The Basics
What is the cost of the CMAS® program?
If you’re new to the Council, the enrollment fee for the full CMAS® program is $3,850 which includes The Art of M&A, 6th Edition (electronic format), a voucher to attend three (3) M&A Leadership Council Virtual Education Programs, submission of Experience Form(s) and the Exam.
If you're a Council Alum, we encourage you to explore the CMAS® Enrollment Options designed specifically for Council Alums. These options offer additional choices that take your existing education credits into account.
How do I access the study materials?
The Art of M&A, 6th Edition (electronic edition) will be provided once you have registered.
How do I access my CMAS® dashboard?
You can access your CMAS® dashboard through our website's online login page. To log into the website, use the same email address and password you used to register for your first training session. Contact us if you have trouble logging in, or if you need to change the email address associated with your account.
How do I track my credits?
When you sign in to your CMAS® dashboard, you'll see a complete overview of your credits.
What are the re-certification requirements?
Currently, the CMAS® credential is a lifetime certification. Re-certification is not required.
Does the CMAS® certification require continuing education?
After earning your CMAS® credential, you are not obligated to pursue additional education. Many CMAS® recipients opt to continue their training in mergers and acquisitions for their own professional growth and development.
How long do I have to complete the requirements once I enroll as a CMAS® candidate?
Upon enrolling in the CMAS® Certification program, you will have one year to complete the certification process.
Do my Education credits expire?
Your CMAS® credits have no expiration date. However, the sooner you complete the program, the sooner you can enhance your professional credentials with the certification. Achieving recognition as a CMAS® is a great way to set yourself apart as an exceptional M&A professional.
Is there a way to indicate that I'm a CMAS® on LinkedIn?
Absolutely! When you complete the certification, we'll send instructions via email.
Training Programs
How many educational events do I need to attend?
To meet the Education requirements of the CMAS® program, you must accumulate a minimum of 100 credits through Education. M&A Leadership Council’s virtual training programs are offered online and each program awards 46 credits.
Can you provide on-site training at my company?
Absolutely! We can train you and your team on-site. If you are interested in on-site training, contact us directly at [email protected].
Experience Forms
How much experience do I need to earn my CMAS ® credential?
The CMAS® credential was created to recognize seasoned M&A professionals who have demonstrated significant expertise and hands-on experience in leading successful transactions. To qualify, each CMAS® candidate must earn a minimum of 100 credits, reflecting their leadership roles in completed deals. Generally, this requirement is met by submitting two Experience Forms detailing these accomplishments. A key executive leader or deal sponsor must be able to verify and endorse the candidate’s role and contributions, ensuring the highest standards of credibility and professionalism in the credentialing process
How do I submit Experience Forms?
Experience Forms should be submitted through your CMAS® dashboard on our website. Many candidates find it beneficial to draft their responses in a separate document, such as Microsoft Word, and then copy and paste them into the online form. Please be aware that you cannot save a partially completed form to return to it later.
What things are important to put on my Experience Forms?
View your Experience Forms as a valuable opportunity to showcase your work to some of the leading professionals in the M&A industry. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Approach this as if you were preparing a memo or another document for C-level executives within your organization. Utilize polished, professional writing—favoring well-structured paragraphs over bullet points.
- Focus less on word count and more on delivering complete and clear information. Board members prefer thorough details presented in a professional manner rather than incomplete or vague responses.
For additional resources, please contact us.
How are Experience Forms evaluated?
Each Experience Form undergoes a thorough review by an M&A expert, who assigns between 25 to 100 credits based on various factors, including the depth of your demonstrated experience, the complexity of the deals, and your specific role in the acquisition. To ensure that your evaluators gain a comprehensive understanding of your background, it's essential to communicate your experiences as clearly and effectively as possible.
Am I required to complete all my education requirements before submitting Experience Form(s)?
No, you may complete your Experience Form(s) and Education Courses in any order you choose. However, all required Experience Credits and Education Credits must be earned before you are eligible to take the Exam.
How long does the grading process take?
After you submit your experience form(s) online, the grading process will typically take 3 to 4 weeks. Once scoring is finalized, the Manager of CMAS® will contact you via email to provide an update on your score, along with your current total credits.
The CMAS® Exam
How long do I have to take the Exam?
Once you have registered for the exam, you may take it at any time. However, once you start the exam, you have 72 hours to complete it. During that time, you may sign in and out as often as you like. You are welcome to use the anthology of M&A textbook(s) provided as a reference during the exam.
What is on the exam?
The CMAS® exam has 60 questions and focuses on the fundamentals of mergers and acquisitions. This information is based on The Art of M&A e-book you received when you registered for the program, rather than your experience. Please contact us for your copy of the CMAS® Exam Guide.
How much time will it take to complete the test?
Most candidates report that the test does not take more than a few hours. Once you begin the test, you have 72 hours to finish it. During that time, you may sign in and out as often as you'd like. You may also use your anthology of M&A books as a reference.
If you have further questions about the CMAS® program, please contact us.