Okay... I am a guy who was working towards his CGA (didn't even start really - but planned for it from highschool thru university), changed his mind, decided to get into hosting and forgot all about it.
Personally, I don't think CMA's get any respect in the job market. Most employers aren't educated about the designations and thinks that CMA's are accountants who couldnt hack their way thru the "tougher" CA and CGA designations and dropped into the CMA program.
To be fair, most employers also think CA is one step up from CGA as well.
I think CGA and CA and fairly even in terms of workload and whatnot, with CMA following close behind.
However, I have worked with all three. I have met MANY people with ALL three designations who have their head in their ass. The initials behind thename mean nothing when the name represents a fool to begin with
Point is, if you are doing it strictly for yourself then do the CMA. If you are planning to make a career out of being a "CMA" I think you may have a rough time. A CA can make a career off the CA name. A CGA can, but not quite as easily... But CMA is new and no one gives them any respect.
Personally, unless you are very sure you want to go into that field.. I wouldnt touch any of them. Who wants to go thru all that work experience at lower wages for two years or so?
Although the CA program has just come out with an online version of their course, but trust me, it is NOT easier. Just a little more flexible as you dont have to rush from work to night classes and shit
Last thought - one hting I never figured out: why did they make the CMA designation anyways? It's not like someone with a CGA or CA can't do the same shit as a CMA. There is nothing to really differentiate them...
Just my opinion...