Northern Illinois University

College of Business - NIU

 

A recent salary survey found that a CMA-certified professional earns 89% more than a non-certified professional and 19% more than a professional with only a CPA.
(Source: SmartPros.com Salary Survey, February 2005)


The CMA Exam Process

The CMA Program consists of four exam parts. Each part is developed around the revised CMA body of knowledge that reflects the unique knowledge and skill set required for success in today's dynamic management accounting and finance profession. Parts 1-3 exams may be taken in any order but all must be successfully completed before a candidate is allowed to sit for the Part 4 exam and receive the prestigious credential. This is what you'll learn in each of the four courses:

CMA Exam

About the NIU CMA Review Program

Northern Illinois University uses the IMA's CMA Learning System course as the basis for the program. This course combines live classroom instruction with textbooks and online, interactive testing components to deliver a comprehensive and customized learning experience in management accounting and finance. These four convenient courses mirror the four CMA Exam parts.

Your instructor will base your course on the printed text and online review materials which make up IMA's CMA Learning System including:  

  • A pre-test to assess your current level of knowledge so you can focus on areas that require improvement
  • Print modules covering everything you need to know for the four parts of the CMA Exam
  • Online application exercises and quizzes to measure your comprehension of concepts and calculations
  • Immediate feedback to online test questions, correct answer rationale, and calculation hints
  • A post-test to gauge your progress and preparedness for the CMA Exam

Topics included are:

CMA Part 1:
Business Analysis
 

  • Business Economics
  • Global Business
  • Internal Controls
  • Quantitative Methods
  • Financial Statement Analysis

CMA Part 2:
Management Accounting and Reporting
 

  • Budget Preparation
  • Cost Management
  • Information Management
  • Performance Measurement
  • External Financial Reporting

CMA Part 3:
Strategic Management
 

  • Strategic Planning
  • Strategic Marketing
  • Corporate Finance
  • Decision Analysis
  • Investment Decisions

CMA Part 4:
Business Applications
 

  • Organization Management
  • Organization Communication
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Ethical Considerations

 

 

 

For complete details about the Northern Illinois University CMA program contact:

Donna M. Mann
Director, Credentialing Programs
Northern IL University Outreach
Phone (815) 753-2406
Home Office Phone (815) 753-6249
E-mail: dmann@niu.edu

Visit: http://www.outreach.niu.edu/ or phone (800) 345-9472 for complete details, schedule of programs and registration information.


Certified Management Accountants…
Professionals Driving Business Performance

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential is highly recommended for management accounting and finance professionals who work inside organizations where expertise in decision support, planning, and control over value-creating operations is a crucial element of operational success. The designation provides corporate management and individual Members with an objective measure of knowledge and competence in the field of management accounting. The CMA is an invaluable credential for professional advancement and for broadening professional skills and perspective.

By earning the CMA credential, you will demonstrate both technical competencies and an understanding of the linkage between strategy and financial performance, grounded in a firm commitment to upholding strict professional ethical standards. Only the CMA certification requires the broad range of topics that are key to management performance and contribution. Exam topics include economics, business finance, situational analysis, and decision making with a strong emphasis on ethics. Combined with relevant rule-based subject matter, the four-tiered CMA exam is designed to develop and measure critical thinking and decision-making skills.

By achieving the CMA Credential, you:

  • Join the international CMA community of professionals who have advanced beyond the traditional accounting skill set and evolved into strategic business partners and decision makers driving superior financial performance
  • Demonstrate your commitment to lifelong learning and to upholding a strict code of professional ethics
  • Position yourself for career advancement and greater earning power