Can I practice accounting with just a CMA?

Yes, you can work as an accountant with a CMA. However, the CPA is legally required for signing audit reports, issuing attestation opinions, and signing many tax returns. The CMA is sufficient for management accounting roles.

Which certification pays more?

Salary depends more on role and experience than certification. CPAs in public accounting often start lower but advance quickly. CMAs in industry may start higher. At senior levels, compensation is similar. Having both maximizes earning potential.

Career Guide

CPA vs CMA

Which certification is right for your career?

CPA is required for signing audit reports and tax returns

CMA focuses on management accounting and financial analysis

Many professionals hold both certifications

CPA has broader recognition; CMA has global focus

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) are both prestigious accounting credentials, but they serve different career paths. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right certification—or decide to pursue both.

Last updated: February 1, 2026

CPA vs CMA Comparison

Criteria	CPA	CMA
Focus Area	External reporting, audit, tax, attestation	Internal management accounting, planning, analysis
Exam Structure	4 sections (3 core + 1 discipline)	2 parts (Financial Planning & Strategic Management)
Exam Duration	16 hours total (4 hours per section)	8 hours total (4 hours per part)
Pass Rate	45-55% average across sections	45-50% average
Education Requirement	150 credit hours (varies by state)	Bachelors degree from accredited institution
Experience Requirement	1-2 years (varies by state)	2 years in management accounting
Cost (Exam Only)	$1,000-$1,500 (4 sections)	$800-$1,000 (2 parts)
Annual CPE	40 hours (varies by state)	30 hours
Typical Roles	Auditor, Tax Accountant, Controller, CFO	Financial Analyst, Cost Accountant, FP&A, Controller

Focus Area

CPA

External reporting, audit, tax, attestation

CMA

Internal management accounting, planning, analysis

Exam Structure

CPA

4 sections (3 core + 1 discipline)

CMA

2 parts (Financial Planning & Strategic Management)

Exam Duration

CPA

16 hours total (4 hours per section)

CMA

8 hours total (4 hours per part)

Pass Rate

CPA

45-55% average across sections

CMA

45-50% average

Education Requirement

CPA

150 credit hours (varies by state)

CMA

Bachelors degree from accredited institution

Experience Requirement

CPA

1-2 years (varies by state)

CMA

2 years in management accounting

Cost (Exam Only)

CPA

$1,000-$1,500 (4 sections)

CMA

$800-$1,000 (2 parts)

Annual CPE

CPA

40 hours (varies by state)

CMA

30 hours

Typical Roles

CPA

Auditor, Tax Accountant, Controller, CFO

CMA

Financial Analyst, Cost Accountant, FP&A, Controller

When to Choose the CPA

The CPA is essential for public accounting and any role involving attestation or tax return signing. It offers broader career flexibility and is required by law for certain functions.

Planning a career in public accounting (audit or tax)
Want maximum career flexibility
Interested in forensic accounting or litigation support
May start your own accounting practice

When to Choose the CMA

The CMA is ideal for careers focused on corporate finance, planning, and analysis. It emphasizes the skills needed for internal decision support rather than external reporting.

Career focused on FP&A or corporate finance
More interested in business strategy than compliance
Want a globally recognized credential (IMA is international)
Already in industry and unlikely to enter public accounting

Why Get Both

Many professionals choose to earn both the CPA and CMA. This combination provides maximum flexibility and demonstrates broad expertise.

Maximum career flexibility across public and industry
Demonstrates both technical and strategic capabilities
Enhanced credibility for CFO and executive roles
Some overlapping content reduces total study time

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Related Buyer Guides

Best for Career Changers

Transitioning into accounting from another field? You may need more foundational support and structured guidance to build your accounting knowledge while preparing for the CPA exam.

Best for Working Professionals

Balancing a full-time job while studying for the CPA exam requires maximum flexibility and efficient study methods. You need a course that fits your schedule, not the other way around.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CPA is generally considered more difficult due to its broader scope (4 sections vs 2 parts) and lower pass rates. However, difficulty depends on your background—those with strong cost accounting experience may find the CMA more approachable.

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