ACCA Vs CMA US: Which Suits You Better? | Uplift Professionals

Spread the love

ACCA CMA

ACCA stands for Association of Certified Chartered Accountant is a professional accounting qualification which is given by Association of Chartered Accountant with headquarters situated in London. The role of work is related to inspection of accounting services to the public, private entities. CMA stands for Certified Management Accountant and the degree is provided by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), USA. The field of work is related to management accounting services with strategic financial management decision making and planning for the companies like small and mid-size firms and MNCs including the big 4s. If the pertinent question arises which course, are you planning to do further, ACCA certification or CMA US exam? Will you be aiming to do both in the future? If you are confused about your plans just have a look in this article.

What is ACCA?

ACCA is a global body based in Glasgow UK which works in the interest of the public to ensure that the chartered accountants work according to the principles-based and ensures that the regulations set are properly followed. The ACCA offers the certification in chartered accountancy and the exam known as ACCA is most recognized in the commonwealth countries. The degree was given with the intention to give protection. The ACCA Exam consists of 14 papers and emphasis is given on the core values of integrity, accountability, diversity, and innovations, etc. The degree is accepted globally across 180 countries. The degree has its own reputation of one hundred years and the professionals have provided services to more than 7500 employers across a different field. The 3 important steps of ACCA are applied knowledge (Diploma), Applied Skills (Advance Diploma) and essentials. Both ACCA vs CPA are highly qualified accounting courses designed for professionals who are interested in making a career in Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, and Finance.

What is CMA US?

The US CMA course or certification is offered by IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) of USA, which is the worldwide association of accountants and financial professionals in business. It was founded in 1919, having 90,000+ members and global reach of 140 countries through 300 professional and student chapters. CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) certification has been the global benchmark for management accountants and financial professionals.

You can now get a professional certification from the USA within 12 – 18 months. The CMA certification is well recognized by all the MNCs, Big 4 audit firms, US Banks, Consulting firms and other BFSI companies having offices in India. This certification from IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) is on par with the Indian CMA by most employers. CMA certified professionals are observed to get a career and earnings premium. In the US, median total compensation is 28% higher for CMAs over non certified peers. Globally, it is 50% higher. The US CMA certification is more attentively focused in the area of management and cost accounting.

A CMA certification aspirant is more likely to investigate, analyze, risk management and performance management and can work in various capacities ranging from financial analyst to CFO, and very often necessitate formulating major financial decisions for an organization. CMA US is a 2-part online exam where graduation is the academic criterion to take the exam. With dedicated study and quality assistance, the 2-part exam can be cleared in approx. 9 months on average.

CMA US vs ACCA: Application & Qualification

The most significant differences between ACCA and CMA are in the qualifications and the application processes.

CMA US

Steps To Become A CMA USA:

1. Foundational knowledge of economics, basic statistics, and financial accounting

2. Pass both CMA exam parts

3. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

4. Any major, no course distribution requirements

5. Most CMA candidates hold a degree in accounting or finance

6. May be earned within 7 years of passing CMA exam parts

7. Two years of professional work experience

8. May be fulfilled within 7 years of passing CMA exam parts

9. Active membership in IMA

Requirements to maintain CMA certification:

1. 30 hours of CPE annually

2. CPE must include 2 hours of ethics training

3. Maintain active IMA membership

ACCA

The ACCA entry level is much lower than the CMA. Plus, the ACCA has two entry points depending on your education and experience. The ACCA labels these levels as “ACCA Foundations in Accountancy” and the “ACCA Qualification” level. The foundation level is for people who are new to accountancy and do not have an education threshold. It is also the best place to start for people working in finance but who don’t have adequate education levels or qualifications to apply for higher-level positions.

