CMA Foundation · exam guide
CMA Foundation Career Scope
Checked against ICMAI's official pages, as of 12 October 2026. Rules and fees change; confirm on the official site before you act.
Opens the print dialog. Choose "Save as PDF".
Foundation is the first step of the CMA course. Passing it makes a student eligible to register for CMA Intermediate; the professional qualification itself comes after Final, training and membership.
Typical roles
- Foundation alone is a stepping stone, not a professional qualification
- After completing the full CMA course, ICMAI lists roles such as Cost Controller, Financial Controller, Chief Financial Officer, Finance Director, Chief Internal Auditor and Cost Auditor
Where you can work
- Manufacturing and industry
- Banking and financial services
- Government and public sector undertakings
- Independent practice as a Cost Accountant (after membership and a Certificate of Practice)
- Teaching and research
What it leads to: Registration to the CMA Intermediate Course (cut-off 31 January for the June term, 31 July for the December term), followed by the Final Course, training and Associate Membership (ACMA) of ICMAI.