You’ve been studying for this day for months, and here it is! Your anxiety levels have peaked, and all you want to do is get the CMA exam done. Here are a few things you need to do before you sit for the exam.
The Day and/or Night Before
Confirm Your Exam Registration and Testing Center Appointment
The first thing you should do is confirm your appointment with the testing center and your exam registration. You must have these 3 important exam documents to enter the testing center:
- Examination Admission Notice: Bring a printed copy of the Prometric Examination Admission Notice confirming your appointment details.
- Registration Confirmation: Carry a copy of this confirmation from your IMA account showing your exam registration number.
- Exam ID and Launch Code: You’ll be provided with an Exam ID and launch code once you register, pay, and book your exam appointment. Bring this information with you to the testing center.
Pack Your Bag
Besides bringing those 3 documents, here’s a checklist of items to pack before heading to the Prometric testing center.
- Identification Documents: You must present a valid ID to take the CMA exam. The name on your ID must match the name printed on the authorization letter. You must present 1 primary or 2 secondary IDs to be permitted into the testing center. Note that you must present the original documents. No photocopies or electronic versions will be accepted.
| Primary ID | Secondary ID |
|---|---|
| U.S. Passport | Military ID Card |
| Government Issued National Country ID (with photograph) | India - PAN Card, Aadhar, and Voter ID |
| EU Identity Card | Philippines - Postal ID |
| Government Issued Driver’s License (with photograph) | Bank ATM, Debit, or Credit Card with Signature |
- Calculator: You can carry a basic calculator or use the system-provided calculator at the testing center. If you’re carrying a calculator (small-battery or solar-powered electronic calculator), it must be reduced to 6 functions - addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, and percentage. The calculator must not be programmable and must not use any type of tape. Accepted calculators include the Texas Instruments BA II Plus, HP 12c, or HP 12c Platinum.
- Other Supplies: Prescription medications, snacks, and beverages can be consumed only during breaks. Medications may be inspected. Also, bring a sweater or jacket to adjust to testing center temperatures. Items you cannot bring into the testing center include books, notes, laptops, cell phones, tablets, hats, keys, and wallets.
Tip: Make sure your outfit does not have many pockets. Each time you leave the testing room to take a restroom or snack break, security must check each of your pockets upon return by asking you to empty them or turn them inside-out. As the CMA exam does not include scheduled break time, every minute you are outside of the testing room is precious and counts toward your overall examination time!
Take a Practice Trip to Your Testing Center
Have your route to the testing center planned in advance, and make a dry run a day or 2 before if you are unsure where it is. While you may rely on GPS to get you there, have an alternative route planned in case of traffic.
The Day of Your CMA Exam
Eat a Balanced Meal
Stay calm, relax, and have a healthy meal the morning of your exam. A healthy breakfast enhances cognitive function and improves memory.
Arrive at Least 30 Minutes Early
Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before your exam time. Here’s an overview of how to navigate the Prometric testing center.
| Check in with Administrator | Check in with the testing center administrator (TCA) by presenting your ID. You’ll be asked to sign the Prometric Log Book. |
| Have Your ID Verified | The TCA will take a picture of you while your IDs are scanned/swiped for verification. You’ll be asked to provide up to 6 fingerprint scans to create a unique biometric ID for login and logout. |
| Pass through Metal Detector | Pass through a metal detector to ensure no electronics are on your person or in your bags. The scan is bio-safe. The TCA will not place their hands on your body in any way. |
| Receive CMA Exam Instructions and Handouts | The TCA will give you instructions and handouts to read and review. Now is your chance to ask the TCA any questions. You will also receive a piece of paper and a pencil to use during the exam. |
After the CMA Exam
Upon completing the CMA exam, you’ll receive information detailing how you’ll receive your score within 14 days. If you failed the exam, a report will be emailed to you with details indicating satisfactory, marginal, or unsatisfactory performance on each topic.
