If you want to become a Certified Management Accountant, you need to pass the CMA Exam. While you can self-study, the CMA exam difficulty is known to be challenging. Serious candidates succeed by taking Certified Management Accountant online classes and sticking with a program of study.

If you’re already working full-time or completing a degree while you go after CMA certification, you don’t have time to waste figuring out what to study and when.

CMA online classes are an efficient and effective way to learn everything you need to know about the CMA exam. 

Of course, you have to be strategic about which one you buy and how you use it. Read on to learn more about CMA training online and how to find a course that will help you succeed.

Originally published in March 2021, this article was updated and republished on September 9, 2025.

How Do Certified Management Accountant Online Classes Work?

If you’re looking for an online CMA class, you’ll quickly find that the good ones have similar features. They all teach the exam content, according to the IMA’s syllabus, and provide various ways to learn and practice.

Here is what a CMA online class will probably include:

Video Lectures

Instructor-led video courses are usually a core feature of an online CMA review course. Knowing who the instructor is and their credentials may impact your decision to purchase the program.

It’s important that you can connect to the instructor, even if the course material is filmed, so that you truly understand what they’re saying and can apply it to your studies.

It’s a good idea to watch samples online or see if the course has a CMA YouTube channel before you buy. This way, you can see how you like an instructor’s style before you commit to a full course.

Live Online Classes

Whether the entire course is offered live or you get live CMA coaching or Q&A sessions, many CMA courses have some real-time elements. 

This can be a powerful way to participate a little and ask specific questions.

Of course, if you do sign up for a class that is only live (and can’t be streamed later), you may find it difficult to attend or stick to that schedule. It can also be problematic if you live in a different time zone.

Recorded Video Lectures

If you do want ultimate flexibility, while still viewing videos from expert instructors, recorded video options may be the way to go. They provide a watch-anytime and pause-as-needed experience.

Video lectures can be great if you like to take a lot of notes or need to study at different times of day.

Recorded Audio Lectures

If you are a podcast fiend, you may find that recorded audio material goes a long way in enhancing your CMA studies. While not all courses offer this, getting free downloads of recorded lectures or other audio materials can be a huge benefit. 

Downloadable audio lectures will give you easy access, on-the-go content to enhance memorization, while not eating up a ton of bandwidth or streaming time — you can listen during a commute or while you exercise.

CMA Textbooks

Textbooks are going to cover every nook and cranny (conceptually) that you’ll need for the CMA exam. Because of the sheer volume of information, many times you’ll buy CMA Part 1 Textbook and CMA Part 2 Textbook. 

Divided in a similar way to the actual test material, textbooks like these will give you comprehensive coverage of material and often have a lot of answer explanations.

If you prefer learning from a physical book, rather than an electronic version, choose a course that includes printed books.

It’s a great bonus when courses ship printed books free of charge. Something to consider as well. 

CMA Practice Tests and Question Banks

Similar to many professional test prep systems, online courses will include CMA practice tests and practice question banks. The more, the better. 

The best online CMA courses will have thousands of practice questions. This exposes you to as much CMA exam material as possible. Many times, test banks like these will be taken from previous CMA exams, meaning you’re getting the most authentic content possible.

CMA Exam Academy is the only course that includes a practice exam at a real Prometric test center. This in-person proctored exam experience is the only way to know exactly what it will feel like on exam day.

CMA Flashcards

Whether digital or printed, many people studying for the CMA prefer flashcards. These can cover everything from definitions and vocabulary to equations. If you need to really build foundational knowledge, this kind of rote memorization will do the trick. 

I recommend creating your own flashcards though using index cards. However, if you’d like to save that extra time and effort, you can also try the free CMA Coach Flashcards app, available on the App Store and Google Play. This flashcard app covers all major testable areas. It helps you memorize principles, concepts, and definitions on the go, making it easy to stay consistent and reach exam readiness.

CMA Study Guide

The best CMA study guide is going to be a customized study plan. Depending on how long you have to study for the CMA exam, you’ll create a monthly, weekly and even daily plan for your studies. 

All good CMA exam programs have this built-in, so you can built in a personalized study plan that works for you.

Study Assignments

Some online courses will have study assignments and weekly homework. This is especially true if you’re working with a coach or using live course materials. 

These can be really helpful if you need some extra accountability or just like having some extra guidance for planning your time.

Coaching or Tutoring

Hiring a CMA coach or tutor is usually an upgrade or added expense (although CMA Exam Academy Courses have coaching built in to the program). 

This one-on-one guidance is the ultimate way to ensure you’re grasping the concepts and making the right progress to achieve your goals.

A Study App

Some CMA courses have the option to use an app to manage your studies. The content is usually the same, just delivered in an app format (rather than web-based).

Some CMA courses also have perks like discounts on IMA memberships or the CMA entrance fee. The goal is to find a CMA course that is right for you. 