The exams at the Foundations level test your understanding of basic accounting principles. Basically, the ACCA feels that you should have mastered these topics before going for the ACCA Qualification exams. If you have more experience and/or education, you can start at the ACCA Qualification level. The ACCA’s exact requirements state that you can begin at this level “as long as you have 3 GCSEs and 2 A Levels in 5 separate subjects including Maths and English.” Basically, this means you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

However, if you only have a high school diploma, you can begin the ACCA Qualification exams if you pass the ACCA Advanced Placement Examination. This test analyses your proficiency in the material that appears in the ACCA Foundations of Accountancy program. In addition to passing all papers for the ACCA Qualification, candidates must also take the Ethics and Professional Skills module. Additionally, they need to gain 3 years of appropriate work experience before calling themselves ACCA-certified.

ACCA versus CMA US: Exam Content and Format

ACCA

The ACCA Qualification has several smaller exams to pass, called “papers.” The ACCA exam is divided into 13 papers as follows:

Applied Knowledge:

  • Accountant in Business
  • Management Accounting
  • Financial Accounting

Applied Skills:

  • Corporate and Business Law
  • Performance Management
  • Taxation
  • Financial Reporting
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Financial Management
  • Strategic Professional – Essentials
  • Strategic Business Leader
  • Strategic Business Reporting

Strategic Professional – Options (complete 2):

  • Advanced Financial Management
  • Advanced Performance Management
  • Advanced Taxation
  • Advanced Audit and Assurance

Candidates can apply to waive some papers based on their education levels. Or, they can take the “Certified Accounting Technician Qualification” assessment to waive some papers according to practical experience. However, please note that you can only receive a maximum of nine exemptions for the Applied Knowledge and Applied Skills papers. Plus, you cannot receive any exemptions for the Strategic Professional portions. So, all candidates must sit for those papers. If you think you might qualify for any exemptions, you can use this tool from ACCA Global to find out. Some—but not all—papers are computerized. Furthermore, the exam is offered four times a year at more than 500 testing centers worldwide.

CMA US

The IMA breaks it down like this:

Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance, and Analytics

15% External Financial Reporting Decisions

20% Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting

20% Performance Management

15% Cost Management

15% Internal Controls

15% Technology and Analytics

Many candidates find Part 1 to be more difficult since it covers more topics and a wider array of subject matter. You can read more about CMA Exam Part 2 difficulty compared to Part 1 if you want to learn more. In general, Part 2 has fewer subjects and units, so many people do consider it easier. Personally, I was more frustrated with Part 2. It seems easier when you look at it, but the questions were not as straightforward as Part 1.

Part 2: Strategic Financial Management

20% Financial Statement Analysis

20% Corporate Finance

25% Decision Analysis

10% Risk Management

10% Investment Decisions

15% Professional Ethics

You will have an average of 12-18 months to complete each part, with 3 years to complete both. Many people sit for the exams in order, taking Part 1 first since it seems the most logical. However, some people think Part 2 will be easier for them, so they register to take it first and get it out of the way. The choice is yours. If you want to review the material a bit more and then decide, that is one option.

  • Each exam part is four hours in length
  • 100 multiple choice questions, followed by two 30-minute essay scenarios
  • Exam administered at Prometric testing facilities across India

ACCA Vs CMA US: How Much Time You Need To Pass?

ACCA

Given the number of papers to pass, candidates generally need 3 to 4 years to complete all papers and become ACCA members. Candidates can sit for the papers during four exam sessions held each year. However, candidates can only take four exams per session and a max of eight papers in a year. So, in theory, you could pass all papers in 2 years. But because of logistics issues, most need 3-4 years. Plus, candidates need 3 years of work experience before receiving their ACCA credentials.

CMA US

Most candidates aim to pass the CMA exam within 6 to 9 months. Both the exam parts are independent, so one can take either the 1st or 2nd part as per will. After all, once candidates pass the first of their 2 CMA Exam sections, they must pass the other one within 3 years of registration with the IMA.

CMA US vs ACCA: Which is Easier?

What test is tougher – ACCA or CMA US? Honestly, that depends on what you consider to be tough. Is ACCA harder than the CMA? In some ways, yes. But in other ways, no. Deciding which one is tough – US CMA or ACCA – there are several factors to consider. First, the US CMA has fewer sections (2 exam sections vs 13 papers for the ACCA Qualification). However, the pass rate of both hovers around 50-55% on average.

