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CPA certificate vs license comparison, CPA license vs certification differences, CPA certification and license process
👤 NorthStar Academy📅 12 Aug, 24⏱ 14 min read

CPA Certificate vs CPA License: Key Differences Explained

CPA Certificate vs License: What is the difference? This question is often prevalent among the candidates who wish to do CPA. They often get confused between the two terms and use them interchangeably. But don't worry! This article will give you all the information about CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and the difference between the two terms. Read this blog up to the end to understand complete details about CPA.

The CPA, accredited by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants), is a pretty sought-after certification when it comes to professionals who are in the accounting and audit field. Licensure for certain professions often comes with experience requirements that states require individuals to meet before they can obtain their official certification. They search and get enrolled in the most prestigious CPA certification course to clear the exam and get CPA-certified. One such online institute that provides a well-organized and comprehensive course is NorthStar Academy.

So, before we move further, let us see what CPA is!  

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What is US CPA Certification?

CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant. It is also one of the reputed credentials with which qualified accountants get numerous job opportunities not only in India but abroad as well. The person who clears the CPA exam is given the title of Chartered Accountant. In the US, a CPA is a licensed credential wherein the person provides accounting services to the public. Once an individual gets the CPA credential, he/she can work in all over the world. 

To do CPA, a person requires CPE credit hours, i.e., Continuing Professional Education. It is essential to ensure the license of the individuals. Now, here arises a question, i.e., what does a CPA do? 

A CPA is a professional designation that allows mobility and flexibility in the career of an individual. According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, a CPA can work in the following sectors:

  • Public Accounting
  • Education
  • Non-profit Organization
  • Government
  • Business
  • Industry 

These are just some titles. There will be numerous job opportunities that can help you get better job opportunities in the future. So, before moving on with the CPA certificate vs. license, let us first understand what the difference is between a CPA and an accountant. Are they the same?

All Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are accountants. But that is not the case with accountants. Accountants cannot be CPAs. An accountant is defined as a person who has the responsibility of keeping and interpreting financial records. 

On the other hand, a CPA has more responsibilities as compared to an accountant. They are not limited to one job role. Along with interpreting financial records, CPAs work in many areas. They are: 

  • Auditing 
  • Reviewing 
  • Financial Planning
  • Litigation Consultant 
  • Consulting Services 
  • Tax Preparation 

Acquiring a CPA license can take a lot of time, effort, and patience. Being a CPA means that one has to study hard and remain committed to CPE even after earning the designation. 

Why should I pursue CPA Certification?

Before getting to know the difference between a CPA certificate and a license, it is essential to understand why one must become a CPA. Here are the reasons why one must gain this prestigious credential: 

Prestige

We all know that CPA is a reputed professional credential and the journey to achieve this credential is quite difficult. Once an individual earns the credential, it is a prestigious thing in itself. One becomes a distinguished member of the top group of accountants. It is a matter of respect. Isnt it? 

Career Opportunities

The best thing about Certified Public Accountants is that the credential gives you a career boost and opens a wide door to job opportunities. As a CPA, one can work flexibly in any role. Within the accounting industry and outside it, a CPA enjoys career development in full form! 

Financial and Career Growth 

CPAs are very high in demand. That is why they have amazing financial and career growth. The starting salary of a CPA is way more than that of an accountant. The jobs for CPAs are increasing in number. Thus, after one becomes a CPA, there are numerous career opportunities with high pay grades. 

Monetary Benefits 

After earning the CPA license, an individual has expertise in the accounting field. As a result, jobs with a high pay scale are provided to individuals. A CPA is paid much higher as compared to ordinary accountants. Thus, there is job satisfaction and monetary benefits after one has become a CPA. 

Now, let us talk about the CPA certificate vs license. 

They are both completely different things. So, don't think that they are the same. They provide you with different legal authorities and responsibilities in the accounting/CPA sector.

A CPA certificate is an acknowledgment that you have passed the CPA exam. On the other hand, a CPA license is a document issued indicating that a person has become a licensed CPA. Let us look at the key differences between a CPA certificate and a CPA license. 

