M.A. Certification-When can I take my test?

[ladyshep]

I am attending MA school for my associates (long story), but the school I attend also offers a certificate program. If I have already completed the certificate program (technically, because I have done all of the classes in that program now), will I be able to pay out of pocket and sit for the CMA exam, or do I have to wait through my Associate program? I need to start working now, and would love to start in my field ASAP. The remaining classes I have are general ed classes, so, I've learned what I need to work.

[sueall]

To sit for the CMA exam, you need to graduate from an accepted MA program, not just show completion of certain courses. So the real question here is -- will your particular school let you switch from the associates program to the certificate program and issue you a certificate so you can sit for the exam? If so, and if your program is an accepted program for CMA purposes, then yes, you can sit for the exam. Accepted (accredited) programs require students to complete an externship in order to graduate, so you would probably need to complete that and any exam-prep course your school may require for graduation.