To become a Certified Management Accountant, you will take the CMA exam. This is a rigorous test that requires a lot of prep. Once you put in all the time and effort in preparing for the test, you await your results based on published CMA exam dates. Truth be told, sometimes the wait is the hardest part.
The CMA exam is a complex test. CMA exam dates relate to when your CMA exam score will be released. Keep in mind as you wait that, while the multiple-choice questions are machine-graded, essay parts of the CMA exam are manually graded.
Want to know when you will get your CMA score? Read on to learn about CMA exam release dates and what you should be doing while you wait.
Originally published in 2021, this article was updated and republished on August 20, 2025.
CMA Exam Score Release Dates for 2026
CMA exam release dates are linked to your testing month. Keep in mind that all CMA exam score dates are estimates, and there are no official release dates set or published by the IMA.
Testing window | Predicted score release dates |
January | March 15 |
February | April 12 |
May | July 12 |
June | August 11 |
September | November 11 |
October | December 13 |
How long do I have to take the exam?
Once you’ve registered and paid the CMA exam entrance fee, you will have three years to take and complete both CMA Part 1 and CMA Part 2. These are 36 critical months to check all your boxes to study and prepare for the CMA Exam.
How long does it take to get my CMA exam results?
As you can see, it typically takes over a month (around 42 days) to get your CMA score. The IMA explains that you will get your CMA exam score an estimated six weeks after the last day of your test month.
How will I get my exam results?
When you register for the CMA exam, you will set up an account with the Institute of Management Accountants. This online profile is where you will log in to get your digital CMA test results, along with an email sent to your inbox the day results are published. They will also come a couple of weeks later in paper form via USPS.
If my exam window is extended, does the score-release day move?
Yes. If your testing window is officially extended—for instance, due to local disruptions—your results will likely be released about six weeks after the end of the new testing window, not the original one.
Can I get results sooner if I test early in the window?
No, it is not possible to get your results sooner. Currently, the CMA exam results are released in batches approximately 6 weeks after the exam window closes. This means that whether you take the exam at the beginning or end of the window, you will still receive your results on the same official release date.
Am I responsible for any other CMA requirements?
Additional CMA requirements—beyond taking and passing the CMA exam—are experience-related. You will need to complete all CMA certification requirements and you have seven years to do it.
CMA Exam Results
It’s helpful to understand how the CMA passing score is calculated or broken down.
When you log in to your IMA profile to find your CMA exam results, here’s what you need to remember:
- 75% of your score comes from 100 multiple-choice questions
- 25% of your score comes from two essay problems containing five to seven questions each
If you made it to the essay section, you know that you scored at least 50% on the multiple-choice questions. If you don’t make it to the essay section, you have scored less than 50% in the MCQs and have failed the exam.
The final score of your CMA exam is typically released up to six weeks after the month you take the exam. It’s likely that the multiple-choice questions are scored automatically as you take the test. On the other hand, every essay is graded personally by the ICMA staff. This is a lot of arduous work, so you cannot expect immediate results.
Technically, you could score anywhere from 0 to 500 on the CMA exam. The minimum passing score is 360.
Want to learn more about the two parts of the CMA exam?
Click here to learn about the CMA part 1: Financial Reporting, Performance, and Analytics.
Click here to learn about the CMA part 2: Strategic Financial Management.
CMA Performance Report
The CMA performance report will be provided via email 14 days after the exam results have been posted to your profile. All candidates will be able to access their own performance report, whether they pass or fail.
Candidates who fail the exam will receive a detailed score report highlighting their performance in each key topic of the MCQ section and their overall results in the essay section. This feedback helps them identify their strengths and weaknesses, making it easier to focus on areas that need improvement in future preparations.
CMA Exam Dates and Scheduling
When you get your CMA exam score depends on when you take your test. If you have a tight timeline or just want to get your ducks in a row, be sure that you know when you are scheduling your CMA exam. CMA exam dates are available in three windows.
- January through February – CMA exam dates in this window are January 1-February 28
- May through June – CMA exam dates in this window are May 1-June 30
- September through October – CMA exam dates in this window are September 1-October 31
To schedule your appointment in one of these CMA exam months, you need to pay your fee and secure a spot.
If you have already reserved a date, but need to switch plans, you can reschedule a CMA exam for free by contacting Prometric 31 days or more in advance. If there’s an emergency and you need to reschedule closer to your exam date, there’s a $50 fee.
If you want to reschedule your exam to the following testing window, you need to send your request to IMA Member Services at [email protected] at least five or more days before your scheduled appointment. You will be charged a fee of $75.
Test Center Locations
Prometric testing centers are available worldwide, allowing candidates from various regions and countries to take the CMA exam. These centers are located across the USA, Canada, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. You can visit the Prometric website to find a test center near you.
Unfortunately, you will have to take a test physically at one of Prometric’s testing centers, and the CMA remote assessment option is no longer available until further notice.
