The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam is a highly regarded certification that demonstrates expertise in management accounting and financial management. For anyone who is in financial accounting, earning a CMA certification can lead to higher career opportunities. The exam is designed to test critical skills in areas such as budgeting, performance management, financial reporting, decision-making, and risk management.
For those preparing to take the CMA exam, the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) now offers two testing options: remote and in-person. This blog will help you understand the pros and cons of both choices and guide you in deciding which option is best for your circumstances.
Overview of the CMA Exam
The CMA exam is generally split into two parts:
Part 1: Financial Reporting, Planning, Performance, and Control – Focuses on financial planning, budgeting, performance management, internal controls, and financial reporting.
Part 2: Financial Decision Making – Examines decision analysis, risk management, investment decisions, professional ethics, and financial statement analysis.
Both parts have been designed to test your credibility in management accounting roles, equipping candidates with the knowledge needed to handle complex financial challenges.
The IMA provides the candidates with the option of taking the exam on a remote or in-person basis. However, both options have pros and cons, which need to be highlighted for better comprehension.
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Pros & Cons of Taking the CMA Exam In-Person
Here, in this section, we will be focusing on the positive and negative aspects of taking the CMA exam in person.
Pros of In-Person CMA Exam:
The pros or benefits of taking the CMA include the following:
A structured environment with fewer distractions: Taking the exam in a quiet and controlled environment helps in increasing your focus as there would be minimal distractions.
Access to physical resources (e.g., scratch paper, and calculators provided by the centre): Attending the exam in person helps you access all the necessary resources and tools, such as scratch paper and calculators, for solving certain questions. You do not have to worry about the resources, as they are available only in the centre.
No technical issues to worry about: Taking the exam in person relieves you of the tension of any possible technical glitch happening during the examination. The exam is administered on centre-provided computers, which are set up to ensure smooth operation.
Familiarity with traditional testing settings: For those accustomed to traditional testing environments, in-person exams provide a sense of comfort. The straightforward process of checking in at the center, sitting at the computer, and beginning the exam may be less stressful than managing the technical aspects of remote testing.
Cons of in-Person CMA Exam
Now, let us focus on the negative aspects of taking the CMA exam in person:
Requires travel to a testing centre: Often the exam centres can be far from your location. Traveling long distances might take a lot of time and lead to unnecessary extra costs.
Limited scheduling flexibility: Taking the CMA exam in person might not give you enough flexibility. The exam dates might affect your prior commitments.
Potential stress from commuting or unfamiliar environments: Traveling to an unfamiliar location or dealing with the stress of commuting can affect your mood and performance on the day of the exam. You may also feel anxious in a new environment, which could interfere with your focus.
Pros & Cons of Taking the CMA Exam Remotely
In this section, we will discuss the pros and cons of taking the CMA exam remotely.
Pros of Taking the CMA Exam Remotely
Let us look at how taking the CMA exam remotely can favourably help you:
The convenience of taking the exam from home or a preferred location: Taking the exam from your comfort zone is unparalleled. Taking the exam from your familiar place saves you the stress of traveling far to the exam centre.
Greater flexibility in scheduling: Remote testing helps with better scheduling. The IMA offers multiple exam windows throughout the year, and remote testing allows you to select a time that fits into your schedule.
The comfort of a familiar environment: Being in a comfortable environment means a low level of anxiety. You can concentrate better once the environment is familiar and under your control.
Cons of Taking the CMA Exam Remotely
Every coin has two sides, and so does remote testing. Let us look at that:
Reliance on a stable Internet and a suitable workspace: Remote testing can only become successful if there is a stable Internet connection. Disruption in internet connectivity can hamper your exams and negatively affect your performance.
Strict proctoring rules: Remote exams are monitored through online proctoring, which comes with strict rules. You must stay within the camera’s view throughout the exam, refrain from talking, and avoid looking away from the screen. This can feel uncomfortable for some candidates and could be distracting during an already stressful experience.
Potential technical glitches during the exam: Although IMA’s remote testing platform is designed to be stable, there’s always the possibility of technical issues – from glitches in the proctoring system to problems with your computer or internet. Such issues could cause delays or interruptions during the exam, leading to added stress.
Key Factors to Consider
Deciding on whether you would consider remote testing or in-person can be time-consuming and confusing. So here are some of the key factors that can be considered while making the decision:
-Do you perform better in a controlled environment or at home?
If the environment at your home is not conducive enough and you get easy distractions, it is preferred that you take the test in person.
– Are you confident in your ability to troubleshoot technical issues?
If you are not an expert in fixing technical glitches, it is advisable to take an in-person test so that the network issues do not hamper your exam.
– Is traveling to a testing centre feasible for you?
Before taking the in-person test, ensure that the exam centre is at a feasible distance and there is no excessive stress involved in traveling.
– Does remote testing align better with your personal or work schedule?
Remote testing provides more flexible scheduling, which can be helpful if you have a busy work schedule or personal commitments.
– Which option would make you feel more at ease during the exam?
Ultimately, the best choice depends on which environment makes you feel more comfortable and confident.
Tips for Success
Here are some of the things that you can do based on your preference in taking the exam.
For In-Person Test-Takers:
- Get a glimpse of the Exam Centre: Visit the testing centre beforehand to familiarize yourself with the location and ensure that you can be comfortable to travel and adjust to the location.
- Time Management: Practice time management to simulate exam conditions and make sure you are prepared for the test timing.
For Remote Test-Takers:
- Availability of Resources: Test your equipment and internet connection in advance. Make sure that your internet connection is stable enough so that there are no distractions in your exam.
- IMA Guidelines: Review the IMA’s remote testing guidelines thoroughly to understand the requirements and expectations.
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Conclusion
Both in-person and remote testing options for the CMA certification exam have their pros and cons. The best choice depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and the conditions under which you perform best. If you value a structured environment with fewer technical concerns, the in-person option may be ideal. On the other hand, if you seek convenience and flexibility, remote testing may align better with your needs.
Remember to weigh the factors carefully and choose the option that will allow you to feel most at ease and perform your best on exam day.
Have you taken the CMA exam or are you planning to? Share your experiences or thoughts on remote vs. in-person testing in the comments!
FAQs on CMA Exam Remotely or In-Person
What are the technical requirements for remote testing?
You’ll need a computer with a stable internet connection, a working webcam, and the latest version of the browser. Specific software and hardware requirements are listed on the IMA website.
Is remote testing available in all countries?
While remote testing is available in many regions, it’s essential to verify availability in your country on the IMA website or with your exam provider.
How do I schedule my CMA exam?
You can schedule your CMA exam through the IMA’s official website. You’ll be able to choose either remote or in-person testing when selecting your exam date.
What if I’ve already scheduled a remote CMA exam appointment?
If you’ve already scheduled a remote exam, make sure your equipment and internet connection meet the technical requirements. If needed, you can reschedule through the IMA’s website.
