[jjm1181]

I see the IMA has a “comprehensive” study packet for $500 that will give you textbooks, online access, etc. Has anyone purchased these materials and used it for the exam? Makes sense to purchase from the IMA since they are the ones who create the exams. Is it possible to complete part 1 and 2 in the same two month testing window? would it be that difficult?

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[Anonymous]

I took the CMA exams using the IMA material and found the study material fine. I would definately recomment it. I took the tests in 5/11 (Part 1 – Scored an 86) and 6/11 (Part 2 – Scored an 84).

[Anonymous]

I took it under the old 4 part format. I used Gleim and passed. Which ever study method you end up using, I think you'll find the CMA exam to be not as difficult as the CPA exam.

[jjm1181]

I like the fact that it's now a 2 exam certification and if I play my cards right, I could take them both in May/June.

@Corporation D – have you seen any benefit of having the CMA so far? Did it help you get a promotion or job or anything like that?

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[Anonymous]

I did not see any initial benefit. But I recently joined a new company and I strongly believe having the CMA along with passing the CPA exam, is what allowed me to get the position and salary I was seeking. It's a strong combination that can really set you apart from your competition.

[subii]

jjm1181, you should be able to complete both tests in one window. Just schedule them in the first and last week of the two month window to get the most study time.

Did you purchase their review materials?

I used Gleim cma for part one and passed, I used it for test two and walked out feeling completely unprepared (I won't have my results until April). I've been thinking about buying some review materials from the IMA. There seem to be two options that would fit my needs without going overboard with a full instructor lead review.

Option one is their Online Intensive Review for $195, option two is their Learning System for $495 (same thing you mentioned). From their website it looks like the only difference between the two options is a 600 page book. Can anyone confirm this? Is the OIR online information similar or comparable to the information in the book?

[jjm1181]

IMA recommends 125 hours for part 1. Anyone think that's about right? Is the CMA much easier than the CPA? How seriously should I take this?

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[Anonymous]

Of course you should be well prepared to take CMA exams. I personally studied for 10 weeks before I take each section of CMA and passed from first attempt.

[subii]

jjm1181, did you purchase review materials yet? I spent about seven week at about 15 to 20 hours per week.

Ali Alabdullatif, what review materials did you use?

[Anonymous]

Subii, I used IMA material complemented with Gliem test preparation software.

It really helped me a lot.

[jjm1181]

I purchased the ima study materials and am also considering the gleim cma test bank. I was hoping to not have to study as hard as I did for the CPA. I'm guessing that won't be an option. I'm taking the Pmp exam in a few weeks and then hope to get Part 1 of the CMA out of the way in the mayjune window. Any advice?

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[subii]

Spend more time doing test simulations rather than study sessions, this will really help with budgeting time. Don't worry too much about practicing the essay questions. If you know the material you won't have any trouble answering the essay questions.

When you get the materials, could you do a quick comparison between the book and online material? I'm just curious if they are comparable in detail and content, or if the online is not even close to the detail of the book.

[GAAPtooth]

I'm also curious on whether the online IMA materials would suffice for the CMA exam. It will be at least a few more months before I even start the process of this, so I'll keep watching.

[jjm1181]

I went big and bought the CMALS & CMA OIR Combo – 2-Part Kit Version 3.0, 2nd Edition, January 2012. I like having a text book cause I can read it while working out in the mornings (eliptical). It's being shipped right now. I won't look at it for a few weeks, but I really liked having another test bank to practice on so that's why I'll probably get the gleim cma test bank.

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[Zizoty]

I spent some time today to look into the CMA and here's my thought. The cost to obtain the CMA is so much more compared to CPA. First, you have to pay for the membership fee which is $140-240, $500-1000 for exam material and each part of the exam is $300. I'm not sure if I should get the certification since my company doesn't reimburse me for the CMA.

AUD - 83 Feb11
REG - 75 May11
BEC - 73 July11 84 Oct11
FAR - 63 Aug11 76 Feb12 I'M DONE!!!!!

[Industry84]

I just bought the gleim cma books – weren't very expensive and were very effective. 100 hours should be more than enough study time for each part.

[Author]

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