CMA exam dates and scheduling for 2026
The CMA is offered in three two-month windows a year. The current window runs to October 31, 2026, and the last day to register for it is October 15.
2026 testing windows
| Window | Testing dates | Last day to register | Written section |
|---|---|---|---|
| January/February | Jan 1 to Feb 28 | February 15 | Essays |
| May/June | May 1 to Jun 30 | June 15 | Essays or case-based |
| September/October | Sep 1 to Oct 31 | October 15 | Case-based questions only |
Dates from IMA’s published 2026 schedule.
The pattern has been the same for years, so expect the same three windows in 2027. Confirm the exact dates on IMA’s site once they are published.
The scheduling rules that cost people money
- One attempt per part per window. Fail a part and the earliest retake is the next window.
- Both parts can share a window. If you are ready for both, nothing stops you sitting them in the same two months.
- Your registration is tied to its window. If you cannot sit within it, you pay again or pay IMA a fee to transfer to the next window.
- Late changes forfeit the fee. Cancelling or missing an appointment within a few days of the exam usually means losing your exam fee. Check Prometric’s current terms before you book.
When results arrive
IMA does not publish exact release dates. In recent years scores have appeared about six weeks after the end of the month you tested in, so September candidates can expect results around mid-November and October candidates around mid-December.
| You test in | Expect your score around |
|---|---|
| January | Mid-March |
| February | Mid-April |
| May | Mid-July |
| June | Mid-August |
| September | Mid-November |
| October | Mid-December |
Expected, based on IMA’s recent release pattern; not official dates.
Choosing a window
IMA recommends 150 to 170 hours per part. At eight to ten hours a week, that is roughly four months.
A date on the calendar keeps study on track. Register about two months into studying, for the next window after that.
Appointments fill up as a window closes, especially in the final month.
Testing early in a window leaves room to reschedule within it if something goes wrong.
Common questions
Can I take both parts in the same window?
Yes, provided you are registered for both and ready for both. Many candidates spread them across two windows instead.
How soon can I retake a failed part?
You wait for the next window. With three a year, the gap is roughly two to four months.
Can I move my exam date?
Yes, within the same window, subject to Prometric’s rescheduling fees and deadlines. Moving to a different window goes through IMA and carries a fee.