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The CMA courses, CMA-IND (Cost and Management Accountant India) and CMA-USA (Certified Management Accountant America), focus on management accounting and financial management, offering excellent prospects for better future job opportunities and higher salaries. Here are the key differences between these two courses:

1. Regulatory Board:
   - CMA-IND is governed by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India, based in India.
   - CMA-USA is overseen by the Institute of Management Accountants, situated in the United States.

2. Eligibility:
   - Both courses require a minimum qualification of +2 (higher secondary education).
   - However, obtaining a degree is necessary for CMA-USA certification.

3. Academic Structure:
   - CMA-IND consists of 20 papers divided into 3 levels.
   - CMA-USA comprises 6 domains divided into 2 parts.

4. Topics to Learn:
   - Both courses cover cost accounting, management accounting, and financial accounting.
   - CMA-IND includes a focus on Law, while CMA-USA emphasizes Ethics in its curriculum.

5. Passing Criteria:
   - In the CMA-IND system, the passing aggregate is 50%
   - CMA-USA requires scoring a minimum of 360 out of 500 marks in each part.

6. Exam Structure:
   - CMA-IND exams primarily consist of subjective questions with only a few objective questions.
   - CMA-USA exams are predominantly objective-based with a limited number of subjective questions.

7. Exam Frequency:
   - CMA-IND conducts exams twice a year in June and December.
   - CMA-USA offers exams three times a year, scheduled in January-February, May-June, and September-October.

8. Pass Percentage:
   - The average pass percentage for CMA-IND is around 10-20%.
   - CMA-USA has an average pass percentage of 40-45%.

These distinctions highlight the varying structures and assessment methods between the two CMA courses, catering to the specific requirements of each region.

9.Opportunities:
Both the CMA courses offer abundant opportunities, potentially leading to CEO and CFO positions. However, after completing CMA IND, individuals can practice independently as it is a statutory professional certification governed by an Act of Parliament. On the other hand, those with CMA USA are more likely to be employed in multinational corporations, and the qualification also opens doors for international job prospects.

11. Average income:
- CMA IND graduates initially earn an average income ranging from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 14 lakh per annum.
- CMA USA graduates' starting average income falls between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh per annum.

As for the time to complete the courses:
- CMA IND does not have a specific time frame for completion.
- CMA USA must be completed within a minimum of 3 years from the registration date.

Course durations are as follows:
- CMA IND typically takes around 3 to 3.5 years to complete.
- CMA USA can be completed in at least 1 year.

To become a CMA:
- For CMA IND, one must pass the 3 level examinations and undergo 3 years of practical training.
- For CMA USA, individuals need to complete their degree, clear both part exams, and gain two years of work experience.

An Article By Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI CAREER TEAM