Hi Wes,
In the US, there is often an "experience" requirement - but it is separate from the training and exam. For example, in most states, to get your CPA license you have to pass the exam, then pass an "ethics section" (so you show you understand you aren't supposed to steal from your clients and then you need from 1 to 3 years of "practical experience" working for a practicing CPA.

Or, you can do it the other way round and go to work for a CPA firm before you sit the exam. The firm will often pay for your cram courses for the exam (sometimes not until you have passed the exam) - and the time you spend on the job while preparing to sit and pass the exam then counts toward your licensing requirement.

I'm not sure about the CMA certification. It's a national level thing, not controlled by the states, so I'm not sure if there is a "practical experience" requirement. But again, many employers will pay for training courses you take on - including if you go for an MBA while you're working there. It may have changed since I've been away, but there is rarely a commitment to stay with the employer after you get your degree (and, in fact, most new MBA's tend to find a new job once they have the degree, as few employers will base a promotion strictly on attainment of a new degree).

It's certainly worth a try - and could get you together with the GF a bit sooner.
Cheers,
Bev