Vertex Learning SolutionsChanging Behaviours Through Education

CMA (USA) Part 1
Complete Course With Tutor Support

✔ Detailed syllabus videos

✔ Topic by topic quizzes

✔ Extensive practice question videos 

✔ Detailed study notes

✔ Active tutor support over WhatsApp

✔ Hock International Resources

All course content is regularly updated to match the IMA guidance.

Unlike short-duration, bite-sized videos, which just provide an introduction to the syllabus topics, we offer detailed topic & question videos that are neither unnecessarily long to consume extra time nor too short to skip the details.  

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Vertex Learning Solutions partners with Hock International to provide you with the best exam preparation content for CMA exams. Hock resources are part of the course package


What makes CMA exams so challenging?

CMA (USA) is indeed a challenging qualification. Low pass rates have several reasons for students coming from different academic and professional backgrounds.

In this video, our expert tutor, Mr. Emad, based on his extensive experience, has explained why students fail CMA exams.

CMA (USA) Part 1 – Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) qualification, awarded by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), is one of the most respected credentials in management accounting and financial management worldwide.

CMA Part 1 focuses on financial planning, performance measurement, and data analytics, equipping candidates with the technical and analytical skills required for senior finance and accounting roles across all industries and sectors.

CMA Part 1 Syllabus

The CMA Part 1 syllabus is divided into five sections. External Financial Reporting Decisions covers the preparation and presentation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and IFRS, including the treatment of key balance sheet and income statement items. Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting examines the full budgeting process, including strategic planning, budget methodologies, and forecasting techniques such as regression analysis and learning curves.

Performance Management covers variance analysis, responsibility accounting, and the balanced scorecard. Cost management addresses costing methods, including job order, process, activity-based, and lifecycle costing, along with supply chain management concepts. Internal Controls focuses on risk management frameworks, internal control systems, and data governance. Together, these sections develop candidates into well-rounded finance professionals capable of driving business performance.

External financial reporting decisions (15%)
Planning, budgeting and forecasting (20%)
Performance management (20%)
Cost management (15%)
Internal controls (15%)
Technology and Analytics (15%)

CMA Part 1 Exam Structure

The CMA Part 1 exam is administered by the IMA at Prometric testing centers worldwide and is available during three testing windows each year: January–February, May–June, and September–October. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and two essay questions, to be completed in four hours.

The multiple choice section is worth 75 percent of the total score and must be completed before accessing the essay section.

The essay questions require candidates to apply their knowledge to practical business scenarios through written analysis and calculation. The pass mark is a scaled score of 360 out of 500.

How to Pass the CMA Part 1 Exam?

Success in the CMA Part 1 exam requires a disciplined and structured study approach. The IMA recommends a minimum of 150 to 170 hours of study per part, and candidates are advised to follow a consistent study plan that covers all five syllabus sections before moving into intensive question practice. Multiple-choice questions should be practiced extensively, as familiarity with question formats and the ability to apply concepts under timed conditions are critical for achieving a strong score.

The essay section rewards candidates who can communicate financial reasoning clearly and concisely in writing, so written practice should not be neglected. Focusing on high-weight areas such as budgeting, variance analysis, and cost management, combined with regular mock exams and timed revision, gives candidates the best foundation for passing the CMA Part 1 examination on the first attempt.

Gold Pack
Vertex Complete Course

1. One year access from the date of purchase
2. Detailed video lectures on complete syllabus
3. Extensive Essay and MCQs practice question videos
4. Smart Book. Complete Resource for Exam Preparation
5. Quizzes for all topics
6. Pre-exam live sessions for additional exam practice questions
7. Tutor support on WhatsApp group



Platinum Pack
Vertex Course + Hock International Question Bank

1. Vertex Complete Course as in Gold Pack, plus
2. HOCK Online Textbooks: Comprehensive yet easy-to-read textbooks covering CMA syllabus, 756 pages.
3. HOCK Test Bank: Practice questions using an interface like the real exam with detailed explanations 2,400+ MCQs, 43 essays.
4. HOCK Mock Exams: Mock exams provide a final review before taking the real exam. 3 Mock Exams.
5. HOCK Digital Badges: Earn digital badges for your LinkedIn profile and résumé to showcase your progress and skills and stand out to potential employers. 7 Badges are available.
6. HOCK Access Period: Two years from the date of purchase.

Course Curriculum

Course Pricing

CMA - Part 1 - Gold Pack

$169 USD

  • Vertex Learning Pack

    • One year access from the date of purchase
    • Detailed video lectures on complete syllabus
    • Access to Vertex resources
    • Extensive Essay and MCQs practice question videos
    • Smart Book - Complete Resource for Exam Preparation
    • Quizzes for all topics
    • Pre exam live sessions for additional exam practice questions
    • Tutor support on WhatsApp group
Buy Now

CMA - Part 1 - Platinum Pack

$349 USD

  • Vertex + Hock Access

    • One year access from the date of purchase
    • Detailed video lectures on complete syllabus
    • Access to Hock International resources
    • Extensive Essay and MCQs practice question videos
    • Smart Book - Complete Resource for Exam Preparation
    • Quizzes for all topics
    • Pre exam live sessions for additional exam practice questions
    • Tutor support on WhatsApp group
Buy Now

Facilitator Profile
Mr. Emad Gohar is an experienced facilitator for training assignments in the Middle East region. He has over 10 years' experience in training, leadership development, and management consulting.

A public sector auditor based in the Middle East, Mr. Emad holds 6 professional certifications. Previously, he worked for KPMG in external audit and he also held the position of Vice President for Business Development at IMA Qatar Chapter.

After successfully completing faculty training from the IMA Leadership Academy – USA, he is currently serving on their faculty panel. He has also worked as an independent consultant and strategic advisor for a Middle East-based firm that specializes in management and strategy consulting, as well as corporate and asset valuation across a wide variety of areas, especially real estate and industrial businesses.

He has experience training a wide range of qualifications and courses, including CMA, ACCA, and CIA.  He also received the Platinum Level Leader Award from IMA-USA for his contribution to the management accounting profession.