The Value of CMA® Certification in 2025 and Beyond

Increasing Advantages of CMA Certification

The CMA certification offers a competitive edge through its unmatched versatility. Unlike other, more specified certifications in finance and accounting, this credential is not limited by geography, role, or industry changes. It offers widespread applicability with lasting value well into the future. Here are some advantages:

Global Reach

The CMA certification is internationally recognized, opening doors to careers transcending country borders. It has a significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia, with growing adoption in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany, China, and India. It is also gaining new recognition in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

By testing candidates' expertise in universally applicable accounting principles, the CMA eliminates the need for a re-certification requirement in different jurisdictions. Additionally, the curriculum is perpetually updated to strategically align with global business trends, making CMA holders an asset in the global market.

Role Flexibility

CMA holders are hired for many roles, from business analysts and financial controllers to executive positions, including chief financial officers (CFOs). The certification’s focus on strategic decision-making, technology integration, and long-term risk management enables professionals to transition horizontally across industries and advance vertically within their roles.

Top Careers for CMAs:

CMA holders fill various roles across a wide range of industries and fields.

Early Career Roles	Mid-Career Roles	Late-Career/Senior Roles	Specialized Opportunities
Financial analyst Management accountant Senior accountant Cost accountant	Management accountant Financial risk manager Business analyst Financial analyst	Corporate controller Chief financial officer (CFO) Chief operating officer (COO) Financial director Internal auditor	Consulting and advisory services Strategic financial management roles International financial leadership positions ESG reporting specialist

Learn more about CMA jobs, average salaries, and top responsibilities.

Career Security

The CMA certification safeguards against the uncertainties of a changing job market because the credential changes with the market. Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA) regularly surveys current CFOs, controllers, and other accounting experts to identify the skills most vital for CMA success. ICMA’s findings then shape the extent and focus of updates to the CMA exam, as well as the expectations for those with the CMA certification.

Top employers recognize the unique value of the CMA and its ability to adapt to industry changes. This adaptability ensures that the credential provides dependable career security well into the future.

Industry Value in the 2025 CMA Exam

The September 2024 CMA exam updates come from ICMA’s most recent survey and are tailored to prepare you for the global transformation of management accounting. While constant changes to the CMA may initially feel like a disadvantage as a test-taker, it can be beneficial from a career standpoint.

Think of the CMA exam as a GPS system continuously improving to benefit you, the navigator. As industries evolve, new routes and obstacles emerge. ICMA’s job is to ensure that each new version of the CMA exam provides an updated, accurate roadmap of today’s ever-evolving business landscape, preparing future CMA holders to skillfully adapt.

While the exam structure remains almost identical to the previous version, the exam content has changed. Here’s how the new CMA keeps pace with industry trends.

Realigned Focus

The 2025 CMA exam focuses on topics accounting experts have identified as non-negotiable for industry success. The new CMA exam centers on the expanding and emerging areas directly impacting business, accounting, finance, and technology in 2025.

New themes include:

• Strategic planning and long-term solvency
• Ethical leadership
• Governance, risk, and compliance
• Continuous improvement over efficiency
• Big data concepts
• Emerging technologies
• Advanced data analytics
• Sustainability reporting

New Exam Content

The subjects tested on the new CMA reflect the top priorities of the current global market by introducing new topics and removing outdated ones.

Added Subjects	Emphasized Subjects	Removed Subjects
Consolidated statements Contribution margin Other costing systems Testing methods of internal controls Control deficiency remediation Data management Financial trend analysis Data ethics Debt financing Discount rates Sensitivity analysis Types of business fraud	Data analytics and technology Enterprise risk management Business decision analysis Capital investment decisions Professional ethics Comparative financial statement analysis	Process costing (some content) High-low method Throughput costing Theory of constraints Activity-based management Efficient accounting Moral philosophies Value and ethics: From inception to practice

Skills Gained

The new CMA equips you with invaluable, transferable skills to stay ahead in a shifting economy. You'll be uniquely positioned to navigate complex challenges and drive strategic decisions across industries. This versatility and forward-thinking approach ensure you remain indispensable in your career.

Financial Management Skills	Analytical Skills	Business Acumen
Advanced cost accounting and analysis Budgeting and forecasting Financial reporting and statement analysis Tax planning and compliance Risk management and internal controls Capital budgeting and investment analysis Performance measurement and evaluation Sustainability reporting Integrated reporting	Data analytics and interpretation Critical thinking and problem-solving Financial modeling and scenario analysis Variance analysis Statistical analysis and predictive modeling Data visualization Root cause analysis Decision-making under uncertainty	Strategic planning and execution Global business perspective Ethical decision-making in finance Technology integration in financial processes Change management Leadership and team management Cross-functional collaboration Industry-specific knowledge application Stakeholder communication and presentation

Opportunities Beyond CMA Certification

While earning the CMA credential is a powerful achievement, it’s only the beginning of your career. The skills and expertise gained through certification open doors to diverse roles and leadership positions.

Ongoing Education

CMA holders are dedicated to continuous learning, a commitment reinforced by IMA’s requirement to maintain certification through 30 continued professional education (CPE) credit hours annually. This ensures you stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and evolving business standards. By prioritizing ongoing education, you’ll showcase your value, making yourself highly sought after in a workplace that rewards expertise and forward-thinking professionals.

Continued Career Growth

As a CMA-certified professional, your certification sets the stage for long-term career advancement and leadership opportunities. CMA holders typically earn significantly higher salaries — up to 55% more than their non-certified peers — reflecting the value employers place on the credential. The CMA designation is also a powerful stepping stone to senior management roles, with many CFOs and executives leveraging its focus on strategic financial management.

Entrepreneurship

You'll also be well-prepared to start your own business or consultancy firm, offering valuable insights and solutions to clients. With your expertise in financial strategy, risk management, and analytics, you'll be uniquely positioned to address the challenges businesses face and provide advice for growth. This flexibility allows you to transform your core skills into a thriving, independent career.5