Hello everyone

Has anyone done the CMA - fast track program on this forum. Will appreciate if someone could share their experiences of this program with me. I am considering taking up this program and wasn't sure if I am taking the right step or not. The program says that one has to spend 25 - 35 hours a week studying, will that be enough or does one need to put their lives on hold to get thru !

Thanks

Fast track means you need to write four exam that are generally six week apart. If you pass these then you eligible to write Entrance exam on qualifying you enter into strategic study which is two years.

Fast track is called acclerated. A student is given a chance you prove that he is eligible to write the entrance exam.

For almost six months in acclerated program you need to put hard labour. If you fail you will be given another chance to do the program and failing that you are out.

Anarkali

The time that you spend depends a lot on your background. If you have good background on costing and financial accounting, you should not have to spend too much time on the program. You can probably concentrate on the stuff that you didnt study before like marketing, IT etc.


I dont believe that getting through accelerated program is too difficult,but, mid you, entrance exam is not very easy. You need to put in some good hours for that.

Good luck.

I have been through this, so, let me know, if you have questions.

T

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"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be"

Thanks Desi # 1 and Timon for your valuable advise. I have no background or experience in accounting but am attracted to this profession because one can do the entire program online or by attending weekend classes. Other careers in Canada need you to atleast attend school part time and that can be somewhat hard for a full time worker. Would you kind people have time to answer a few more questions :

1) How much can a CMA student expect to earn after passing the National Exam? Are student jobs plentiful or is there immense competition?

2) Will I recieve credits for the courses in the accelerated program?

3) Would you recommend distance learning or classroom learning in the fast track program for an individual with no experience/education in accounting?

4) Is CMA certification a better bet than CGA?

The above questions are pretty general in nature but I would appreciate any comments. There are times when I feel enormously overwhelmed by the road ahead of me and look for guidance on the potential minefields and pitfalls in this field. I am presently earning around $36 K, P.A. in the Health sector but it is a dead end job though with lots of benefits. I have heard that CMAs can earn around $75K and besides it can be a fascinating field with lots of opportunities. Also, thanks Timon for your offer to answer my questions, I really appreciate that. Looking forward to your help with my endeavours. Thanks.

Anarkali

Here are the answers to your question.


1) How much can a CMA student expect to earn after passing the National Exam? Are student jobs plentiful or is there immense competition?

No comments on this..The answer is I really do not know. All depends on a lot of factors.


2) Will I recieve credits for the courses in the accelerated program?

No. Accelerated program is a full course that one need to take. No credits within the program.


3) Would you recommend distance learning or classroom learning in the fast track program for an individual with no experience/education in accounting?

I would definitely recommend a class room learning


4) Is CMA certification a better bet than CGA?

Well..no comments here too. It all depends on a lot of factors. To me, CMA perfectly fited my background and profile. So, I went for CMA.


And Dont ask me how much I am earning. I am not going to tell you that. For a starter, visit cma ontario's website. There is a process whereby they evaluate your credentials for free. I think that would be a first step.

In fact, my comments may be a bit outdated as I did the program a few years back. Check cma ontario web site.

Good luck once again

T

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"The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be"

Many thanks again, Timon. It was very kind of you to take out the time to answer my questions. Have a great week !