CFA Vs CMA: Which is Better?

Updated On: July 31, 2023 02:06 PM

While the CMA programme can be completed in less time than the CFA, there are many features of these programmes that make it hard to choose between them. Read the full article to know more.

Table of Contents

About CFA and CMA Programme
CFA Vs CMA - Skills Obtained
CMA Vs CFA - Duration
CFA Vs CMA - Flexibility in Exam Schedules
CMA Vs CFA - Eligibility or Experience Required
CFA Vs CMA - Syllabus
CMA Vs CFA - Career Opportunity and Salary
Faqs

Are you facing a dilemma about whether to pursue CFA or CMA certification? If so, you've come to the right place. This article aims to help you make a well-informed decision by comparing CMA and CFA certifications in terms of their duration, content, levels, flexibility, eligibility, career prospects, and other relevant factors.

By the end of this article, you will undoubtedly reach a conclusion and be able to choose between these two globally recognized finance programs: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification and Certified Management Accountants (CMA).

About CFA and CMA Programme

Details about both the courses are given below in the table.

Features	CFA	CMA
Full-Form	Chartered Financial Analyst	Certified Management Accountants
Definition	The CFA Programme if a globally recognised programme that provides students with a strong base for the world of investment analysis.	The CMA programme is designed for students to work in different industries and corporate functions.
Credentials Issued By	CFA Institute	The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, India
Focuses On	The certification focuses on asset management, equity research, investment management, hedge funds, etc.	The certification develops one’s expertise in working-capital policy, financial statement analysis, valuation issues, etc.
Exam Levels	The programme comprises three levels of exam: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3.	In India, the programme comprises 20 papers and three levels of exams: CMA Foundation, CMA Intermediate, CMA Final.

Also Read: Career as a Chartered Financial Analyst

CFA Vs CMA - Skills Obtained

One of the key differences between CMA and CFA is the skills obtained through these programmes.

Skills Obtained Through CFA	Skills Obtained Through CMA
Investment Management Skills Investment Portfolio Asset Allocation Portfolio Strategy Corporate Finance Excel Modeling Skills Risk Managers Investment Banking Fund Management	Expertise in Financial Accounting Expertise in Management Accounting Strategic Management Profitability Analysis External Financial Reporting Planning and Budgeting Internal Controls Risk Management Performance Management Investment Decision Cost Management

Also Read: All About Chartered Financial Analyst Course

CMA Vs CFA - Duration

Time taken to complete the CFA and CMA course is given below:

CFA Duration	CMA Duration
The minimum time in which one can become a CFA is 2 years. Depending on the calibre, most of the students take about 3 - 4 years to complete the course.	Depending upon the level of your dedication and focus, the course can be completed from 6 months to 3 years. The IMA (Institute of Management Accounts) provides a maximum of three years, from the registration date, to complete the course.

Since the CMA programme takes less time, many candidates prefer this certification. So, if you have less time in your hands to get certified, CMA would probably be the better option for you.

CFA Vs CMA - Flexibility in Exam Schedules

VariousThe flexibility in exam schedules of both the CFA and CMA course is given below:

CMA	CFA
The programme provides the flexibility to appear in CMA exams on any day during the testing window. The testing window is available for CMA exams 6 months a year. The CMA exams are computerised so, candidates usually have the flexibility to complete their exams quickly as per the schedule of their choice. The exams are usually available in January/ February, May/ June, September/ October.	The CFA exams are not very flexible with dates. The exams are conducted only two times a year for Level 1. For Level 2 and 3, the exams are conducted only once a year. Due to this restriction, if one misses a session, she/ he will have to wait for 6 months to appear in the exam again. So, appearing in the CFA exams is sometimes not very convenient for candidates. The first level of the exam can be taken in June and December whereas, Level 2 and Level 3 can be only be taken in June.

CMA

CFA

The programme provides the flexibility to appear in CMA exams on any day during the testing window.
The testing window is available for CMA exams 6 months a year.
The CMA exams are computerised so, candidates usually have the flexibility to complete their exams quickly as per the schedule of their choice.
The exams are usually available in January/ February, May/ June, September/ October.

The CFA exams are not very flexible with dates.
The exams are conducted only two times a year for Level 1.
For Level 2 and 3, the exams are conducted only once a year.
Due to this restriction, if one misses a session, she/ he will have to wait for 6 months to appear in the exam again.
So, appearing in the CFA exams is sometimes not very convenient for candidates.
The first level of the exam can be taken in June and December whereas, Level 2 and Level 3 can be only be taken in June.

