Most of the Indian Chartered Accountants ask whether is it worth doing CPA after CA?. Well, yes is the answer. The US CPA after CA opens doors to overseas opportunities. This helps Indian finance professionals reach out to countries beyond India. The US CPA license adds significant global value to the CA qualification. It will prepare the candidate for international roles and salaries better than in India. The US CPA after CA has a smooth path. You only understand accounting, taxation, and auditing. In fact, it is a huge overlap of the US CPA syllabus with that of CA. That really gives you an advantage. You can appear faster for the CPA exam and could even go for some exemptions in CPA after CA as per your state board and experience.
Why Should You Do US CPA After CA?
Indian chartered accountants who wish to expand their horizons should consider doing the CPA exam after CA. This will give them international exposure and opportunities for better job roles and chances in some of the top global firms. With the strong foundation of CA, clearing the CPA exams is made easy and fast. The dual qualification increases your demand in India and abroad, thus making your profile shine amid cutthroat competition.
Go Global
A chartered accountant knows Indian rules, whereas CPA USA covers global and American standards. This opens a pool of international job opportunities for you. The companies in the USA, UK, Middle East, and even in India are hunting professionals who know US GAAP, IFRS, and SOX; with CPA USA, you can apply to those jobs.
Get a Second License Attaining Ease
You already studied quite some tough CA subjects. Many CA topics like Audit, Financial Accounting, and Taxation are similar to CPA. So no need to start from scratch. Your time will be saved by your CA background. The mindset for tough exams is already there in you.
Increase Salary Packages
There are many pay differentials. Many Indian companies pay more to CPAs. Big 4 firms—like Deloitte, KPMG, EY, and PwC—consider dual qualified professionals with respect. If you go for US CPA after CA, you should be able to command a 30%-50% salary hike in India. Abroad, your salary may even double.
What are the Benefits of Doing US CPA After CA?
The Indian student community is asked about the benefits which might be obtained from CPA as a professional activity post-CA. Doing US CPA after CA gives a serious, substantial, strong edge at a global level to an Indian professional. It does confer international credibility to the job opportunities available and really opens a new level of opportunities. This dual qualification serves in enhancing salary as well as career growth as well as making entry into several top MNCs and global finance roles much easier. Here are the most vital ones:
Career in MNCs and Big 4
CPAs are the most preferred skills that firms catering to the US clientele are looking for. To take on the US audits, taxation and SOX compliance, and any other audit-related engagements, such candidates must have CPA post-CA qualifications.
International Mobility
This means that a CPA USA is valid in 55 jurisdictions within the United States. Other countries such as the Canadian territories, Australia, and even countries in the Middle East recognize this qualification. It will allow people to transfer easily abroad.
Faster Completion Schedule
Because CA covers many similar points, elaborating concepts for CPA is much easier. Many CAs complete their CPA in a span of 9 to 12 months. Without CA, though, the time usually exceeds that.
Higher Salaries and Promotions
In terms of finance, CAs with CPAs are promoted much faster. Also, some may make it to the level of being team leaders in their MNCs or in global finance departments or even in international assignments.
Enhanced Employment Security
Because of simulating the combined power of CA and CPA, you have an Injury indemnity. If the sluggish job market in India fails to boost the position of people in their future careers, options in US-kind of remote jobs are possible or international offers can also be considered.
US CPA after CA Eligibility and Requirements
Once you qualify in CA, you will obviously take the next step of writing US CPA. But in order for you to write it, there are some educational requirements and experience that you have to fulfill. Your CA qualification is working to meet most requirements of CPA eligibility. Here is your full view on the requirements, stepwise for CPA after CA
Basic Eligibility Criteria for CPA USA After CA
You can be eligible to sit for the CPA exam; if you have:
- 120 or 150 credit hours (as per the US state)
- Bachelor’s degree and equivalent accounting education
- Some states would consider CA under this
How CA Helps You to Qualify?
Your Indian Chartered Accountancy may give you:
- Educational credit: CA is counted like a Master’s degree in many states
- Subject match: Your CA subjects match CPA core areas
- Work experience: Many US states want 1-2 years of supervised work- CA articleship may count
Documents You May Require
When applying for US CPA after CA, below mentioned are some important academic and professional documents essential for verification of the education, experience, and eligibility for undertaking the CPA examination.
