👤 NorthStar Academy📅 28 May, 25⏱ 3 min read

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.

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the US CPA eligibility criteria?

CPA candidates are typically required to hold a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related discipline; however, this requirement is not the same for every state board. Candidates must have completed 120 to 150 credit hours of study in order to be eligible, according to most states. Additionally, you need to work under a professional CPA in some states to fulfil the eligibility criteria for US CPA.

Who can apply for the US CPA in India?

Indian candidates who have the desired education and experience benchmarks established by a US state board are eligible to sit for the CPA exam. To make sure your academic qualifications meet the education standards in the U.S., you should also get them reviewed by an official organisation.

What is the US CPA exam structure?

The CPA examination has four parts, of which AUD, FAR, and REG are mandatory. As of 2024, BEC has been replaced by any one optional Discipline section: BAR, ISC, and TCP, and students have a 30-month testing window to pass the exam.

What is the US CPA exam pattern?

Written communication activities, task-based simulations, and multiple-choice questions make up the CPA exam's organised framework. The total exam length is 16 hours, with four-hour for each section of the CPA exam. The exam is given through authorised Prometric test centres and is computerised.

What is the US CPA qualification process?

In order to become a licensed CPA, you must first fulfil the educational prerequisites established by your respective state board. You must first register and apply for the CPA exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy when you have met the eligibility requirements.