A management accountant who possesses the necessary qualification and who possesses a rigorous professional exam earns the right to be known as a certified Management Accountant (CMA).

In addition to the prestige that accompanies a professional designation, CMAs are often given greater responsibilities and higher compensation than those who do not have such a designation. Information about becoming a CMA and CMA program can be accessed on the Institute of Management Accountants.

To become a Certified Management Accountant, the following four steps must be completed:

1. File an application for admission and register for the CMA examination
2. Pass all four parts of the CMA examination within a three year period

3. Satisfy the experience requirement of two continuous years of professional experience in management and/or financial accounting prior to or within seven years of passing the CMA examination.

4. Comply with the standards of ethical conduct for practitioners of management accounting and financial management.