CPA Certificate vs License

S.NO.

CPA Certificate

CPA License

1.

 

To earn a CPA certificate, no prior job experience is needed by the candidate.

To acquire a CPA license, it is essential to have prior job experience by the candidate. At least 2 years of accounting experience is required to gain the license.

2.

The candidate has to pass the CPA exam to gain certification. There is no need for continuing professional education to get the CPA certificate.

To gain the CPA license and maintain it, individuals need to have Continuing Professional Education (CPE). The candidates must also pass CPA tests and complete at least 40 hours of CPE every year.

3.

As a CPA certificate gainer, one cannot sign tax returns, audit reports, and other documents.

An individual having a CPA license can sign audit reports, tax returns, and other legal documents.

4.

A CPA certificate owner cannot be a partner in any public accounting company.

A candidate having a CPA license can partner with a public accounting company/ business.

5.

Only some states have allowed the candidates to use the CPA designation on unofficial documents.

All the states allow the candidates to use CPA designation on official as well as unofficial documents

6.

CPA certificate holders need to pay a small fee for renewing the certification.

CPA license requires a significant fee in order to renew every year. 

So, these are the main points of difference between a CPA Certificate and vs license. It is important to note that every state board of accountancy has different rules and regulations for becoming a CPA. The common requirements might be the same but certain requirements are different in different states and countries. 

After knowing the CPA Certificate and License difference, let us look at how one can get a CPA certificate. 

What are the CPA Certificate Requirements?

  • A candidate should pass four CPA exams.
  • A candidate should have a postgraduate degree to apply for the exam. 
  • He or she should be a member of the Institute for Chartered Accountants, the Institute of Cost & Work Accountants, or the Indian Society of Company Secretaries. 
  • An individual with a Master's in business administration will be preferred more. 

Tips to Crack CPA Exam

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What is the Syllabus of the CPA exam?

To qualify for the CPA exam, an individual must have expertise in four areas. Here is the syllabus for the exam. 

  • Auditing & Attestation 
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting 
  • Regulation 
  • Environment & Business Concepts

Now, coming to the fee structure, CPA is a bit expensive. This is the situation where NorthStar Academy comes in. NorthStar Academy offers bundle discounts on the fee so that candidates can appear for the exam without thinking about the fee structure. 

The academy helps in clearing the exam in just 12 months. With a record of 85% pass percentage, the academy has made many successful CPAs across the globe. What's more? NorthStar Academy is the premium learning partner for AICPA. 

Now, you must be wondering why one must choose Northstar Academy. So, here are the reasons why Northstar Academy is the best for getting a CPA certification or license. 

  • India's best mentors, like M Irfat Sir, help in strengthening the basics and advances of finance and accounting. The CPA classes ensure that the students learn properly even if they are from Science or Arts backgrounds. 
  • The CPA course starts from scratch and covers every topic and concept in detail to make you exam-ready. 
  • NorthStar Academy has its own app that ensures that candidates can take the class anytime, anywhere. The study material, live sessions, pre-recorded classes, and much more are available on the app.
  • NorthStar Academy provides you with 100% placement, thereby helping your career reach new heights. The placement team works to provide you with excellent career and job opportunities. 
  • The academy provides you with exclusive study material that can help candidates pass the exam in one go!

So, these are the reasons why NorthStar Academy is better than any other institution to get a CPA certificate. Moreover, you can prepare with the CPA certification online course with Northstar Academy. 

Now, when it comes to CPA certificate vs. license, we are always confused about which is better between the two. Well, as we have seen till now, both certifications are better. However, there are certain perks provided to people with CPA certification and a CPA license. 

Perks of having a CPA Certificate

The CPA certification provides many perks to individuals after they have cracked the exam. So, let us have a look at the different perks provided by the CPA certificate vs. license. 

  • Job experience is not needed in the majority of jurisdictions that take place before the exam. 
  • There is no need to have Continuing Professional Education (CPE) to maintain the CPA certification. 
  • After gaining the CPA certificate, one's area of work and career are limited because certificate holders cannot be work of CPA or accounting companies. 
  • After clearing the exam, the individual cannot use the CPA designation in official or unofficial documents. 

