US CPA Eligibility & Requirements for Indian Students

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or AICPA is well-known across the accounting and finance domains. Earning a US CPA degree helps prove your mastery of US accounting standards and opens doors to international job prospects. If you are interested in advancing your career in finance and accounting, this is an excellent option.

In this blog, you will learn everything you need to know about US CPA eligibility requirements to take the exam.

US CPA Eligibility Criteria in India

To earn the CPA qualification, you must meet the US CPA eligibility criteria, which vary by state board. Generally, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or related fields with at least 120 credit hours to sit for the exam. However, for CPA licensure, most state boards require 150 credit hours. Since many Indian degrees do not meet this requirement, candidates may need additional qualifications such as a CA certification, M.Com, MBA, or additional coursework. It is essential to check state board-specific requirements before applying.

US CPA Requirements for Indian Candidates

To sit for the US CPA exam, Indian candidates must fulfil the following requirements:

• Educational Qualifications

Most employers prefer a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. You may also have to consider some additional courses to ensure you get those 150 semester hours of study.

• Work Experience

In most states, you may be expected to have professional work experience of 1 to 2 years. You must understand the prerequisites based on the state where you intend to get a licence. CPA course details may vary for different jurisdictions.

• Ethics Examination

You may be expected to sit for an ethics exam for certain states before getting the certification.

US CPA Exam Structure & Sections

You will be tested in various accounting areas throughout the US CPA exam. Hence, knowing the structure of the exam is absolutely necessary.

Key Sections of the US CPA Exam

Each exam consists of a mix of multiple-choice, simulation, and written communication problems. There are a total of four parts to the test. Under the CPA Evolution initiative, you must now clear three mandatory Core sections and any one of the three Discipline sections. Here are the CPA course details:

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)- Includes the audit process, attestation engagements, ethics, and professional responsibilities.

2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)- Covers financial reporting frameworks, accounting standards, and financial statement preparation under U.S. GAAP.

3. Regulation (REG)- Focuses on taxation, business law, and ethics.

4. Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) – Focuses on financial analysis, reporting, and data analytics.

5. Information Systems and Controls (ISC) – This covers IT governance, cybersecurity, and system controls.

6. Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) – Deals with advanced tax topics, entity taxation, and tax planning.

The Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section was replaced by the Disciplines of BAR, ISC, and TCP.

US CPA Course Details & Certification

Earning the CPA credential in the US requires completing a rigorous academic programme.

Certified Public Accountant Course Overview

If you want a career in accounting, you can get the information and training you need in the CPA programme, which consists of:

• Study Materials: Comprehensive textbooks, internet resources, and practice tests to pass all four sections of the CPA exam.

• Review Courses: Many applicants choose to take review CPA online courses offered by different providers to better prepare for the exam.

• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): CPAs must have CPE, or continuing professional education, to keep their licences current.

How to Pass the US CPA Exam in India

Steps to Take the US CPA Exam Successfully

Here are the steps exam candidates must follow:

1. Verify Eligibility

Check the education and work experience requirements for the state board of accountancy where you plan to apply. Most states require 120 to 150 credit hours of education and may have specific coursework requirements.

2. Pick a State Board

Choose a board whose standards align with your credentials.

3. Credential Evaluation

Get your academic qualifications reviewed by an approved organisation like NASBA International Evaluation Services to make sure you qualify.

4. Be Well-Prepared

Make full use of study materials and consider taking a review course to ensure you cover all the skills and knowledge required to take the CPA exam and pass all four sections. 

5. Make an Appointment to Take the Test

After receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS), book your exam at an authorised Prometric test center in India or another approved location.

6. Manage your time properly

Make sure you give yourself enough time to study for each area of the exam, and then practise answering questions in that time.

7. Stay Informed

Bookmark the AICPA and NASBA websites to stay updated on exam content and structure changes.

8. Stay Motivated

Reach out to others who have passed the CPA exam before for advice and encouragement.

Conclusion

Earning the CPA licence is a major accomplishment that can open many doors for accounting experts in India. CPA aspirants must learn about US CPA eligibility and exam details, study hard, and stick to a strategy. 

If you want to pass the Uniform CPA examination, consider enrolling in the NorthStar Academy. In addition to preparing for CPA US courses, NorthStar offers CMA USA exam preparation guidance, US CMA courses, ACCA courses, and Enrolled Agent courses.