ACCA Program vs CMA: Summary

ACCA

  • Recognized in UK and commonwealth countries
  • Low entry barrier: post-secondary education needed
  • Exam only offered 4 times a year
  • 500+ testing centers across the globe
  • 13 papers
  • 3-4 years to complete

CMA US

  • Recognized in the US and anywhere with US regional offices
  • Recognized in about 144 countries globally including India
  • Middle entry barrier: Graduation
  • Exams offered in 4 windows annually
  • Maximum 1-2 years to complete
  • Exam sites in the US + multiple other countries including India

Summing up, Coming to that inherent question, ACCA vs CMA US… Which One Should I opt for? the US CMA is arguably the easier having less duration and being considered as a prestigious management accounting qualification. The CMA US Exam itself has fewer parts than the ACCA — only 2 exam parts compared to 14 papers for the ACCA. Comparatively, CMA US has wider acceptance globally while ACCA is although globally recognized, it is not as highly regarded outside the UK and Commonwealth countries. Cost wise, US CMA is cheaper than pursuing ACCA course.

Furthermore, in CMA US, for college students IMA has provision to offer scholarship which allow complete waiver in all IMA fees. If you want to work in the auditing domain relying on IFRS system, you can opt for ACCA but if your inclination is towards management accounting and want to a part of financial decision-making strategic business development, thus, want a job in MNCs on US GAAP system, US CMA should be your cup of tea.

Salient Features of the US CMA Course:

The US CMA course is a worldwide demanded qualification in Finance.

The US CMA course has just 2 parts.

US CMA exams can be cleared in 7 to 9 months’ time.

Exams are conducted online at the prometric centers.

Typically, the US CMA exams have 75% of the questions as MCQs (objective type) and the rest are Essay questions.

Pass percentage of US CMA courses is globally near-about 50%, Uplift Pro has a pass percentage of more than 70%. We are one the smartest US CMA institutes in India.

Along with providing CMA Study Support, we uplift the soft skills of our students, if required, and help them in getting placed in leading companies in and outside India.

The US CMA course helps professionals to build a career across the globe.

Uplift Pro is a valued CMA study center recognized by the IMA US and Gleim Accounting for training students for the US CMA course. Students of Uplift Pro enjoy special discounts in IMA fees.

A US CMA is respected worldwide to be the decision maker in the industry and formulate robust finance and accounting strategies.

Uplift Pro’s US CMA live online classes are scheduled and designed in such a way you can avail them from your home computer after your regular working hours.

Uplift Pro provides a “Till you pass” guarantee to every student which means once you become our student you may attend our live online classes at no extra cost until you pass.

In case you miss a class, you get the recording of it the very next morning.

You get 1:1 personal support from our experienced CMA certified faculties in class and out of the class in dedicated WhatsApp study groups.

For Further Information/Assistance, contact:

www.upliftprofessionals.in

90 thoughts on “ACCA Vs CMA US: Which Suits You Better? | Uplift Professionals”

  1. I like the valuable information you provide to your articles.
    I’ll bookmark your blog and take a look at again here regularly.
    I’m reasonably certain I’ll be told a lot of new
    stuff proper here! Best of luck for the following!

  2. Hi there to every body, it’s my first go to see of this blog; this website includes remarkable and genuinely fine data in favor of visitors.

  3. Hi! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your articles.
    Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums
    that deal with the same topics? Many thanks!

  4. I was wondering if you ever considered changing the layout of your site?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
    But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
    Youve got an awful lot of text for only having
    1 or two pictures. Maybe you could space it out better?

  5. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to
    check out your website on my iphone during
    lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I
    get home. I’m amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, very good site!

  6. I was curious if you ever thought of changing the page layout of your website?
    Its very well written; I love what youve got to say. But maybe you
    could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with
    it better. Youve got an awful lot of text for only having 1
    or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?