At the bare minimum, it should be one that you actually use. Hopefully, you will also get comprehensive materials that maximize the effectiveness of your study time and help you pass the CMA exam.

Should You Take CMA Classes Online or In-Person?

When deciding if you want an online CMA class or an in-person CMA class, most people opt for the former. This is because online CMA classes have a ton of benefits, including:

• Study from anywhere, anytime
• No commute or travel
• Flexible study time vs a strict classroom schedule 

In-person classes tend to be a short session of classroom learning, lasting 8 or 10 weeks. For most candidates, this is insufficient time to master the CMA exam content enough to pass. An online course provides access to the content, practice materials, and instructor support as long as you need it.

Another advantage of doing your CMA preparation online is that you can go at your own pace — you can’t pause a live instructor and you have to stick to a specific time frame to go to class. 

Because of these and many other reasons, CMA classes online are a great option for most people.

That said, face-to-face CMA classes also have their own set of advantages. You get direct access to an instructor who can answer your questions on the spot and provide immediate feedback. The structured schedule helps keep you accountable, and learning in a classroom setting can boost focus and minimise distractions. You also have the chance to connect with peers, making group study sessions and peer support more accessible.

Apart from online and in-person classes, there’s also the option to self-study. This can be a very cost-effective route, especially since there are many free and low-cost resources available online.

The main advantage is flexibility. You can learn at your own pace and adjust your schedule as needed. However, self-study requires a high level of discipline and consistency to stay on track. Another challenge is ensuring your study plan is comprehensive enough to cover the entire CMA syllabus, which can be difficult to do without structured guidance.

Thus, compared to online or in-person classes, the self-study method tends to have a lower success rate.

How Much Do CMA Online Classes Cost?

Becoming a CMA does require some investment. You have to pay to register for and take the CMA exam, and budget for the price of a CMA review course. 

While CMA online classes might be considered optional, there’s no doubt they will help you pass. With a CMA pass rate of 50% (for both sections of the test), it stands to reason that passing is a concern. 

Of course, if you fail the CMA exam, you have to start over and pay for the test again. Many financially-minded people, then, recognize the value of investing in the right course from the get-go.

A CMA online course will run you anywhere from $699-$2,000. This side-by-side comparison of the most popular CMA prep courses will give you a feel for the range of options.

Another even more cost-effective option is to explore free or low-cost resources available on online sites or in libraries (check out our collection of free CMA content). By combining materials from videos, websites, and books, you can build your own study plan, though this approach requires more effort and discipline to stay on track.

But if you have $700 to $ 2,000 or more to invest, it’s best to opt for a structured study course. Let’s explore what you can generally expect at different price points.

Basic Tier (< $1000)

You can find courses in this tier that are affordable and budget-friendly, usually covering only the essentials, such as digital textbooks and a question bank. However, they often lack structured study plans, personalized coaching, or extra support. Still, they can be a practical choice for candidates on a tighter budget.

Standard Tier ($1000–$1,500)

This middle range typically offers a more balanced package. 

You can expect video lectures, progress tracking, question banks with model answers, and a structured study plan to cover the necessary content. Some courses may also provide limited instructor support (like email Q&A).

All-Inclusive Tier ($1,500+)

At the premium level, you can usually expect comprehensive packages that cover everything—from printed and digital materials and live or video lectures to a large test bank for MCQs and essay questions and structured study plans. 

Many also offer personalized tutoring or direct access to CMA experts or coaches for ongoing support and personalized feedback.

When comparing providers, think about how much guidance and support you’ll realistically need. Paying more only makes sense if you’ll take advantage of those extra features.

Most CMA course developers offer a range of options at various price points, and some provide installment payment plans or financing. Of course, the offerings will either contract or expand with the price.

Keep in mind that, in addition to buying a CMA course online, you may also want to look into different support resources. Some things that are often an additional cost, and not always included in base versions of CMA courses, include:

• Additional practice tests or more practice questions
• Coaching or tutoring
• Printed textbooks
• Formula guides
• Additional accounting textbooks

It is a great idea to fully review the CMA course you’re looking at (ensuring it has all the bells and whistles you want) before you purchase it.

Checklist: 10 Must-Have Features in a Quality CMA Online Course

There are going to be a few “must-haves” related to CMA online classes. While many of the good ones include the course features listed above, there are some specifics that you may want to look for. These include the 10 features below. 

1. Interactive Learning Options

Studying for the CMA exam can get lonely! Interaction with instructors is important, and group interaction can be very supportive. Live classes may be at the top of the list, but there are also other ways to interact with instructors and peers that can be just as valuable long term.

2. Direct Access to CMA Instructors

Having a dedicated coach provide personalized feedback is also crucial. 

Ask yourself these questions: Can you reach out to a dedicated CMA coach or instructor and ask questions? How quickly do CMA instructors respond to emails when you need help? Are there live calls with a CMA instructor?

Personalized coaching can be costly, but it’s often worth the investment. With the CMA Exam Academy study package, however, personalized coaching is included as a standard feature.

