As a professional, Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is a certification that shows your understanding of accounting concepts. Having the certificate allows you to showcase your financial management skills required by various corporations in the market. However, acquiring a CMA certification doesn’t come easy or cheaply.
Earning your CMA certification requires financial and time investment. If you’re a full-time working candidate, you may have less time on your hands to prepare and take the test. However, you can consider some tips to help you pass the test on your first try.
Know Your Study Style
Everybody has a different and unique way of learning and retaining new information. Since people learn differently, review courses are tailored in different ways. You have to look for what suits you best and boosts your comprehension ability.
However, before choosing a CMA review course, take time to discover your learning style and know what works for you. You may be a visual learner who learns best through notetaking, reading CMA textbooks, and highlighting as you read. Thus, you need to be good at spelling for smooth reading as you highlight your notes.
You may also learn best through audio. Therefore, it would be advantageous if you used audiobooks or learn through cpa test prep podcasts. Reading aloud may also help you retain information or work with study groups to help you grasp concepts from others.
You may also be a tactile learner who loves to get handy. Thus, you can learn best by taking quizzes and tests or through practical. Ensure you have good hand coordination to help you handle tasks and participate in live practical class examples. Know your learning style to determine the best way to study for your CMA exam in a way that suits you.
Use Course Reviews
It is imperative to use your course reviews while studying to learn about the course essentials. The course reviews are not meant to stay idle on your desktop or your shelves. With a course review, you can plan your study pattern and know how best to plan your learning schedule.
Thus, it is imperative to set aside dedicated study hours according to the course review and syllabus. The course review will enlighten you on all the materials needed to study the course and prepare for the exam.
Have a Viable Plan
Failure to plan is planning to fail. That said, it is imperative to have a study plan to help you stick to your objectives and ensure you’re on the right path. Thus, focus your efforts and time to create a thoughtful and achievable study plan.
You should check out some of the CPA test prep tips to help you organize your learning schedule. The main point of having a plan is to ensure you don’t lag and get caught unprepared when it’s time to sit your CMA exam. Set a specific, realistic, and achievable plan to help you go through the study materials and ensure all CMA exam elements are covered.
Mock Exams
Irrespective of the type of learner you are, it is crucial to manage stress and feel comfortable on exam day. Thus, you can prepare yourself mentally for the test by simulating an exam experience. This way, you can learn how to manage your anxiety and ensure you’re in the right state of mind to sit your exams.
Some review courses will have a simulated exam experience for you to test your knowledge and preparedness. Take your mock exams with the seriousness that you would accord to the test to know your weak areas and prepare better.
Find a Study Partner
Sometimes, studying alone can be pretty draining and tedious. Although not everyone would be comfortable learning in groups, a study partner can come to the rescue. With a study partner, you can be held accountable for your efforts and acquire extra moral support.
It may be easier to grasp some core concepts with a study partner in a more practical and relatable way. The partner may also boost your enthusiasm and ensure you focus on the main agenda, which is passing your CMA exam.
The CMA courses and exam fees are a worthy investment as you can get a good-paying job as a high-level manager or accountant. Thus, passing your CMA exam is the best way to get a better return on your investment. Being a costly course, it is imperative to be prepared and ensure you’re in the right state to pass your certification exam.