US CPA Fees in India: Registration, Exam, & Additional Costs

US CPA Fees in India: Registration, Exam, & Additional Costs

Do you want a career in finance and accounting? This sector is rapidly growing due to increasing globalisation. Nowadays, you have various advanced certification options that can help you enter this dynamic industry and build a rewarding career. ACCA courses, US CMA courses, and Enrolled Agent courses are some programmes that strengthen your skills and allow you to work within the financial sector. US Certified Public Accountant is another popular global certification course. Continue reading this blog to learn about the US CPA fees in India and additional costs. 

CPA Exam Fee in India

Students and professionals in India often refrain from opting for the US CPA course. One of the most common reasons behind this is the CPA course fees in India. CPA costs more than the traditional graduation and post-graduation degree programmes. Specialisation comes at a cost, but the opportunities after accreditation in various fields like public accounting will make it worthwhile.

CPA Exam Fee Breakdown

The US CPA exam fees in India have different components divided into the following categories.

Category A: One-time Expenses 

Cost


Evaluation Fee

$ 225

State Board Registration Fee

$ 130

NTS Application Fee

$ 100

Total Fees

$ 455


Category B: Per Exam Fee 

Cost


CPA Exam Section/NTS Fee

$ 365.00

International Testing Fees

$ 390.00

Total Exam Fees (Per Exam)

$ 755.00

Total Exam Fees (Per Exam Fee x 4)

$ 3020.00

Total CPA Exam Fee (One-time + Exam Fee)

$ 3475


Total Cost of US CPA Exam

In addition to the US CPA exam application fee, the total cost of this course includes other elements as well. The CPA exam has an advanced syllabus with moderate to high difficulty levels and you might not be able to pass it on your first attempt. You might be unable to clear your examination for many reasons, such as a lack of preparation or a family or medical emergency. In such cases, you can retake the examinations you have missed or not passed by paying the retake fees. It usually ranges between $50 and $200. However, it might even go up to $300 in some cases. For every test you retake, you must pay this fee in addition to the examination fee. 

After completing and passing all four examinations, some US states require you to pass the AICPA’s ethics exam. For this exam, the fee varies between $150 and $250.  You can apply for your certification after passing the ethics exam. You need to pay US CPA certification expenses to achieve this certification in professional accounting. The licensing fee varies between $100 and $500. Some states require CPAs to complete continuing professional education (CPE) for licensure maintenance. For this, a fee of up to $300 is applicable. 

Registration Process and Additional Costs

The registration process for the US CPA examination is straightforward. Follow the below-given steps for it. 

  • Check if you meet the eligibility criteria and what you need to do in order to be eligible.

  • Submit all your document’s transcripts to your state’s Board of Accountancy.

  • Complete your registration by paying the cost of the CPA course, which includes NTS, registration, exam, and international testing fees for CPA in India.

  • After you complete your registration and the documents are verified and accepted, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) on your registered email.

  • Schedule your exams by selecting your preferred test centres and dates.

  • Appear and pass all four CPA subjects.

Cost of US CPA Registration in India

The CPA registration cost in India is as follows. 

Registration Fee (One Time)

Cost


Evaluation Fee

INR 18,776

State Board Registration Fee

INR 10,843

NTS Application Fee

INR 8,341

Total One Time Fees

INR 37,952


Additional CPA Fee and Other Expenses

US CPA course in India doesn’t just include the exam fees. You will also need to incur additional expenses to get CPA licence. The advanced syllabus and CPA exam pattern require strategic planning and expert guidance. Hence, self-study, while important,  is not enough for passing the CPA exam. This makes it essential to enrol in a US CPA training centre. You might need to purchase some study materials for your preparation. CPA course fees vary depending on different factors like: 

  • Coaching course

  • Mock test series

  • Exam retake fees

  • Travel and accommodation for coaching and exams

  • Membership fees for CPAs seeking licensure in their respective states


The total cost of becoming a CPA in India is INR 3.5-4 lakhs approximately.


Conclusion

Indian CPA certificate holders can work in various business environments worldwide in accounting and finance. The US CPA fees in India might seem higher. The official expenses, including all the fees, are the same for all students. However, you can save on your coaching and preparation expenses on your CPA journey. 

NorthStar Academy offers various training models that allow you to prepare for the course within your budget without compromising education quality. We are the official partner of Becker International, enabling you to save on study materials and mock tests. We offer offline and online US CPA preparation programmes, allowing you to appear for the exams confidently. Our online courses allow you to save US CPA additional charges like travel and accommodation. Becoming a US CPA is now easier and more affordable. Apart from CPA US courses, you can opt for your  CMA USA exam preparation under the guidance of experts like M Irfat Sir at NorthStar Academy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do CPA course fees differ across India?

    The fee structure is the same for all candidates across India. However, the additional charges related to the course might vary across India. For example, the coaching fees differ in different states and cities, and your total course fees vary accordingly. 

  • Which body oversees the CPA examination?

    The AICPA, or American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in the US, administers the CPA exam and is responsible for developing and scoring the exam. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) manages the application process and score reporting. Licensing requirements may vary depending on the state boards that approve CPA candidates for certification. The exam itself is administered at authorised testing centres by Prometric. 

  • Which subjects are covered in the CPA exam?

    The Certified Public Accountant examination includes the following CPA papers:

    US CPA Core Sections

    • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Covers financial reporting, accounting principles, and entity-specific statements.

    • Auditing and Attestation (AUD) : Focuses on auditing, risk assessment, and internal controls.

    • Regulation (REG): Emphasises taxation, ethics, and business law for entities and individuals.

    US CPA Disciplines Sections

    • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Covers advanced international accounting and financial analysis.

    • Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Focuses on IT risks, cybersecurity, and internal controls.

    • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Specialises in taxation, including corporate, individual, and international tax laws.

  • Where can you take the CPA exam in India?

    You can take the CPA USA exam at Prometric test centres in India in the following cities. 

    • Ahmedabad

    • Bangalore

    • Calcutta

    • Chennai

    • Hyderabad

    • Mumbai

    • New Delhi

    • Trivandrum

  • What is the structure of the CPA exam?

    Each of the four CPA tests is four hours long. It consists of five testlets with two types of questions- 

    • Multiple-choice questions 

    • Task-based simulations

    With the elimination of BEC in 2024, written communication tasks are no longer part of the CPA exam.

  • What are the steps to earn a CPA qualification?

    Follow the below steps to become a certified public accountant:

    • Meet the eligibility criteria.

    • Pass all four CPA exam sections.

    • Pass the Ethics Exam.

    • Get your US CPA licence.