3. Peer Interaction & Study Groups

Can you contact other students or form study groups? 

Consider which of these interactive features are most important to you, and ensure your course includes them.

4. Downloadable Materials

Not everyone has unlimited streaming or reliable Wi-Fi.

If you plan to study on the go, check whether you can download and save course materials. Printed textbooks and downloadable lectures are especially useful when you can’t access the internet.

5. Personalized Attention

Very few courses include built-in coaching or tutoring. Check if you can send emails to instructors and confirm the stated turnaround time for responses. 

If you’re really struggling with a question, waiting 72 hours for an answer is not ideal. It’s essential to understand the kind of on-demand help you will receive.

6. Suitable Homework & Study Plan

Different online courses have varying approaches to assignments and the pace at which you progress through the material. Assignments may be built into your customized study guide. Or, they may be assigned on a weekly basis. 

7. Accountability & Structured Schedule

Figure out if you want a detailed plan of what and when to study, with weekly assigned work, or if you’d rather do a self-guided, flexible course. The benefit of having a guided course is that you’ll get through it on schedule.

Without a plan and accountability, you risk spending much more time than you need to on exam prep.

8. Progress Tracking

A good CMA online course should track your progress in a clear and measurable way. 

Look for adaptive tools or readiness indicators that reflect your practice performance. Having practice exams is especially valuable, as they give you a more accurate picture of how your performance is improving over time.

9. Test-Readiness Indicators

Test readiness is the main goal of your CMA course, but how will you know when you’ve studied enough? 

Many courses feature some adaptive or algorithmic elements that will calculate test readiness. It can be based on your progress through the materials or performance on practice questions. 

An accurate test-readiness indicator will save you a lot of time, ensuring that you are actually prepared to take the test on the day you scheduled it.

10. Customer Support & Responsiveness

Any unique features that matter to you should be taken into consideration. If answers aren’t clear on a company’s website, contact them. 

Whether or not (and how fast) they respond to your query is indicative of the kind of care and attention they offer their students.

Are CMA Online Classes Worth It?

At the end of the day, you’re going to end up shelling out a thousand dollars or more for a quality CMA online class. Add a few extras and all of your time and you’ll quickly realize that you’re in for a penny, in for a pound. 

And, of course, you want to know: Is a CMA online class worth it? Can you succeed with CMA self-study?

Well, if you know that your odds are < 50% for passing a test that could provide you with a fulfilling and profitable accounting career, what would you say?

Ultimately, courses are vastly preferable to the risk of self-studying and having to retake the exam. CMA courses increase your odds of passing by ensuring you’re getting a thorough, expert-led education and test-taking skills.

Where to Sign Up for a CMA Online Class

If you’re convinced, you need to start doing some research. Read the CMA handbook, which contains more details about the CMA exam.

Go here to learn about CMA Exam Academy course materials for Parts 1 and 2 of the CMA Exam.

Visit our CMA Discounts and Promo Codes page to see if your favorite course has an available discount.

And now that you know what to look for in an online CMA course, the next step is to compare the best options. Explore our detailed comparison of the Best CMA Review Courses in 2025 to find the perfect study plan that will help you ace the exam!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the US CMA and Indian CMA online classes?

In general, US CMA online classes prepare you for the Certified Management Accountant exam offered by the IMA. On the other hand, Indian CMA online classes prepare you for the Cost and Management Accountant exam conducted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). The Indian CMA exam typically takes around three years to prepare for and complete, and is more suited for finance professionals planning to build their careers primarily in India.

Is a “CMA online course” the same as getting the “CMA certification”?

No. A CMA online course is simply a study program designed to help you prepare for the CMA exam. It does not grant you the official certification upon completion. To earn the CMA designation, you must pass both parts of the exam offered by the IMA and meet the required professional experience in financial or management accounting. Only after fulfilling these requirements will you receive the official CMA certification from the IMA.

How long does it take to prepare for the CMA exam using an online course?

On average, most candidates spend 1 to 3 years preparing for the CMA exam with the help of an online course. The exact timeline depends on factors such as weekly study hours and prior knowledge. Online courses can help streamline and strengthen your preparation by offering structured study plans, video lectures, coaching support, and practice questions.

Can I pass the CMA exam using only free online resources?

While free resources are widely available online, they are usually not comprehensive enough to fully prepare you for the CMA exam. Relying solely on free materials often makes it challenging to thoroughly cover the entire syllabus and achieve exam readiness. A structured online course or study plan provides a complete learning framework, along with personalized coaching, that significantly improves your chances of success.

How can I study for the CMA exam at home?

If you want to study for the CMA exam at home, you’ll need a clear study plan, reliable resources, and great discipline. It’s also important to set aside consistent weekly study time and regularly practice with exam-style questions. You can use an online CMA course to increase your chances of passing on the first attempt. These programs typically provide access to coaching, video lessons, and textbooks.

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!