The CMA

I haven't taken it, but I've been thinking about it because I have virtually no desire to get a CPA.

Its obviously more focused on just managerial accounting so in theory, you would be well qualified for operational accounting jobs and some pretty decent middle management jobs probably. However, the biggest downside I see is that I would imagine very few large corporations would see you as qualified for financial reporting or corporate accounting jobs. And with that, your career potential might be limited by not having a CPA.


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What's it do?

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The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
Achieving the CMA credential demonstrates your mastery of financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support, as well as professional ethics.

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LINK

If you have any intention of staying in any kind of accounting role as a career, the CPA really isn't optional anymore. If you don't take it you're basically kneecapping your career from the get go.

I have the CMA, CPA, and the CIA. I decided to get the certs and not get a masters. Spent about $10,000 in total to achieve the three. I am most proud of the CMA, much more difficult than the other 2 combined. I think the CMA is worth it if you are going to stay in companies/corporate world.

In my opinion, the CMA by itself does not hold the "value" in the corporate world that the CPA does. If you want the CMA, I would think you would want the CPA as well.

I just plan on getting my CPA and CIA. Actually taking part 1 of the CIA this summer . My goal is to have all 4 parts of the CIA passed before graduating undergrad and to have at least 2 parts of the CPA passed before working full time.