CMA Vs CFA - Eligibility or Experience Required

The details of both CFA and CMA course eligibility is tabulated below:

Features	CFA	CMA
Educational Qualification	Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field. The degree must have been issued by a recognised university.	For CMA Foundation Level, candidates must have complete Class 12 or equivalent level of education from a recognised board. For CMA Intermediate Level, candidates are required to pass Class 12 and CMA Foundation Level.
Work Experience (Minimum)	4 Years	2 Years

CFA Vs CMA - Syllabus

The main goal of the CMA programme is to train management accounting professionals whereas, the CFA programme trains financial and investment professionals. So, the notice some overlaps in the programme syllabus of CFA and CMA but in a deeper sense, the syllabus is different. Here are some of the major topics that you can have a look at.

VariousThe syllabus details of both CFA and CMA course is given below:

Topics in the CMA Programme	Topics in the CFA Programme
Professional Ethics Investment Decisions Risk Management Decision Analysis Corporate Finance Financial Statement Analysis Internal Controls Cost Management Performance Management Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting External Financial Reporting Decisions	Portfolio Management and Wealth Planning Alternative investments Derivatives Fixed Income Investments Equity Investments Corporate Finance Financial Reporting and Analysis Economics Quantitative Methods Ethical and Professional Standards

CMA Vs CFA - Career Opportunity and Salary

One of the biggest questions asked by candidates confused between these two programmes is ‘which pays more’. To answer that question, it depends on your job title and the organisation you are working with. Mentioned below are the average salary of some CFA and CMA job roles that will help you know more.

Various career opportunities and salary details of both CFA and CMA course is given below:

CFA Salary		CMA Salary
Job Titles	Salary	Job Titles	Salary
Chief Investment Officer	$316,600	Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	$140,930
Financial Analyst	$80,930	Corporate Controller	$99,633
Portfolio Manager (equities)	$344,500	Financial Controller	$88,108

Click on the links given below to know more:

All About the CFA Programme	Career as a CFA
MFA Vs M.Com	B.Com Vs CS
CA Vs B.Com	B.Com Vs BA Economics

To conclude, both programmes have features that make them better than the other in some way. After going through the comparison drawn above, you must have understood the difference between CMA and CFA better. If you still have any doubts, feel free to reach out to us through our Q&A Section .

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho . Good Luck!

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FAQs

What is the salary of a CMA graduate?

A CMA graduate earns anywhere between $140,930-$88,108.

What is the salary of a CFA graduate?

A CFA graduate earns anywhere between $316,600-$344,500.

What is the duration of a CMA course?

Depending upon the level of your dedication and focus, the course can be completed from 6 months to 3 years. The IMA (Institute of Management Accounts) provides a maximum of three years, from the registration date, to complete the course.

What is the duration of a CFA course?

The minimum time in which one can become a CFA is 2 years. Depending on the calibre, most of the students take about 3 - 4 years to complete the course.

What are the skills obtained through the CMA course?

The skills obtained through the CMA course are:

Expertise in Financial Accounting
Expertise in Management Accounting
Strategic Management
Profitability Analysis
External Financial Reporting
Planning and Budgeting
Internal Controls
Risk Management
Performance Management
Investment Decision
Cost Management

What are the skills obtained through the CFA course?

The skills obtained through the CFA course are:

Investment Management Skills
Investment Portfolio
Asset Allocation
Portfolio Strategy
Corporate Finance
Excel Modeling Skills
Risk Managers
Investment Banking
Fund Management

What is the eligibility criteria for a CMA course?

The eligibility criteria for a CMA course is mentioned below:

For CMA Foundation Level, candidates must have completed Class 12 or equivalent level of education from a recognised board.
For CMA Intermediate Level, candidates are required to pass Class 12 and CMA Foundation Level.
A minimum 2 years of work experience.

What is the eligibility criteria for a CFA course?

The eligibility criteria for a CFA course is mentioned below:

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field.
The degree must have been issued by a recognised university.
A minimum 4 years of work experience.

What is the CMA course all about?

The CMA is offered by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, India. CMA Programme is designed for students to work in different industries and corporate functions.

What is the CFA course all about?

The CFA Programme is a globally recognised programme that provides students with a strong base for the world of investment analysis. The CFA course is offered by CFA Institute.

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