Being one of the most valued certifications recognized globally, the professionals who have successfully earned the CMA certification are always ahead of the crowd in the job market. This is because, with the technological advancements in the global market, organizations today heavily rely upon professionals who are capable of facing and solving critical problems by providing effective solutions. With a myriad of roles available to a CMA, including Finance Manager, Financial Analyst, Financial Risk Manage, Cost Accountant, Cost Manager, Relationship Manager, etc, it sure is no doubt that the demands for certified CMAs are sprouting fast.
Owing to this popularity, many CMA aspirants out there are anxious to earn their certification by clearing their CMA exams on the very first attempt. However, it is not as easy as it sounds. With tight competition among the candidates in the job sector, having a well-designed plan can make the task a lot easier.
In this article, we have tried to list 7 effective and proven tips to prepare to clear your CMA exams successfully.
1) Choose a CMA Review Course
It is your cue to enrol in the CMA review course the moment you have made up your mind to pursue the CMA designation.
With careful observation, search for the course that provides the best CMA training, study materials, video tutorials, test banks with practice exams, one-on-one coaching, etc.
Enrolling in a good CMA course in Dubai can increase your chances of passing the CMA exam on the very first attempt.
These courses are designed with the aim of offering strong insights into the core concepts of the CMA syllabus.
2) Design a Study Plan
Any major exam demands dedication, hard work, and a well-constructed study plan. Design a timetable that is flexible in nature and covers all essential areas and topics.
Most aspirants preparing for the CMA exam are often seen juggling other responsibilities with their preparations. In such scenarios, you need to design a plan that doesn’t comprise your preparations for your busy life. The best solution in such cases is to take time out in the evenings after your work, or on weekends.
3) Follow the SQ3R Technique
a) S-Survey: Survey all the materials, topics, and concepts that you think are important for your preparation.
b) Q-Question: Always question yourself and look for answers. Understand which topics, theories, formulas, etc are important and need to be memorized. Questioning yourself helps you remember the topics you have studied. It also makes you aware of the areas that might need revision.
c) Read: Reading definitely is the most important exercise in learning and remembering important concepts. You can also mark and highlight the areas you feel are important while reading. This makes it easier to find while revising before the exam.
d) Recite: After reading a particular section, make it a habit to close the book and recite whatever you have just read. This helps you realize what has been retained in your memory and what needs more reading.
e) Review: Always revise and re-revise all the areas and topics that you have read and marked previously.
4) Determine How Long to Study for the CMA Exam
Every CMA aspirant may need to dedicate about 16 weeks of study to each exam part. But this depends and changes considering the reading style, calibre, and schedule of every individual. What remains constant is the fact that after completing a particular section, it is always advisable to take the corresponding online practice test. This will provide the candidate with a clear idea of their strengths and weakness on the subject.
However, setting a time limit and designing a timetable accordingly will motivate you towards completing your preparations well before time.
5) Create a Conducive Study Atmosphere
Your study environment plays a very important role in contributing to your exam preparations. In order to attain 100% concentration, make sure that all things that distract the process of studying are kept out of reach.
6) Learning Styles and Studying for the CMA Exam
Everyone has a different learning style. It is important to discover the right study situation for oneself to make the learning process easier.
There are three types of learners:
a) Visual Learners: Visual learners have a good visual memory. So they learn the best when they see or “read”.
Therefore, if you are a visual learner, it is best that you learn from textbooks, practice tests, answer explanations, and other written information.
b) Auditory Learners: These people learn well when the content is delivered in audio formats. If you are an auditory learner, it is advisable that you watch videos and listen to audio lectures to prepare for the CMA exam.
c) Kinesthetic Learners: These people are best known to learn through practical experiences. Such people should use a physical textbook and physical flashcards, and spend a lot of time writing or rewriting notes as their mode of study.
7) Establish the Mindset and Habits for Effective Studying
Preparing for any major exam, which in this case is the CMA exam, is heavily dependent on having a strong mindset and good habits. Let us look at some of the qualities that every student should practice for the best results:
a) Flexibility: Flexible mindset promotes the flow of ideas and willingness to adapt, which on a whole contributes to the growth of the individual.
b) Focus: Fixation of one’s goal will motivate him/her to reach it with dedication and hard work.
c) Clarity: Always know the answer to “Why?”. Understand your motive behind why you want to become a CMA. Having a clear goal is the chief motivator in achieving what you desire.
CMA gives you the choice of choosing which exam you wish to appear for first. Deciding upon it is the first step in the preparation for your exam. Now that you have read all 7 tips for preparing for the CMA exam, implementing these will definitely help you earn your CMA certification on the very first attempt.