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US CPA licensure process in India, eligibility criteria for US CPA, Indian student planning US CPA journey
👤 NorthStar Academy📅 14 Aug, 24⏱ 12 min read

How to Become a US CPA in India Easily

To apply for the US CPA exam, candidates must meet education and experience requirements set by their state board. The Uniform CPA Exam ensures a standardized testing process across the US.

Each state board has specific work experience criteria that must be fulfilled before an individual can become a CPA licensure where the CPA full form is certified. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) collaborates with the state boards of accountancy to oversee the administration and content of the Uniform CPA Examination.

The requirements to become a licensed CPA, candidates must pass the uniform CPA examination and meet all education requirements and work experience as outlined by their state board of accountancy.

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What are the CPA License Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

The US CPA certification is one of the top CPA certifications after the CA (Chartered Accountant) in the field of accounting. A large number of working professionals and students want to pursue CPA examinations to get membership to enhance their CV value while finding a job. Hence, they research the top Certified public accountant course certification course, which is where NorthStar Academy (NSA), an AICPA-recognized institute, becomes the perfect choice.

Before enrolling in the CPA course, candidates must check US CPA eligibility and state-specific exam requirements.

In this article, we will tell you all about how you can apply in different countries. Let's see some of the points first. 

  • Firstly, to have CPA USA eligibility, one has to have a clear understanding of accounting and financing. There are different CPA requirements that one has to meet in order to become licensed by the government of a particular state. 
  • CPA USA requires a bachelor's degree with 150 credit hours, with state-specific accounting study requirements.
  • The residency requirement allows non-residents to take the CPA exam but requires a permanent residence or regular employment in the chosen country.
  • There is no minimum age for the CPA USA exam, but most countries require candidates to be at least 18.
  • The next and final one is the ethics requirement. Candidates taking the exam have to follow the AICPA code of professional conduct. The ethics exam is essential to getting the CPE credits and CPA license. 

Now, let us look at some state-wise CPA USA requirements. 

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US CPA Exam Requirements by State

1. Apply for US CPA in Alaska 

The CPA Exam requirements are as follows:

  • Have a bachelor's degree acceptable to the Alaska Board of Accountancy.
  • Have an accounting course as defined by the board. 
  • Have 22 quarter credit hours or 15 semester credit hours of accounting subjects. 
  • One year of public experience under a CPA. 

The CPA License requirement is as follows: 

  • Must pass the CPA exam.
  • Must meet the educational and experience CPA USA requirement. 

2. California 

The American institute of certified public CPA exam requirement is as follows:

  • Must have 24-semester units in accounting subjects. 
  • Must have 24 semester units in business subjects. 

The CPA USA eligibility for the license is as follows: 

  • Must go under a criminal history record check. 
  • Must have a minimum of 12 months of accounting experience. 
  • Pass ethics examination as per CBA. 

3. Connecticut 

CPA USA exam requirement:

  • 24-semester units in accounting
  • one business law course
  • one economics course
  • one finance course

CPA License requirements: 

  • Clear the CPA exam. 
  • Work for a minimum of 2 years. 
  • Must have AICPA professional ethics comprehensive study certification with a score of 90 or above. 

4. Florida 

CPA USA exam requirements:

  • Must complete 120 semester hours or 180 quarter hours.
  • Must complete 24 semester hours.

CPA USA eligibility for gaining a license:   

  • Pass the CPA exam 
  • 150-225 credit hours 
  • A total of 30 accounting hours 
  • A total of 36 business hours or 54 quarter business hours 

5. Hawaii

CPA USA requirements for the exam:

  • One must be 18 years of age.
  • Meet the educational requirements (bachelor's degree in accounting). 

CPA USA eligibility for a license: 

  • Complete 1500 hours in the performance of audits. 
  • Two hours of professional experience in public accounting, private industry, government, etc. 
  • No CPA ethics are required.

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6. Illinois 

CPA USA requirements for the exam: 

  • 30+ hours in an accounting course
  • 24 semester hours in business communication and ethics

CPA USA eligibility for license: 

  • Must complete 120 hours of undergraduate degree
  • Pass the CPA exam
  • One year of experience in accounting, attestation, tax, etc
  • 12 months of engagement in a full-time job
  • Complete the AICPA ethics exam by scoring 90% 

7. Kansas 

CPA USA requirements for the exam: 

  • Canditates must be complete 42 semester hours in business and general education courses. 
  • 11 semester hours must in communication. 
  • 30 in accounting theory and practice, including internship credit

CPA USA eligibility for license: 

  • Pass the CPA exam and AICPA professional ethics course.
  • Must have accounting experience of one or two years. 

8. Massachusetts

CPA USA requirements for the exam:

  • 150 CLEP credit hours from a regionally accredited university
  • CPA review courses 
  • Internships in accounting subjects 
  • Online courses 
  • 24 semester hours of business subjects
  • 30 semester hours of accounting subjects 

 CPA USA specific requirements for CPA licensure: 

  • Submit three reference letters to the Massachusetts Board of Accountancy.
  • Complete 3“9 years of full-time or part-time public accounting experience.

9. New-Jersey 

CPA exam requirements: 

  • Bachelors or master's degree is a must for . 
  • 24 hours each for business and accounting subjects are necessary. 

CPA license requirement: 

  • require full-time employment 1750 hours 
  • The part-time experience acquired within two years
  • The experience gained should be diversified and intense. Accounting and reporting experience is necessary.  

