The CMA (US, IMA) exam is offered in three windows in 2026: January–February, May–June, and September–October — the same windows worldwide, including the UAE. You pick your own appointment date within a window at a Prometric testing centre in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. Results arrive approximately six weeks after the close of your testing month. (Note: these are US CMA dates — not CMA India.)
| Testing window | When to start preparing (3 months/part) | Results |
|---|---|---|
| January – February 2026 | Enrol by October–November 2025 | ~6 weeks after the window closes |
| May – June 2026 | Enrol by January–February 2026 | ~6 weeks after the window closes |
| September – October 2026 | Enrol by May–June 2026 | ~6 weeks after the window closes |
Exam format per part: 4 hours — 100 MCQs (75%) + 2 essay scenarios (25%) — passing score 360/500. Up to three attempts per part per testing year (July 1 – June 30). Confirm current registration windows at imanet.org.
The CMA exam runs in three testing windows per year, identical worldwide including the UAE: January–February, May–June, and September–October. Within a window you choose your own appointment date at a Prometric testing centre in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, subject to seat availability.
(1) Join IMA at imanet.org and pay the CMA entrance fee. (2) Register for the exam part you want and pay the exam fee. (3) You receive an authorisation to schedule your appointment at prometric.com/icma — pick your UAE centre, date, and time. LIFS advisors walk every student through this at no extra charge.
As early as possible — popular Dubai weekend slots fill up first. Register with IMA and book your Prometric appointment at least 4–6 weeks before your target date within the window.
Yes, IMA allows both parts in the same testing window and in any order. Most LIFS students take one part per window on the 6-month fast-track plan.
Results are emailed and posted to your IMA profile approximately six weeks after the close of the month in which you tested. Essay grading is why results are not instant.
Your exam registration is valid for one specific window; if you don't sit the exam, the fee is forfeited (Prometric appointments can be rescheduled within the window, subject to fees and notice). IMA allows up to three attempts per part per testing year, which runs July 1 to June 30.
Count forward roughly 3 months of preparation per part from your enrolment date and target the next window after that. LIFS batches finish the syllabus, mock exams, and revision right before a window opens.