THE SHORTER ROAD | CMA
One year from now you could be certified. Or still comparing credentials.
The US CMA takes a working professional 8–12 months. The CFA and CPA routes take three to four years.
This free 12-page briefing compares all four with 2026 data, and tells you plainly where the CMA is not the right answer.
Free · 12 pages · A decision in 20 minutes
8–12 months: realistic completion for a working professional
≈350 hours: total study time, both parts
2 exams: not three levels, not thirteen papers
WHAT'S IN THE BRIEFING:
Four credentials side by side: time, cost, pass ratesWhere the CMA is strong, and where it isn't the answerThe 2026 exam change, and who it favoursA seven-question checklist to decide in one page