10. Oklahoma 

CPA USA requirements for the exam:

  • 9 CPA course semester hours in economics, finance, stats, marketing, insurance, risk management, etc. 
  • 30 hours in accounting courses. 
  • 76 hours of division course. 

CPA USA eligibility for license: 

  • one year of experience in accounting
  • ethics examination must be passed by the candidate

Note: 50 states in the US have almost the same CPA USA Requirements and eligibility conditions. 

There are other states as well that one can apply in US CPA license, including New Hampshire, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and much more. The requirements and eligibility are almost the same.

Let us now talk about India. Not just in the US but CPA is also provided in India. The CPA certification course in India is best provided by NorthStar Academy. NSA has a record of providing an 83%+ pass percentage in the exam that has helped candidates gain a CPA license and jobs in top companies from around the world.

Let us look in detail at CPA USA eligible for the CPA candidates in India. 

What is the CPA USA Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students?

CPA is the highest accounting certification in India, signifying expertise in accounting and finance. It provides job opportunities in India and globally. As a globally accredited degree, it enhances career growth and offers high-salary prospects.

CPA ELIGIBILITY FOR INDIAN STUDENTS 

Indian students can pursue CPA USA through institute of certified public accountants or naac-a accredited universities in India for CPA training, but there are certain CPA eligibility in India to appear for the US CPA. They are: 

  • Must complete 120 credit points in the commerce field to be eligible for CPA. 
  • Have a bachelor's degree with marks as per the US equivalent percentage, i.e., 90. 
  • Students getting a degree from NAAC get an additional 30 credit points. 

After the candidates fulfill the eligibility criteria, the next step is to apply for CPA USA after learning the best US CPA course. The candidate has to apply for transcripts from reputed universities. Once the evaluation of transcripts is complete, the US board sends us gaap confirmation to the state university whether a candidate is selected or not. This is how the CPA qualification eligibility works across India.

Now, when we talk about uniform CPA curriculum and patterns, there are four CPA examinations pattern and the procedure are the same in India as in the US. For every exam, the candidate has to pay the exam fee. Once the registration fee is paid, the candidates can start preparing for the US CPA subjects. 

Here are the subjects/exam names that the candidate has to study for the CPA exam: 

  1. Attestation & Auditing
  2. Business Environment & Concepts 
  3. Regulation
  4. Financial Accounting & Reporting

The CPA exam is four hours long per section and must be completed within 18 months. The CPA exam is divided: MCQs, task-based simulations, and comprehensive questions, with MCQs and simulations carrying the most weight. Conducted online, thorough preparation is key to passing in one attempt.

To appear for the CPA exam, a CPA bridge course is essential. NorthStar Academy, in association with Gleim, offers course details, live sessions, pre-recorded classes, and more to help candidates prepare efficiently for the US CPA exam.

Achieve Excellence with NorthStar Academy!

Empower your career with globally recognized certificationsstart your journey to success today!

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What are the CPA Course Fees in India?

CPA course fee, the cost of the US CPA in India ranges from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs. 3 lakhs. You can apply for NorthStar Academy courses, which offer reasonable fees covering teaching, study materials, guidance, and exam fees. Bundled discounts are also available.

What is the Certified public accountant salary in India?

The CPA designation has great future scope as it is globally recognized and available in India. It opens doors to high-paying jobs across the US, boosts career growth, and offers global exposure in a desirable work environment. The average  US CPA salary in India is Rs. 7 Lakhs. It is somewhat more if one is employed in the US. 

A US CPA licenced is employed by the top companies both in the US and India once they pass all four CPA examinations. In India, companies like KPMG, Deloitte, EY, etc. employ CPAs with a good package. Internationally, Amazon, Apple, Cognizant, and many companies like these hire CPAs. 

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Conclusion

The CPA course in India offers lucrative career opportunities, ensuring job security, financial stability, and satisfaction. A professional degree like CPA guarantees a promising career with monetary benefits.

To apply for the Uniform CPA Examination, candidates must meet the CPA eligibility criteria in India. If you're looking for expert guidance and CPA study material, NorthStar Academy, in association with Gleim, provides a comprehensive CPA certification course with live sessions, mock tests, and exclusive study material to help you succeed in your Uniform CPA journey.

With structured preparation and understanding the sections of the CPA exam, passing the CPA exam  is achievable. While each state has its own licensing process, eligibility remains largely similar across the US. Meet the requirements and start preparing today to help you ace the CPA!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do CPA USA from India?

Yes, Indian candidates can pursue the U.S. CPA designation. The Uniform CPA Examination is administered in India at eight Prometric test centers. This local availability allows candidates to undertake the examination without the need to travel internationally.

Can I do CPA without CA?

Yes, obtaining a Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification is not a prerequisite for pursuing the CPA designation. Candidates can appear for CPA, provided they meet the educational and experience requirements set by the respective U.S. state boards of accountancy.

Can I do a US CPA after the 12th?

Yes, you can apply for the CPA after the 12th standard in the commerce stream with math, accounting, and economics. However, a bachelor's or master's degree with 150 credit hours is recommended for the completion of the CPA.

Can I do CPA after B.Com?

Yes, you can do CPA after B. Com. A candidate must have 90 credits at the end of three years to be eligible for the US CPA.

Is CPA in demand in the US?

CPA is the sixth-most demanding job in the US. The demand for CPA is increasing, and this is the reason why everybody in the accounting field is trying to become a certified public accountant.