The CMA calendar is more flexible than most professional exams. Instead of fixed exam days, IMA offers three two-month windows a year, and you choose your own date inside one. The catch is that popular dates fill quickly, especially near the end of each window.
CMA testing windows and deadlines for 2027
| Testing window | Registration deadline | Expected results |
|---|---|---|
| January – February 2027 | 15 February 2027 | About 1–2 weeks after your exam |
| May – June 2027 | 15 June 2027 | About 1–2 weeks after your exam |
| September – October 2027 | 15 October 2027 | About 1–2 weeks after your exam |
IMA can adjust deadlines, so confirm the exact dates when you register. Book your Prometric appointment as soon as your registration is confirmed.
Faster results change how you can plan
Under the old essay format, results took about six weeks, so most candidates could not sit Part 2 in the same window after a Part 1 result. With results now expected one to two weeks after the exam, a candidate who sits Part 1 early in a window can know the outcome before the window ends.
- Option A: Part 1 in early January, result by mid-to-late January, Part 2 in the May–June window.
- Option B: Part 1 early in a window and Part 2 late in the same window, for strong candidates working with a tight deadline.
Do not count on a same-window retake. Retake rules and waiting periods are set by IMA, so check them before planning a second attempt in the same window.
Planning both parts within three years
Paying the CMA entrance fee starts a three-year window to pass both parts. That gives you up to nine testing windows, which is plenty for most candidates, but it can disappear if you take long breaks. A realistic plan:
- Pay the entrance fee only when you are ready to sit your first part within one window.
- Sit Part 1 and Part 2 in consecutive windows where you can, so study habits carry over.
- Leave at least one window free near the end of your three years as a buffer for a retake.
Choosing your window
Pick the window whose final study weeks fall in your quietest period at work. For many people in corporate finance, that means avoiding windows that clash with year-end close or the annual budget cycle. Use the CMA study planner to work out when you need to start, and check the CMA cost guide before registering.
Frequently asked questions
When can I take the CMA exam in 2027?
The CMA is offered in three testing windows: January–February, May–June and September–October. You can book any available date within the window at a Prometric test centre.
What is the CMA registration deadline?
The deadline is usually the 15th of the second month of each window: 15 February, 15 June and 15 October. Registering earlier gives you a better choice of test dates.
When are CMA results released?
With the case-based format introduced in 2026, results are expected about one to two weeks after the exam, much faster than the roughly six weeks needed under the old essay format.
Can I take both CMA parts in the same window?
Yes, if you register for both and book separate appointments, but most candidates take one part per window so they can focus their preparation.
How long is my CMA registration valid?
Each exam registration is valid for the testing window you choose. The entrance fee gives you three years to pass both parts.