To qualify for the examination, candidates must first apply to the IMA which administers the CMA Program. Credentials are evaluated and, upon acceptance to the Institute, candidates may then file an examination application specifying the parts to be taken and the examination location selected. The IMA is also responsible for the maintenance of CMA standards through the continued professional development of CMAs. In the future, all ICMA certification exams will be given in a computer based format through Sylvan Technology Centers. Candidates will be authorized for an examination by the ICMA and will then schedule the exam at a Sylvan Technology Center through their national registry.
Candidates receive immediate feedback on their performance before leaving the test center.
New applicants to the ICMA should seek admission 60-90 days before they wish to take the exam. Continuing candidates should register 4-6 weeks prior to taking the exam. There are Center locations throughout the United States, U.S. Territories, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and the Far East. The following locations and phone numbers are for Sylvan Technology Centers in California.