For many Indian students, becoming a CPA in the United States is a cherished goal. US CPA registration fees depending on the state, evaluation agencies, and number of exam sections applied for. This cost includes many sections such as application fees, evaluation fees, and examination fees. While some students make payments in INR (Indian Rupees), others do it in US dollars.
What is Included in US CPA Registration Fees?
US CPA registration application fees do not correspond to a single payment. Rather, it encompasses small fees required to apply, schedule, and administrate the examinations. Each of those fees acts as an important milestone in your CPA journey. Let us examine them one by one with a hope that it would help you budget them better. The US CPA registration fees sound serious, as various charges come into the picture.
Understanding Cost Parts
Many students think that there is one fixed fee for the CPA exam. In actuality, the total CPA registration fees consist of:
- Evaluation fee: checking on documents.
- Application fee: applying to take the CPA exam.
- Exam section fee: each exam paper you register.
- International test fee: at Indian test centers.
- Re-exam or rescheduling fees: If you need to retake or reschedule an exam.
Each fee must be paid at a different point. Without notice, you cannot combine the payments in most situations.
CPA Registration and Fees Breakdown (approx.)
Slightly variable according to the state and the time of payment, these costs fluctuate as we convert CPA registration fees in INR depending on the exchange rates.
| Fee Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (INR) |
| Credential Evaluation Fee | $200 | ₹16,500 |
| Application Fee | $150 | ₹12,500 |
| Exam Section Fee (per paper) | $238.15 × 4 | ₹79,000 – ₹80,000 |
| International Testing Fee | $356 × 4 | ₹1,18,000 – ₹1,20,000 |
| CPA Course Registration Fees | $2,000 – $3,000 | ₹1,60,000 – ₹2,40,000 |
How to Pay CPA Registration Fee in India?
In India, students have to pay different CPA fees in the course of the examination process, i.e. fees to the US boards, testing services, and sometimes Indian course providers. It is also important to learn how to pay so as to refrain from unwanted delays or errors.
Use a Credit Card or Forex Card
Most of the payments regarding US CPA are made online via the websites of NASBA, evaluation agencies, or CPA state boards. The following are methods of payment accepted:
- International Debit/Credit Cards (MasterCard/VISA)
- Forex Travel Cards
- Indian Credit Cards with International Use Enabled
Ensure that the card has an adequate limit. Also, do not use someone else’s card to avoid trouble later on.
Important Payment Tips
- Always keep a receipt for the transaction.
- Always check the fee before paying.
- Never pay without checking official websites.
- For feasibility planning purposes, try to use an INR to USD calculator .
If your bank stops the transaction, you may call them to allow international payments.
Refund Policy
Most of the CPA registration fees do not have an option for refund. If you miss the deadline or simply change your mind, you may just find your money gone. So always read the refund policy on each page where payment is made.
CPA Registration Fees in India vs USA: Key Differences?
Many students are confused regarding where and how CPA fees are paid. Some fees are paid in India and some to agencies in the USA. Still are equally important for securing one’s CPA. Now, we shall clearly distinguish between the two.
CPA Registration Fees in India
When Indian students talk about CPA registration fees in India, they mean:
- Making a payment from India in INR
- Making a payment to coaching institutes for CPA course registration fees
- Making payments for document attestation, courier, and transcript request fees
These are ancillary charges not directly charged by US bodies but are still included in your overall CPA budget.
CPA Fees Paid to US Bodies
These ARE official fees and must be paid in USD. These are common for every CPA aspirant around the world; hence both parts are needed: one for applying in the USA and the other for completing steps from India. These include:
- NASBA application and exam fees
- International testing fees
- Evaluation agency charges
State-Wise US CPA Registration And Exam Fees
Every state in the US fixes its own CPA registration and examination fees. The Indian students therefore have to apply through a state board, based on the rules and costs of that state. The fees vary, depending on the state all of you choose. Let us compare the most common states for Indian applicants.
Top CPA States for Indian Students
They were carved states on the loose rules for international students. Here are some common US states picked by Indian students:
- Colorado
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- Alaska
- Illinois
State-Wise Fees Comparison
Most states have similar exam fees per paper, but the application and evaluation fees vary. Besides, while in some states, Indian B.Com + M.Com are taken as 150 credit hours, in others, additional credit support is needed.
| US States | Application Fee | Evaluation Fee | International Testing Fee | Section Fees |
| Colorado | $150 | $200 | $356 | $238.15 |
| New Hampshire | $225 | $200 | $356 | $238.15 |
| Montana | $150 | $200 | $356 | $238.15 |
Tips to Save on CPA Registration and Fees
The CPA exam, of course, can be very costly; this effect is a little worse in the case of international students, but with proper planning, you can easily cut down those unnecessary expenses. Here are some very easy tips for you that could help your cause along with CPA.
Apply for All Four Papers at Once
Applying for all four CPA papers together should be done when planning an exam time of between 6-9 months for these papers. It will save on application or scheduling fees owing to the number of applications.
Use Evaluation Packages
Some education providers also include evaluation support in their CPA course registration fees. Choose such packages to avoid paying charges multiple times.
Plan Your Exam Calendar
Missing exam windows would entail resubmission of fees for the exam section or cost of rescheduling. Be sure to plan well, prepare fully, and book smartly.
Pay Attention to Less Expensive States
For instance, there is a lesser amount charged on CPA application fees by Montana or Alaska as compared to other states. Therefore, always do the comparison before choosing your board.
CPA Registration Fee or Exam Fee: Which Is Higher?
Exam fees are a common query. But practically speaking, when all expenses are calculated, the CPA exam fees take the lion’s share. For four papers, individually, you spend about $952 just as exam fees. But overall, the CPA registration and fees could amount to over $3,000. Both are important, yet they are not the same.
- CPA registration fees refer to charges like application and evaluation.
- The CPA exam fee is the fee charged for each exam section you attempt.
CPA Registration Fees FAQs
1. What is the total cost of CPA?
Total CPA costs vary between ₹4.5 lakh and ₹5.5 lakh for Indian students. Exam fees, course fees, and other charges are included in this figure.
2. Can I do CPA in 3 months?
If prepared well, CPA is doable in 3 months of study. However, the average CPA student spends 6 to 12 months preparing for it. You need to schedule your time for fast study and quick exam bookings.
3. Is CPA easier than CA?
Yes, in the opinion of many Indian students, CPA is easier compared with CA. It has a lesser number of papers and an equally focused syllabus compared to CA in India.
4. How do I register for CPA in India?
You can apply for registration through the NASBA Website on a US state board. The evaluation, application, and examination steps are all completed from India online.
5. What is the CPA course salary?
In India and overseas, starting salary for a CPA may range from ₹6 lakh to ₹12 lakh annually. Salaries later on increase with experience and jobs, especially in MNCs.