- Marksheet from class 10, 12, and graduation
- Final CA mark sheet
- ICAI membership proof
- Experience letter (for some states)
- Evaluation report from a US agency like NIES or WES
Exemptions in US CPA After CA
Many ask are there exemptions in CPA after CA. If you are a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA) from India and wondering about less time-consuming processes for USA CPA, you can be entitled to some exemptions on the basis of educational qualification and the professional experience which you possess. It is always favorable if one understands these exemptions beforehand as it will save time and labor in their journey of US CPA. Here is the answer now.
Are There Subject-Wise Exemptions?
Unlike ACCA, CPA does not give exemptions in specific subjects. All candidates must write all four tests. But, as a CA, you already studied similar topics. So, even if there are no official exemptions in CPA after CA, your prep time is diminished. There are 4 papers of the CPA exam:
- AUD (Auditing and Attestation)
- BEC (Business Environment and Concepts)
- FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)
- REG (Regulation)
Credit Hour Advantage
You may not need any other courses to meet CPA’s 150 credit hours. Many states take the Indian CA as a proxy for a post-graduate degree. So, one fulfills their criteria without taking classes. Articleship Experience
Articleship Experience
Some states will require 1-2 years of work under a CPA. Your CA articleship or post-CA job might qualify you for this, depending on the state.
US CPA After CA: Course Duration, Fees, and Examination
Pursuing CPA USA after CA opens all global career opportunities for Indian professionals. It is beneficial for understanding the duration of courses, total fee structure, and exam pattern. A planned approach directs the management of costs and timelines effectively. Let us now get into the full details of CPA USA after CA.
CPA Course Duration After CA
If you prepare part-time, you can finish CPA in 9 to 12 months. If you do full-time prep, it can take 6-8 months.
| Step | Time Required |
| US education evaluation | 4–8 weeks |
| Exam scheduling | 2–4 weeks |
| Studying all 4 papers | 6–12 weeks |
| Getting license | 4–12 weeks |
US CPA Fees for Indian CA Students
The CPA fee structure for Indian CA students comprises evaluation, exam, and training costs, each of which could make the fees look high in a single glance. But this is well worth the investment for a bright future in global careers.
| Fee Type | Cost (Approx. in INR) | Cost (Approx. in USD) |
| Evaluation and application | ₹25,000 – ₹35,000 | $300 – $420 |
| Exam fee (all 4 papers) | ₹1.3 – ₹1.5 lakh | $1,560 – $1,800 |
| CPA training classes | ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh | $960 – $1,800 |
| Total Cost | ₹2.5 – ₹3.5 lakh | $3,000 – $4,200 |
Many consider this cost low compared to the career value and international salary potential it will open.
Is It Worth Doing CPA After CA?
Many Indian CAs contemplate CPA especially to widen their career options abroad. The value of a US CPA in the international job market is second to none, especially in MNCs, and promises great salary growth and international mobility. But before you actually decide on this route, it is important to keep in mind the costs and efforts required and the long-term advantage that one might get. Yes, CPA is worth it if done after CA. The reasons are as follows:
Popular Worldwide
The CPA enjoys a worldwide reputation. It opens doors to international careers, especially if your aim is to be in the company’s books with US clients.
Dual Knowledge
You would have knowledge of both the Indian and US accounting laws. You therefore can offer guidance to companies operating in India and abroad.
Job Opportunities
With US CPA after Indian CA, you can apply for:
- Roles like US GAAP Consultants
- Financial Analyst roles in global banks
- Tax and Audit Manager jobs in MNCs
- SOX compliance roles in BPOs/KPOs
- Long-Term Career Advantage
The job market will always favor multi-skilled professionals. CPA after CA shows that you’re serious about career growth.
CPA After CA FAQs
1. What is the cumulative cost of CPA?
For students in India, CPA costs approximately between ₹2.5 lakh and ₹3.5 lakh ($3,000 to $4,200), which also includes the fees for evaluation and training.
2. Can CPA be completed in 3 months?
Well, it is possible but very tough. Most students take 9 to 12 months; 3 months would require a full-time commitment along with some knowledge of the subject.
3. Is CPA easier than CA?
The CPA exams are said to be less rigorous than the CA exams in terms of syllabus depth and length, but still require serious preparation and commitment.
4. What is the procedure for registration of CPA in India?
You need to apply via a U.S. state board to have your credentials evaluated from an approved agency and book the exams through NASBA and Prometric.
5. What salary can one expect for doing the CPA course?
An initial earning range for a CPA in India is around ₹6–12 LPA, whereas earnings in the U.S. may range between $60,000-$100,000, depending on experience and expertise.
