured course with adaptive learning and extensive practice questions. Wiley also provides support and lifetime access, which is valuable if you need more flexibility.
2. Becker CMA Review
- Overview: Becker is well-known in the field of professional certifications, offering high-quality CMA review courses with a strong emphasis on exam practice and expert instruction.
- Features:
- Live and on-demand classes led by experienced instructors.
- Over 3,000 multiple-choice questions, more than 70 essay questions, and two full-length mock exams.
- Access to flashcards, study guides, and digital textbooks.
- Interactive sessions and personalized study plan options.
- Duration: Self-paced, generally completed within 6–10 months.
- Cost: Approximately $2,200, with financing options available.
Best for: Candidates who want a blend of live instruction and self-paced learning. Becker’s strong practice-focused curriculum prepares students thoroughly for the CMA exam.
3. Gleim CMA Review
- Overview: Gleim CMA Review has been a trusted name for over four decades, known for its in-depth content, flexibility, and student support. It offers extensive practice materials and tools.
- Features:
- Over 4,500 multiple-choice questions and a substantial number of essay questions.
- Access to the Gleim Instruct Video Series, with over 45 hours of lecture content.
- Personal counselor support and a performance-based study planner.
- Unlimited access until you pass, which is highly supportive for candidates who may take more time.
- Duration: Self-paced, typically 6–12 months.
- Cost: Around $1,500–$2,000, depending on the package.
Best for: Candidates who prefer an extensive question bank and performance tracking. Gleim is highly regarded for its supportive resources, such as personal counselors and customizable study planners.
4. Hock International – CMA Exam Preparation
Overview: Hock International offers a CMA review program designed to cater to working professionals with a focus on foundational understanding and comprehensive study materials.
Features:
Over 3,000 practice questions, detailed video lessons, and multiple mock exams.
Access to the Hock Pass Guarantee, which includes unlimited access until you pass.
A mobile app, allowing you to study anywhere and anytime.
Personal access to instructors for questions and personalized guidance.
Duration: Self-paced, typically completed in 6–12 months.
Cost: Around $1,500 for the full course, with monthly payment options.
Best for: Students looking for a complete foundational review with instructor support and an extensive question bank. Hock International’s Pass Guarantee provides peace of mind for those balancing work and study.
5. Surgent CMA Review
Overview: Surgent CMA Review uses adaptive learning technology to personalize your study experience. This course focuses on helping you study more efficiently by concentrating on weaker areas.
Features:
Adaptive learning software, called A.S.A.P. Technology, that adjusts based on your progress and learning needs.
Extensive practice questions, mock exams, and video lessons with key concepts.
A pass guarantee that offers peace of mind.
Mobile-friendly, making it easy to study on the go.
Duration: Self-paced, designed to allow completion within 6–9 months.
Cost: Approximately $1,600–$1,800, with various financing options.
Best for: Candidates who want an adaptive learning approach, which helps reduce study time by targeting weaker areas. Surgent’s technology and pass guarantee make it appealing to busy professionals.
How to Choose the Right CMA Course
With so many excellent online CMA courses available, selecting the best one depends on several factors:
Learning Style: Choose a course that aligns with your learning preferences, whether that’s a structured program with instructor-led sessions (Becker) or a self-paced, adaptive learning format (Surgent).
Budget: CMA courses vary in cost, typically from $1,500 to $2,500. Many programs offer payment plans or financing options.
Content and Resources: Consider the depth of resources, such as practice questions, video lectures, flashcards, and mock exams. Ensure that your course covers both CMA exam parts comprehensively.
Support and Flexibility: Some courses, like Hock and Gleim, offer access until you pass, while others have limited access periods. Additional features like access to instructors or personal counselors can be beneficial if you prefer guided support.
Benefits of CMA Certification
Completing the CMA certification offers numerous benefits, including:
Career Advancement: CMAs are often sought for senior management roles in finance and accounting, thanks to their specialized skills in budgeting, forecasting, and decision-making.
Earning Potential: CMA certification holders generally enjoy higher salaries than their non-certified peers. The CMA credential can lead to positions such as Financial Analyst, Corporate Controller, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
Global Recognition: With a CMA designation, you are recognized worldwide for expertise in management accounting and financial strategy.
Job Security: CMAs possess specialized skills that are in demand across sectors, providing long-term career stability and opportunities.
Conclusion
Choosing the right online CMA course is essential for achieving your certification goals. Each of the courses above—Wiley CMAexcel, Becker, Gleim, Hock International, and Surgent—offers unique features, benefits, and flexible learning formats to accommodate various study preferences. By considering factors like your learning style, budget, and desired level of support, you can select a course that aligns with your needs and positions you for success on the CMA exams.
The path to becoming a Certified Management Accountant requires commitment, but with the right course, achieving this career milestone is entirely within reach. Enroll in a CMA program today to enhance your skills, elevate your career, and unlock new opportunities in the world of management accounting.
