A realistic six-month study calendar for the US CMA course, with weekly hours, revision phases, mock exams and tips for working professionals.

A calendar turns good intentions into a finished US CMA course. This sample six-month plan suits working professionals who study part time. Adjust it to your background and exam dates .

Assumptions

• Around 10 to 12 study hours per week
• Part 1 first, then Part 2
• Some familiarity with accounting
• Live or recorded US CMA classes for structure

Candidates new to accounting or with heavy work schedules should stretch the timeline.

Months 1 and 2: Part 1 learning

1. Weeks 1 to 2: external financial reporting and planning, budgeting and forecasting.
2. Weeks 3 to 4: performance management.
3. Weeks 5 to 6: cost management and variance analysis.
4. Weeks 7 to 8: internal controls, technology and analytics.

After each topic, attempt practice questions and one short essay.

Month 3: Part 1 revision and exam

• Weeks 9 to 10: mixed question sets and error-log review
• Week 11: two full timed mocks
• Week 12: light revision and the Part 1 exam

Months 4 and 5: Part 2 learning

1. Weeks 13 to 14: financial statement analysis.
2. Weeks 15 to 16: corporate finance.
3. Weeks 17 to 18: decision analysis and risk management.
4. Weeks 19 to 20: investment decisions and professional ethics.

Month 6: Part 2 revision and exam

• Weeks 21 to 22: mixed questions and essays
• Week 23: full mocks and weak-topic repair
• Week 24: light revision and the Part 2 exam

Weekly rhythm

• Weekdays: 1 to 1.5 hours of study plus questions
• One weekend day: longer topic block and essay
• One rest day

Build in buffers

Add two spare weeks for illness, work peaks and travel. If you must reschedule, do it early .

Track your progress

• Weekly question accuracy
• Essay scores against model answers
• Mock exam trends

When to stretch the plan

If your accounting background is thin or your job is demanding, plan eight to ten months and take each part with proper preparation.

Use structured support

A timetable from your US CMA coaching provider helps you stay on pace .

Want a plan tailored to your schedule? Talk to a TWSS counsellor.