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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
With approximately 653,408 active CPAs in the United States (2025 figure), the CPA certification is the most popular professional designation for accountants. Earning the CPA designation is no easy feat, as the CPA exam is known for its extreme difficulty. Information about the CPA Exam and licensing information.
Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA and CFM designations are sponsored by the Institute of Management Accountants. Approximately 75,000 have been certified since 50 years ago, active CMAs are about 40,000 worldwide (2025 figure). Accountants with the CMA certification earn competitive salaries compared to those with the CPA certification. Still, according to recent Institute of Management Accountants Salary Guides, compensation is higher for those who hold both the CMA and the CPA. Information about CMA is here.
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
With approximately 200,000 active CIA certification holders worldwide (2025 figure), the knowledge framework evaluates emerging technologies, analyzes opportunities, and examines global issues. Assessing quality, economy, and efficiency. Providing accurate and timely communication. Such diversity gives internal auditors a broad perspective on the organization. And that makes internal auditors a valuable resource to executive management and boards of directors in accomplishing overall goals and objectives, as well as strengthening internal control and governance. Information about CIA is here.
Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)
Over 14,000 individuals have received the CGFM designation (2025 figure), the first certification broad enough to cover the whole field of government financial management – federal, state and local. It deals not with testing a person in a specific area, but with measuring a wide range of knowledge and skills that a professional needs to succeed in the federal government financial environment, or to meet the unique challenges faced by state and local government financial managers. Information about CGFM is here.
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
CGMA designation holders qualify through rigorous education, exam and experience requirements. They must commit to lifelong education and adhere to a stringent code of ethical conduct. More than 150,000 accounting and finance professionals hold the CGMA, making it the most widely held management accounting designation in the world. Information CGMA is here