  7. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and
    it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could
    I wish to suggest you some interesting things or advice.
    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.
    I want to read more things about it!

  8. Awesome blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers?
    I’m planning to start my own site soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
    Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
    paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused ..
    Any tips? Cheers!

  9. Great weblog right here! Additionally your website lots up very fast!
    What web host are you the use of? Can I get your associate
    hyperlink to your host? I desire my website loaded up as fast as yours lol

  10. I’m no longer positive where you’re getting your information, but good topic.
    I must spend some time studying more or working out
    more. Thank you for wonderful info I used to be looking for this info
    for my mission.

  11. Hello my family member! I wish to say that this post
    is awesome, great written and include almost all important infos.
    I’d like to look more posts like this .

  12. Hello There. I found your blog using msn.
    That is a very well written article. I will make sure to
    bookmark it and come back to read more of your helpful info.

    Thanks for the post. I will definitely comeback.

  13. If some one needs to be updated with most up-to-date technologies therefore
    he must be go to see this website and be up to date every
    day.

  14. Whats up are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but
    I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  15. I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s
    to be exactly what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content in your case?

    I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write
    concerning here. Again, awesome blog!

  16. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long
    as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog?
    My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours
    and my visitors would genuinely benefit from a lot
    of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay
    with you. Thanks!

  17. Подбираете секс-чат для откровенного общения?

    Испытайте на Virchat – топовый чат для вирта [url=https://virchat.ru]Лучшие сайты для взрослого
    общения[/url]
    с возможностью видеовирта.

    Почему стоит попробовать?
    Большое число реальных людей

    Конфиденциальность гарантирована

    Камера в камеру для полного погружения
    Без ограничений в проявлении фантазии

    Загляните и убедитесь сами!
    Секс-чат Virchat адрес сайта https://virchat.ru

    [url=https://virchat.ru][img]https://virchat.ru/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%83%D1%88%D0%BA%D0%B0%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%80%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BA%D0%B0.jpg[/img][/url]

    Если вы в поиске удобный интимный чат,
    то Virchat – именно то, что вам идеально
    подойдет! Здесь вас уже
    ждут масса активных людей, готовых к открытому диалогу.
    Безопасность в приоритете, поэтому чувствовать себя комфортно.
    Уникальная технология поможет вам удобно найти идеального нового друга по интересам.
    Попробуйте Virchat – чат, где вы получит то, что искал!

  18. This is really interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your
    fantastic post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks!

  19. I’m gone to say to my little brother, that he should also visit this webpage on regular basis to take updated from most recent news.

  20. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m impressed!
    Extremely useful information specifically the last section 🙂 I care
    for such information much. I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time.
    Thanks and good luck.

  21. Greetings from Los angeles! I’m bored to tears at
    work so I decided to check out your website on my iphone during lunch
    break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to
    take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great site!

  22. Does your website have a contact page? I’m having problems locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail.

    I’ve got some suggestions for your blog you might be interested in hearing.

    Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it improve over time.

  23. Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to understand
    a lot approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something.
    I believe that you simply could do with a few % to force the message house a little bit, but other than that, that is excellent blog.
    A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

  24. I blog frequently and I genuinely appreciate your content.
    This great article has truly peaked my interest.

    I will take a note of your website and keep checking for new details about once
    per week. I opted in for your Feed as well.

  25. Just want to say your article is as astonishing. The clearness in your post is just excellent
    and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your
    RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please carry on the
    enjoyable work.

  26. Hello! I realize this is somewhat off-topic but I needed to ask.
    Does operating a well-established blog such as yours take a massive amount work?
    I’m completely new to operating a blog however I do write in my diary everyday.
    I’d like to start a blog so I will be able to share my personal experience and feelings online.
    Please let me know if you have any kind of suggestions or tips for brand new aspiring bloggers.
    Appreciate it!

  27. I used to be recommended this blog by way of my
    cousin. I’m no longer certain whether or not this publish is written via him as no one else recognise such distinct
    about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *