CPA

US CPA Eligibility in India: Educational Qualifications and Exam Details

Thu May 09 2024

Introduction:

Are you aspiring to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? But do you know who are called the CPAs and what are the prerequisites? In this blog, we’re going to give you a brief on every detail of becoming a US CPA.

 

Table of Contents:

1. US Certified Public Accountant (US CPA) 
2. Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a US CPA 
3. US CPA Eligibility for Indian Students 
4. Benefits of Taking our Bridge Course 
5. Career Prospects of a US CPA 

US Certified Public Accountant (US CPA):

Accountants have a primary role to ensure the company’s growth by strategizing and analysing the opportunities. The AICPA-governed professional certification, i.e., US CPA is the highest standard of competence in the field of accountancy and finance industry globally. CPAs are highly sought after by businesses and nonprofit organizations because they have extensive training in tax law, auditing procedures, management practices, and other important aspects of business financial operations. As CPA is a globally acclaimed credential, they can enjoy versatile professional roles across the globe including in India. CPAs obtain their licensure from the state’s Board of Accountancy.

Eligibility Criteria for Becoming a US CPA:

To be a Certified Public Accountant, one must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Education: States typically mandate a minimum level of education, often a bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting or business, with a specified number of credit hours dedicated to courses outlined by your jurisdiction. The degree should include a minimum of 120 credit scores in any accounting or business course. To be eligible for CPA Licence, however, a candidate requires a minimum of 150 credit scores.

• State-specific Requirements: Each state has its own specific requirements for CPA licensure, which can include additional education, residency, or experience requirements. Candidates should check with their state board of accountancy to determine the specific requirements. Some states might expect the candidates to have completed specific accounting courses or business-related subjects. These courses ensure that candidates have a strong foundation in the principles and practices of accounting and business environments.

• Application and Fees: Candidates must apply to the state board of accountancy in the jurisdiction where they wish to sit for the exam. The application process typically includes providing transcripts, proof of education, and other relevant documentation. There are also fees associated with applying for and taking the CPA exam, which cover administrative costs and exam administration

• Uniform CPA Exam: All states require to qualify the Uniform CPA Exam, which is a standardized test administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The passing standard for the CPA exam is the same in every jurisdiction. As per AICPA, you must score a minimum of 75 in each section within an 18-month timeframe.

• Ethics Course: Many states require candidates to complete an Ethics course as part of their CPA exam eligibility or licensing requirements. This course covers topics such as professional ethics, responsibilities, and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct. It ensures that candidates are aware of and adhere to ethical standards in their practice as CPAs.

• Work Experience: No state requires you to have any work experience to take the exam. This is a requirement to obtain your CPA license after qualifying the CPA exam. Most jurisdictions require 1 to 2 years of work experience in accounting, taxes, auditing, or management consulting. Some states also require work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Check your jurisdiction’s licensing agency for allowed timeframes, as they can vary.

• Citizenship: Candidates may need to be U.S. citizens or legal residents of the United States to be eligible to take the CPA exam in certain states. This requirement ensures that candidates meet the legal requirements for practicing as CPAs in the United States.

US CPA Eligibility for Indian Students:

The eligibility criteria for becoming a US CPA are the same for Indian students. Just an additional requirement is that you need to have a valid international passport. In India, the college education in a bachelor’s degree provides only 30 credit hours per year, which after completing graduation in 3 years, equals to gaining 90 credit hours altogether. But to take the CPA exam, one must complete 120 credit hours. For that, one might pursue an additional year of post-graduation and complete their credit hours requirement. But the easiest way to meet the additional 30 credit hours requirement is to have a Bridge course.

Simandhar Education offers a US CPA Bridge Course to help you earn those additional credit hours and make you eligible to attend the CPA exam. The best part is that the Bridge Course is integrated with our CPA curriculum. So, you don’t have to study for this course separately.

Benefits of Taking our Bridge Course:

• CPA eligibility is a very complex process, as bachelor's degrees in India only give 90 credits (30 CPA credits for one year), so the bridge course of additional 60 credits can bridge the gap and make you eligible for the CPA course, and you may sit for the CPA exam in India and globally accordingly.

• Aspirants having only a BCom, BBA, or BSc will now be eligible to sit for the CPA exam with registration for the CPA bridge course. Please note that you don’t need to complete the bridge course to write the CPA exam in India; the requirement is to register and give an undertaking.

• This course is integrated with CPA. Hence, you do not have to make extra efforts to study this course and yet remain beneficial.

Exploring Career Prospects of a US CPA:

• In many accounting and finance roles, especially in public accounting firms like Big4 or corporate finance departments, government, and nonprofit organizations, having a CPA license can significantly enhance your career prospects. Many positions require or prefer candidates with a CPA credential for roles such as senior accountant, auditor, financial analyst, or controller.

• With the prestigious globally acknowledged credential, CPAs are currently the top-earning professionals. A CPA earns at least 10-15% more than a non-licensed accountant. The additional expertise and credibility associated with the CPA designation can translate into better job opportunities and higher pay.

• Having a CPA license can provide flexibility and open doors to diverse career opportunities. CPA enjoys multidimensional job opportunities in auditing, business and management consulting, information technology (IT), international financial reporting, and tax advisory services, to name a few.

• CPAs enjoy a great deal of professional freedom by using their extraordinary skills, knowledge, and expertise in business leadership, serving as a robust foundation and credential for future entrepreneurs. If you plan to start your own accounting firm or consulting practice, having a CPA license can lend credibility to your business.

• The basic salary of a licensed CPA may range from 8-10 LPA.

Conclusion:

Make your mark in the field of accountancy and finance with US CPA certification. Unlock job opportunities globally with higher salary packages and better job security at the Big 4 and top MNCs. Enrol in Simandhar Education’s CPA course with an integrated Bridge course for making your CPA journey smooth. Get a detailed overview of CPA in our exclusive webinars. To learn more about Simandhar and our courses, please visit our official website or contact us at 7780273388