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For those who would like to find out how to become a CPA, begin with the qualifications required for becoming one. The US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification can support careers in auditing, taxation, financial reporting and financial advisory services.
Indian students and professionals who want to become US CPAs have to meet education criteria of a US jurisdiction, pass four parts of the exam, and satisfy the relevant licensure criteria.
What Is a US CPA?
US Certified Public Accountant is an accounting professional who has met the educational, examination, experience, and other criteria for licensing. CPAs can be involved in activities such as auditing, taxation, accounting, and financial advising.
The CPA licence is issued by individual US state boards of accountancy. Therefore, US CPA requirements can vary depending on the jurisdiction where you apply.
How to Become a CPA from India
Indian candidates can follow these steps to understand the US CPA qualification process.
Step 1: Check Your CPA Eligibility Requirements
Start by discussing the eligibility requirements of the CPAs in India in the jurisdiction that you have chosen. Your educational credentials will affect your eligibility to become a CPA.
Either a BCom, MCom, MBA or any other professional certification may be considered as part of the required educational qualifications; however, not all applications shall automatically qualify. Specific courses related to accounting or business may be required in certain areas.
Step 2: Get Your Educational Credentials Evaluated
In case an Indian student requires a foreign credential assessment, to analyse how their educational system compares to the American system of education, they may need to provide a degree certificate and transcripts.
Follow the rules of your state about the acceptable evaluation agencies and how to submit the documentation. Evaluation can help the board determine if you meet the criteria, but ultimately the board will decide.
Step 3: Apply for the US CPA Exam
Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, fill out the examination application and make payment for the same. Upon approval, you get a Notice to Schedule (NTS) to take up the examination as authorized.
India has been identified as one of the international testing centres by NASBA. It is, however, important that you undertake the necessary scheduling procedures for your qualification.
Step 4: Pass All Four CPA Exam Sections
The US CPA Exam has three Core sections and one selected Discipline section. Each section has four hours of testing time.
Exam Section | Main Focus |
Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | Auditing procedures and professional responsibilities |
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | Financial accounting and reporting standards |
Regulation (REG) | US taxation and business law |
One Discipline | Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) |
Candidates have to pass AUD, FAR, and REG and then pick one Discipline according to their likes and capabilities.
Preparing for the CPA exam in the United States involves having to review the actual test blueprint, sample questions, and tests. Through revisions, one will be able to identify their weaknesses.
Step 5: Meet the CPA Licensing Requirements
However, just passing all the four examinations does not necessarily mean that one will obtain their CPA certification. It is also necessary to meet the requirements for licensing from your own jurisdiction.
The requirements will vary depending on the situation; therefore, ensure that you know the standards before applying for licensing.
Step 6: Apply for Your CPA Licence
In case you have fulfilled all the requirements, you can then apply for the license through the board responsible in your state. When needed, please include your education and test results.
The reviewing process includes the review of your application by the board to ascertain if you qualify for licensing.
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How Much Does It Cost to Become a CPA from India?
Your total cost will depend on your location, credential evaluation fees, application fees, test fees, and other licensing costs.
NASBA's international testing page lists an additional fee of US$460 per section for India. For four sections, this totals US$1,840, excluding applicable domestic examination and other fees.
Also budgeting for credential evaluation, coaching, course materials, retakes, and currency exchange is necessary. Be sure to verify the cost schedule for fees from the official sources before applying, as costs vary.
How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA?
It would take time for an individual to become a CPA depending on the educational level, qualifications, preparedness for the tests, and the amount of work experience. If an individual needs many classes and work experience, it will take longer for him/her to qualify.
Check your eligibility first; then, you may plan your study timetable accordingly according to your college and job time schedule.
How Can Indian Candidates Prepare for the CPA Exam?
Let’s begin by examining how the test blueprint is broken down into more manageable learning goals. Utilize practice tests and simulations in those areas where you are having difficulty.
CPA exam preparation courses are structured courses that offer lessons, studying material, and practice questions to candidates preparing for the CPA exam. KC GlobEd provides CPA preparation material to candidates interested in qualifying as a CPA in the US. Please go through the course details to know more.
FAQs About Becoming a CPA
Can an Indian student become a US CPA?
Indeed. Indians would be able to undertake this course provided that they meet the necessary requirements of the jurisdiction.
Is a BCom degree enough to become a CPA?
Not necessarily. It could assist you to be qualified, but accepted credits and other academic qualifications will vary depending on where you are located.
How many exams are required to become a CPA?
The candidates need to clear four subjects: AUD, FAR, REG and one chosen Discipline subject.
Can I take the US CPA Exam in India?
Yes. However, to test at India, one needs to be qualified first by the participating jurisdiction and then go through the scheduling process.
Conclusion
In order to find out how to get certified as a CPA from India, one should consider his or her educational qualifications and take any additional examinations that are necessary. Passing all four examinations and meeting the licensing criteria is another important step.
