make sense after getting the CPA title.

There isn’t a black and white answer, but the most value add for a CMA certification

for existing CPA is how he or she is equipped in working in management accounting, in particular

the costing area. Either the CPA qualification or external audit job doesn’t cover much

on management accounting, and CMA will fill the gap.

Different industries seem to value the CMA certification quite differently as well. For

manufacturing companies where costing and inventory analysis is critical, there tend

to be more CMAs in the company and therefore, the certification is more valued.

In service oriented companies where costing analysis is less important, CMA is understandably

less recognized.

In theory the knowledge we learn through the CMA program is applicable and important to

all industries; but the above is my observation in real world situation.

Are There Alternatives ?

The AICPA has joined hands with CIMA to create a new designation called the CGMA. Between

the inception and end of 2014, AICPA members could “pay” for this designation as long

as they fulfill the experience requirements.

Since 2015, there has been a CGMA exam. This exam is developed by CIMA involving in-depth

case studies. The format is very different from anything you see in the US professional

exams. In fact, I believe it looks more like a huge task-based simulation. In case you

are wondering, commercial CGMA exam review courses are not available at this stage.

Given this uncertainty on the CGMA exam, I would probably stick with the US CMA program,

at least for now.

I hope this short video is helpful for you to make a decision. Thanks for watching, and

see you in the next video.