Waiting For CMA Exam Results
If you just finished one part of the CMA exam, you’re ready to start studying for the second part. Even while you wait for your score, you can dive back into test prep and make sure you’re ready to dominate the second part.
If you’ve just finished both parts of the CMA exam, it’s time to relax. You read that right. There aren’t additional steps you can take to move your CMA certification along until you know whether you have passed the CMA exam or not. If you have committed to studying for the CMA exam, now is the time to take a break. Life will go on and the CMA exam results are out of your hands.
Waiting for your CMA exam Part 1 or Part 2 scores? Get a head start on the remaining part with our Pass-or-100%-Refund-Guarantee course.
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CMA Exam: Best Time to Study
As you prepare for the CMA exam, you’ll want to align with best practices for a CMA study schedule. This may include buying an instructor-led CMA course or going the self-study route. There are pros and cons to each. It’s most important that you give yourself the right amount of time to prepare for the CMA exam.
I recommend that you start a review course program and then book your CMA exam when you are about halfway through. This could optimize test readiness and ensure that you have enough time to access an available testing window and study hard.
If you come up to your CMA exam testing window too soon and realize you need more time, you can reschedule in the same testing window for a fee.
Start Your Exam Prep Today
Your journey to becoming a CMA starts with dedicated test preparation. You have a lot of great online options to support your journey. Various platforms are optimized for different learning styles and have unique tools. You should choose a course that fits your CMA exam timeline, is within your budget, and contains the right mix of resources that appeal to you as a learner.
Read our dedicated comparison page, pitching the four best CMA review courses against each other to help you pick the best one for your needs.
If you’re interested in becoming a CMA, it’s never too early to start preparing for the CMA exam. Lock in your study plan by enrolling with us today!
Thanks for reading,
Hi, I’m Nathan Liao (aka the CMA Coach)! For the last 10 years, over 100,000 accounting and finance leaders from 120 countries came knocking at my door seeking guidance and help. If you’re also aiming to conquer the CMA exam on your very first try—without wasting away time or money—you’ve found your ultimate guide. Dive in deeper to discover more about me and the dedicated team that powers CMA Exam Academy. Click here and let’s embark on this journey together!
29 Comments on “CMA Exam Dates & Score Release Timeline (2026)”
When will the results for October 2022 window out ?
Hi Pooja,
The scores for the October exams were released yesterday.
Nathan
Hello!
My case with my CMA Part 2 exam is a bit weird and uncommon. I was supposed to take my exam on the 31st of October 2021, and when I went to take the exam, my exam was cancelled. After 2 days, I heard that they extended the window till the 12th of November, and fortunately, I took my exam on the 8th of November. Will my results appear in the mid of January?
Thank you
Hi Aliaa,
Scores are released 45 days after the exam closes, so mid December in your case.
Rooting for your success!
Nathan
So, if you haven’t received a performance report four weeks after your test, is that a good sign? lol.
Hey Ben,
Looks like there was an error in the article! Glad you caught that.
The performance reports are now mailed out 14 days after exam scores become available.
So if your exam was in February, the performance report will be released late April.
Hope you passed!
If I took my exam on Feb 1, is there any chance I get my score on March 15?
Your scores will most likely be released mid April.
Has anyone received scores for the October 2020 window yet?
Thanks! 🙂
Hey Sandra, the IMA has confirmed the scores should be released sometime this week 🙂
Thank you!
When is the result for October 2020 window..?
The results will be announced this week, Ahmed. The IMA hasn’t confirmed the exact day yet.
Hi
Has 7october CAM scores released?
Thanks
Abdullah
They should be released sometime this week 🙂
Has scores been released today yet?
Hi Tanner,
The scores have been released today, September 14th 🙂
When is the result for October window..?
The results came out yesterday 🙂
Hi Nathan,
Any chance October results are released today? Or is it looking more like tomorrow or Thursday?
Hi Kevin, the results were released yesterday 🙂
Does CMA body has any testing center in the Republic of Liberia?
I’m afraid not. You can check all test centers on Prometric’s website.
Hi! Are the results our yet on the 13th?
Hi Heather,
The results should be released any time today.
Fingers crossed! 🙂
Are the june window results published yet?
Hi Amu,
Not yet, we expect them to be released on Monday, August 13th. Fingers crossed!
Hi Nathan ,
After Passing MCQ (50%) and pass to essay part how much point did i need to score on the essay to secure a pass ? Maximum 20% ? To get total of approximate 70% total which can be seen as pass as conparable to 360 ?
Hi Tamirat,
If you made it to the essay, there’s a good chance you passed. Fingers crossed!
The scores are based on the difficulty level of a particular exam. 75% of your overall score will come from the MCQ section and 25% from the essay section. Trust that you’ve done your best 🙂
I wrote an article where you can read more about exam passing scores: Understanding the CMA Exam Passing Score
Let me know if you have any questions left.