How to get a CPA license in India?

  • 2 years of work experience are required by the candidate to get a CPA license. 
  • CPE hours are important to maintain the CPE license. Many states demand 120 hours of CPE for over three years, i.e., 40 hours for every year. 
  • Candidates can use the CPA designation to sign several legal documents and work in a CPA firm. 

This is the requirement for a CPA license in India. Let us have a look at CPA for international candidates.

  • There is no difference whether one operates in a one-tier or two-tier jurisdiction. The CPA certification is provided to the candidates after passing the CPA exam. 
  • The next step is to gain a license by undergoing a practice to gain the CPA designation. 
  • Most states have shifted to two-tier jurisdiction which helps in making the process of gaining the designation easier.

CPA is a lucrative career option that can provide you with numerous job opportunities. We have seen the CPA certificate vs license difference. The difference lies in practice, authorization, designation, job roles, and responsibilities.

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Conclusion

Earning your CPA involves several crucial steps and understanding the nuances of CPA certification and licensure. To earn your CPA license, you must first meet the education and experience requirements specific to your state, as these vary by state. Once you have fulfilled these prerequisites, you need to sit for the CPA exam, which is administered through the Uniform CPA Examination. Successfully passing the CPA exam is a significant milestone, but CPA certification and CPA licensure are distinct, with licensure involving additional requirements and regulations set forth by state boards. CPAs can also work with independent CPA firms or pursue various professional opportunities in accounting and finance. To get your CPA and understand everything you need to know, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the differences between these two credentials and the specific state requirements that govern them.

CPA is the best thing an individual can do to upgrade his or her career. But before taking the CPA exam, it is important to know all about the CPA certificate vs license.

Be it a CPA certificate or license, it is important to have complete information about CPA. After gaining the CPA certification, the candidates should go for attaining the CPA license as well. It will play an integral part in your career, rather than just being an accountant.

Now, to gain the certificate, it is essential to apply to an institute that helps you earn the required CPE credits and assists you in the preparation for the CPA exam. NorthStar Academy (NSA) helps you gain CPA certification and a license.

NSA provides the best study material, live sessions, continuous support, and guidance from top mentors in the CPA certification course. As an individual, one can have amazing career opportunities with Gleim and Northstar Academy. Apply today and avail yourself of the benefits of getting a CPA certification and license.

If you have queries, connect with the experts to help you out at +918147470707

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CPA License?

A CPA license is acquired after one has gained the CPA certificate. To maintain the license, it is important to have CPEs as they help in maintaining the license. Also, to have a CPA license, one has to have 1-2 years of work experience in the financial and accounting fields.  

What is the best certification for accountants?

ACCA or CPA could be the best certifications when one wants to become an accountant. Both provide numerous jobs in many fields apart from accounting. So, to get job roles in various fields, it is essential to get a CPA or ACCA certification.  

What is a CPA license in Deloitte?

The CPA is the most prestigious credential that helps one in getting jobs at top companies like Deloitte. To get job opportunities at top companies, one must earn a CPA certificate and license. A CPA license is a must-have to get hired at companies like Deloitte. 

How can I get a CPA certificate in India?

To gain the CPA credential, the candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a recognized university or equivalent CPE for 150 hours in the relevant field. Moreover, they should have 2 years of work experience in the relevant field. Furthermore, you can get enroll in the top institutes like NorthStar Academy to receive training and clear the CPA exam. Clearing the exam will get you the CPA certificate. 

Is CPA available in India?

The CPA exam is available to be taken in India. It is available in all the cities and can be applied for online via the AICPA official website. CPA is a great field that helps individuals get jobs in the finance and accounting sectors. The course provides financial security for the candidates. 

Is a CPA degree valid in India?

CPA is the highest credential that is globally accredited. It is valid in India and across various countries.

How much does a CPA cost in India?

In India, the CPA costs Rs. 73,000 on average. However, the international fee can go up to Rs. 109,500.