As a commerce counsellor, I often meet students who have already completed — or are close to completing — US CMA and then ask:
“Ma’am, should I do CFA after US CMA?”
“Will CFA add value or will it be an overkill?”
“Will this combination actually help my career grow faster?”
These are very valid questions, because CFA is not a short or cheap commitment.
So before jumping in, it’s important to understand what CFA adds after US CMA — and for whom this combination truly works.
This blog will help you understand:
By completing US CMA, you already have strong expertise in:
👉 US CMA prepares you for corporate finance roles inside organisations — especially MNCs, Big 4, and global capability centres.
Many students at this stage already work as:
So the real question becomes:
👉 What extra value does CFA bring after this point?
CFA is not a continuation of US CMA — it is a specialisation shift.
CFA Adds Expertise In:
📌 While US CMA focuses on internal business decisions, CFA focuses on external market & investment decisions.
This makes CFA after US CMA a horizontal expansion, not a repetition.
Discounts are available only when you register through an IMA approved Learning Partner like Megha Bhansali Classes.
CFA after US CMA makes sense ONLY if at least 2–3 of these are true for you:
✔️ You enjoy analysing companies, markets & valuations
✔️ You want to move into investment-linked or strategic finance roles
✔️ You’re targeting roles beyond pure accounting
✔️ You’re comfortable with long-term academic commitment
✔️ You already have 1–3 years of work experience
📌 CFA is most powerful when paired with practical corporate exposure — which US CMA already gives you.
Be honest with yourself.
❌ If you want quick promotions
❌ If you dislike theory-heavy studying
❌ If markets & investments don’t interest you
❌ If you’re already overwhelmed at work
Then CFA may become stressful, expensive, and unnecessary.
Many successful US CMA professionals never need CFA.
Yes — absolutely.
CFA Eligibility (India-Specific)
📌 US CMA qualification does not restrict or replace CFA eligibility — they are independent bodies.
Best-Recommended Timeline
✔️ Complete US CMA (or at least both parts)
✔️ Gain 1–2 years of work experience
✔️ Start CFA Level 1 alongside your job
👉 This helps you relate CFA concepts to real work, making learning easier.
✔️ US CMA + CFA Level 1 together
⚠️ Only for highly disciplined students with strong academic stamina.
Since US CMA is already completed, you must plan CFA as a fresh financial commitment.
CFA Cost in India
📌 Cost is spread over 3–4 years, not paid at once.
This combination opens doors to high-value hybrid finance roles such as:
Industries Hiring This Combo
📌 US CMA gives you entry & stability.
📌 CFA gives you specialisation & leverage.
Example 1: US CMA Working Professional
👉 CFA helped him shift domains without losing stability.
Example 2: Overambitious Student
👉 Timing matters more than ambition.
📌 US CMA + CFA is more strategy-oriented
📌 ACCA + CFA is more compliance & reporting-oriented
Yes — for the right profile.
CFA after US CMA is worth it if:
✔️ You want to move beyond accounting
✔️ You’re targeting strategic & investment roles
✔️ You’re thinking long-term (10–15 year career vision)
But if US CMA already matches your career goals, CFA is optional, not mandatory.
Every US CMA professional’s journey is different.
👉 Connect with Career Coach Megha to get:
✔️ CFA suitability check after US CMA
✔️ Timeline & cost planning
✔️ Honest guidance (no course-selling bias)
Megha Bhansali Classes offers expert ACCA coaching with a focus on concept clarity, interactive learning, and exam-oriented preparation. Led by Megha Bhansali, a Big 4-trained tutor, the institute provides personalized guidance, mock tests, and continuous student support. It also offers personality development courses to enhance communication, confidence, and leadership skills, shaping future finance professionals.
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