US CPA Exam Fees in India: Course Fees & Total Exam Cost

Do you want to become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant)? Many Indian students and professionals seek to acquire the US CPA certificate since the demand for internationally known accounting experts is growing. It's one of the best strategies to improve your accounting skills and create doors of opportunity in various fields like public accounting, corporate accounting, education, etc., in India and beyond.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, or the AICPA, awards the CPA designation. However, it is crucial to be aware of the expenses connected to this course before enrolling in it. Before applying, consider everything, including course costs, application fees, and exam fees. This blog will cover the US CPA exam fees in India, course structure, duration, eligibility, and the average cost and process to obtain your CPA licence. 

Overview of the US CPA Exam and the CPA Course

What Is the US CPA Exam for Indian Candidates?

An international certification for accountants, the US CPA exam is a chance to establish a global reputation and open doors to worldwide employment prospects. The exam tests you on several accounting and finance disciplines to evaluate your knowledge and ability to manage challenging financial situations. After completing the registration process, you can take the exams at Prometric test centres in India. The main differences for international candidates include an informed consent agreement, international testing fees, and stricter ID requirements.

Key Highlights of the US CPA Course Structure

The CPA test was changed in January 2024 to better suit the changing requirements of the accounting profession. It currently comprises three core sections and a discipline component that lets candidates gain certification based on their interests.

Core Sections (Mandatory for all candidates):

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Focuses on ethics, professional responsibilities, and auditing procedures.
   

2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): It includes financial reporting used by businesses.
   

3. Taxation and Regulation (REG): Deals with business law ethics, taxation, and professional responsibilities.
   

Discipline Sections (Choose one based on your career path):

1. Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Includes economic risk management and planning techniques.
   

2. Information Systems and Controls (ISC): This field focuses on monitoring information technology, data privacy, and system controls.
   

3. Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): It focuses on tax compliance and financial planning for people and firms.
   

Each exam section lasts four hours, for a total of sixteen hours. According to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, or NASBA, which administers the CPA exam, candidates must pass all four portions within a 30-month period with at least a score of 75 on each.

Detailed US CPA Exam Fee Breakdown

Application Fees and Cost of the US CPA Exam

Before starting your CPA road, you must understand your financial commitment. These are the usual costs:

• Education Evaluation Fee: Your academic credentials must be evaluated before you can take the CPA exam. This fee typically ranges between $90 and $150.
  

• Application Fee: This varies by state but generally ranges from $1100 to $1500. You receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) after paying the US CPA registration fees for your selected CPA exam section.
  

• CPA Exam Retake Fees: $50-$200
  

• CPA Review Course: $1000-$4000
  

So, the total cost of CPA in India is INR 3-3.5 lakhs, depending on factors like the state you apply to and additional services you might opt for. You may also have to pay rescheduling fees for changing the exam date.

Understanding the CPA Fee Structure

CPA course fees vary depending on the factors mentioned above. Several other fees are also there to consider, other than exams:

• Study Materials: Buying quality study materials is essential.
  

• Training Programmes: Joining a US CPA training programme can offer direction and organised learning. These programmes have different fee policies.
  

• License Fee: Once you pass the test, you must pay an additional $250 to $320 to get your CPA license. CPAs must pay renewal fees to renew their licence.
  

US CPA Course Duration in India

Duration and Phases of the US CPA Course

The length of the CPA US courses depends on individual preparation and schedule. CPA candidates usually finish all four phases in between twelve and eighteen months.

Here's a typical timeline:

1. Preparation Phase: requires at least 6 to 12 months of studying.
   

2. Exam Phase: Scheduling and taking the four sections can be spread out over several months.
   

3. Licensing Phase: This phase can take several months after passing the CPA exams, fulfilling the work experience requirement, and applying for the licence.
   

From start to finish, becoming a US CPA in India can take you approximately 1.5 to 2 years.

US CPA Exam Pattern and Eligibility in India

Detailed US CPA Exam Pattern and Sections

The CPA exam tests students' knowledge, skills, and understanding. Here's how it's laid out:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Covers auditing processes.
  

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Focuses on financial statements, transactions, and reporting standards.
  

• Regulation (REG): Deals with taxation and business law.
  

Additionally, as mentioned above, students need to choose one discipline section.

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Focus on data analytics and financial reporting.
  

• Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Emphasis on IT, risk, and cybersecurity.
  

• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Covers individual and business tax topics.
  

Each CPA paper is four hours long and includes MCQs and task-based simulations.

US CPA Eligibility for Indian Graduates

Eligibility criteria for the US CPA qualification include:

• One must have a bachelor's degree in accounting or another allied discipline. Some states might mandate 150 semester hours, calling for extra study or a master's degree.
  

• Many jurisdictions require at least one year (2,000 hours) of pertinent job experience, overseen by a registered CPA.
  

• Certain state boards require you to pass an ethics test before issuing the licence.
  

• Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA examinations.

Since individual state requirements vary, verifying the particular ones in the state you intend to apply to is crucial.

US CPA License

Steps to Get a US CPA License

After passing all four CPA subjects, you need to follow these steps to obtain CPA licensure:

1. Gain Relevant Work Experience: Finish your required work experience under the direction of a licenced CPA.
   

2. Pass the Ethics Exam: Pass the ethics exam.
   

3. Apply for the Licence: Send your application to the state board, including fees and other paperwork.

4. Maintain Continuing Professional Education (CPE): After getting licenced, you must complete CPE credits regularly.

Conclusion

Pursuing a CPA exam in India is wise. The benefits of acquiring a globally recognised qualification, more professional development, and possibly greater income make paying for the US CPA examination fees in India worthwhile. After passing the Certified Public Accountant examination, you can get various job opportunities in finance and accounting.

Should you need direction and encouragement for this process, NorthStar Academy offers extensive training courses designed especially for Indian candidates. Experienced faculty with a proven track record will assist you on your CPA journey. We also provide guidance for Enrolled Agent courses, ACCA courses, US CMA courses and help with CMA USA exam preparation.