The modern trends of globalization and innovation dictate the workforce market structure. If having a management accounting degree was enough criteria for competing for a highly-paid position twenty years ago, today, the major companies recruit the most competent of the certified applicants. One of the recognizable certifications that can provide such an advantage is Certified Management Accountant. Although the exam is so time-consuming that the preparation can start in school, the certificate gives privileges to its holders both on national and world arenas.
Obtaining a CMA certificate may bring several career advantages to its owner, but the process requires a significant effort. The rigorous examination includes two parts and covers 11 topics on the management accounting to learn about (CMA Certification, 2018). The official IMA website states that the average time needed for preparation to one part of the test varies between 150 and 170 hours, which makes the whole preparation last more than 300 hours (CMA Certification, 2018). Along with the high requirements, the IMA gives proofs on the demand for CMA and CPA experts and their complying career opportunities (CMA Certification, 2018). The overall policies of obtaining the certification are strict, but giving into consideration the exponential career growth of an employee in comparison with the non-CMA colleagues, the difficulty can be covered by future professional achievements.
The CMA certificate not only provides better job prospects compared to non-certified management accountants, but it also opens possibilities at the global arena. The recent research demonstrates growth of international demand for CMA experts (Weaver & Whitney, 2015). Being originally a USA-based program, it has spread over several geographic areas around the world over the past twenty years (Weaver & Whitney, 2015). Today, while the CMA mostly remains a US-based examination, it attracts applicants from approximately 100 countries (Weaver & Whitney, 2015). The data also shows the emergence of new CMAs around the world, and most of them are from Asia and the Americas (Weaver & Whitney, 2015). At the same time, the study observes the absolute growth of the CMA examination every year (Weaver & Whitney, 2015). Considering the above mentioned, the certification becomes a non-US-based feature and gains its popularity and professional recognition yearly. The growing number of Asian and Middle Eastern applicants and certification holders implies the considerable demand on highly-qualified and critically thinking experts. While accountants without the CMA or CPA may suffer from increasing competition, the CMAs can be confident about their importance.
The question of effective preparation is urgent for the applicants. The IMA states that sooner obtaining of the certificate is preferred to the accountants (Whitney, 2015). At the same time, the requirements are so high they can discombobulate the student who aims to pass the exam. One research provides a radical opinion that the study should begin while still in school (Whitney, 2015). The most visible perks of such an approach are enough amount of time for studying and comparison of school materials to the information needed for the exam (Whitney, 2015). Thus, if a student needs to pass the examination, he or she should dedicate a certain amount of time to preparation. To be a young competitive CMA specialist may require starting the preparation at the school years.
Summarizing, the CMA exam can be both demanding and rewarding. The certified accountants are highly appreciated in global corporations and have better opportunities to move the promotional ladder. The certification gains its recognition around the world, moving outside the US. The preparation beginning at the school age may seem an obstacle, but with the right priorities set and time managed efficiently, the applicant can become a demanded CMA on the global market.
References
CMA Certification. (2018). Web.
Weaver, S. C., & Whitney, D. (2015). The global growth of the CMA: IMA’s highly respected certification is becoming more in demand by professionals around the world. Strategic Finance, 96(11), 26-29.
Whitney, D. (2015). “When to take the CMA exam: each person has to decide about the timing, but there are good reasons for taking the plunge while you’re still in school.” Strategic Finance, 96(11), 19-20.