The AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) administers the CPA exams. Candidates must pass all four CPA examinations to get membership in the AICPA. However, a CPA license is issued by the 55 state boards of accountancy in the US that are part of NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). Each state board has different CPA eligibility requirements for the CPA exams.
Here is the US CPA certification requirement and eligibility for Indian students to become a US CPA:
- Master’s Degree in any of the streams of Commerce, Accounting, or Finance.
- In some cases, first-division graduates of a three-year degree from NAAC-A accredited universities in India are also qualified to take the US CPA exams.
- B.com (Any university/college)+ CA IPCC Cleared Candidates.
- B.com (Any university/college) + Qualified CA /CMA Candidates.
CPA Course Eligibility
CPA course eligibility in terms of education: candidates must complete their Bachelor’s program. Additionally, you must have 120 college credit hours to be eligible. A general Bachelor’s degree would also work, but a degree in accounting, business, or a related field like finance helps your cause. It is also required that you are studying in an accredited and recognized education to be eligible.
CPA Eligibility for Indian Students
Education:- CPA eligibility for Indian students is to have passed graduation in commerce and accounting with 60%. And CA, CMA, and CS degree holders are eligible to appear for CPA in India. Indian students should complete additional coursework in accounting and related subjects. These courses typically cover financial accounting, auditing, taxation, business law, and management accounting. Acquiring knowledge in these areas strengthens the foundation required for the CPA designation.
Work experience:- Candidates should have gained relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Although the specific experience requirements vary, candidates generally must accumulate 1-2 years of full-time work experience in a relevant accounting or finance role.
Examination:- Indian students must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The Uniform CPA Examination is a four-part exam that tests students’ accounting, auditing, and taxation knowledge.
Eligibility for US CPA Course in India After B.Com
The US CPA requires you to have 120 credits to be eligible for the exam. But what are these credits? In simple terms, one year of graduation gives you 30 credits. So, if you’ve completed your B.Com, you would typically have 90 credits, since a Bachelor’s degree in India is usually 3 years. However, the US requires a 4-year graduation, so you need a total of 120 credits. Good news!
If you have already finished your B.Com from a NAAC-approved university or college in India, you might still be eligible for the US CPA exams. This leaves the door open for you to begin your US CPA in India journey without further qualifications immediately! To help you understand your eligibility better, FinTram Global offers free eligibility checks. You can easily check your eligibility based on the CPA eligibility criteria in India and take the next step toward becoming a US CPA!
The CPA exam’s modules
The US CPA exam is divided into 4 sections, each of which is 4 hours long and covers a different area of accounting.
The US CPA Exam syllabus:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Choose One Subject from the List Below:
- BAR – Business Analysis & Reporting (OPT 1)
- ISC – Information System and Controls (OPT 2)
- TCP – Tax Compliance and planning (OPT 3)
The CPA exam is not a pen-and-paper exam. Instead, it is a CBE (computer-based exam) and consists of multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and written communication tasks.
The AICPA has also divided the grade weightage for each topic:
| Subject | Topic | Weightage |
| AUD | Auditing standards, financial statement assertions, and attestation engagements | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) 50%, Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) 50%. |
| FAR | Financial statement preparation, accrual accounting, and international financial reporting standards | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) 50%, Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) 35%, Written Communication Tasks 15%. |
| REG | Federal taxation, business law, and ethics | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) 50%, Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) 50%. |
| BEC | Economics, management, and information technology | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) 50%, Task-Based Simulations (TBSs) 50%. |
CPA Course Duration
- To become a CPA in India, you must pass all four parts of the exam within 12 to 18 months of passing the first section/paper.
- With consistent preparation, some complete it in less than 12 months.
CPA Exam Eligibility
Let’s have a look at the CPA exam eligibility. First, A candidate must have a bachelor’s Degree or equivalent to enrol in the certification programme. The candidate must finish 150 hours of CPA course semester to get the CPA licence. Many states demand that candidates have 1-2 years of experience working under the supervision of a CPA.
Prometric test centres in India for the CPA Certification:
There are several Prometric test centres in India where candidates can take the CPA exam in India. These centres are located at:
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Trivandrum
Candidates looking to pursue the CPA qualification now have the convenience of taking the CPA exam in India. With several Prometric test centres available across major cities, aspiring CPAs no longer need to travel abroad to appear for the exam. This accessibility not only saves time and cost but also encourages more professionals to pursue the globally recognised CPA credential right from their home country.
If you still have any doubts regarding CPA Eligibility, then FinTram Global is a leading provider of CPA Course training. Contact us today to learn more about CPA eligibility and begin your CPA journey.
Is CPA Certification right for you?
If you want to promote your accountancy and finance career, the key to your advancement is CPA Certification. Such a globally recognized credential provides a much-needed advantage for you in this highly competitive job market. It makes you earn more, gives you the credibility of your profession, and lets you target multinational companies, lead financial strategies, or even start your consultancy and get into these careers.
The CPA Certification is the highest globally regarded standard with its wide-ranging curriculum. It reflects mastery in the areas of accounting, auditing, taxation, and business strategy and enables you to tackle complex financial challenges with confidence. Beyond technical skills, this qualification enhances your leadership capabilities and credibility in the financial world.
The road to becoming a CPA is tough, but FinTram Global gives you all the support you need to get through it. From expert mentor guidance and structured study plans to quality resources, FinTram Global ensures that your certification process is smooth. FinTram Global’s flexible online classes, personalized coaching, and exam-focused strategies will keep you on track and motivated and deliver everything you need to meet your goals.
It is investing in one’s future by investing in CPA. In return, it equips a candidate with practical skills so valued by employers, including those in problem-solving, financial analysis, and reporting. It builds up their confidence to navigate complex financial situations and be able to thrive in the international markets, hence why FinTram Global wants to support every stage of the journey, empowering candidates to face new challenges.
With FinTram Global, take your career to the next level and shine out in the global marketplace. Apply for CPA Certification today and unlock endless career opportunities!
