Question 1

Should I Join AAMA to Save $125?

Accepted Answer

For almost every candidate, yes. Here is the math:

• Student membership runs about $45 per year and requires proof of enrollment in an accredited MA program.
• Graduate membership runs about $80 per year for anyone out of school.
• Either way, membership drops your exam fee from $250 to $125 — a savings of $125.

Even at the graduate rate, you save $45 net on the exam alone. You also get access to AAMA's continuing education library, which you will need later for recertification. The only time skipping membership makes sense is if you already know you will not stay in the field long enough to recertify.

Question 2

What Happens If I Fail and Have to Retake?

Accepted Answer

The retake fee is the same as the original exam fee — $125 for members, $250 for non-members. You pay it each time you reapply.

A few important rules:

• You must wait at least 30 days between attempts.
• There is no cap on the total number of retakes, but each attempt requires a fresh application.
• Your AAMA membership stays valid for a full year, so if you renew or are still within your membership term, retakes stay at the $125 rate.

Budget tip: if you are borderline confident, budgeting $250 total ($125 exam + $125 potential retake) as an AAMA member is cheaper than skipping membership and paying $250 for a single non-member attempt.

Question 3

How Long Do I Have to Schedule After Applying?

Accepted Answer

Once AAMA approves your application and issues your Scheduling Permit, you have a 90-day testing window to sit for the exam through Pearson VUE. You should schedule your actual test date within the first 60 days to make sure you get your preferred location and time.

If your window expires without testing, you have to reapply and pay the full fee again — there are no partial refunds or extensions in most cases. Plan your application date around when you will actually be ready to test, not when you feel like starting the paperwork.

Item	Cost	Notes
CMA Exam Fee (AAMA Member)	$125	Paid at application
CMA Exam Fee (Non-Member)	$250	Paid at application
AAMA Student Membership	~$45/year	Requires enrollment verification
AAMA Graduate Membership	~$80/year	For working or recent graduates
Pearson VUE Scheduling Fee	$0	Included in the exam fee
Remote Proctoring	$0	Same price as in-person testing
Rescheduling (5+ business days out)	$0	Free through Pearson VUE
Rescheduling (under 5 business days)	Fee applies	Late-change fee charged by Pearson VUE
Retake Fee (per attempt)	$125 / $250	Same as original fee, 30-day wait between attempts
Study Materials (books, practice tests)	$0–$150	Free options exist; premium prep varies

CMA Exam Cost and Fees in 2026: Complete Breakdown

The Short Answer: $125 or $250

Full Fee Breakdown for 2026

Should I Join AAMA to Save $125?

What Happens If I Fail and Have to Retake?

How Long Do I Have to Schedule After Applying?

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