The CPA USA eligibility is the first thing every US CPA aspirant needs to consider. In the USA, eligibility requirements that differ between states must be satisfied in order to apply to take the CPA exam. These requirements are usually educational, professional, and occasionally territorial. You need to know these eligibility criteria in order to plan your route to becoming a CPA. US CPA exam eligibility is open to both domestic and international candidates, including ACCA, etc. Eligibility criteria are different from the conditions for CPA USA, and not all ACCA members are equally qualified to undertake the CPA exam. If you are planning to become a CPA, then you should make sure that you have satisfied all of the CPA USA eligibility requirements in order to complete the process.
CPA USA Eligibility Requirements
The contents of the CPA USA eligibility requirements need to satisfy certain eligibility requirements before you can sit for the CPA exam in the USA. They are determined by the individual state boards of accountancy in the US and vary a bit depending on where you want to take the exam. The educational and professional requisites vary between state accountancy boards. In general, the eligibility to take the CPA exam USA is based on the following factors:
- Educational Qualifications: The majority of states demand 150 semester hours of college credits, which entails coursework in accounting and related fields.
- Experience Requirements: The majority of states also stipulate that candidates must have work experience in the field, often under the guidance of a licensed CPA. This is usually between 1 and 2 years.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years of age at a minimum, but there is no maximum age requirement to apply for the CPA exam.
- Residency: Though many states permit non-residents to sit for the exam, some states require candidates to be a resident in the state or have a work affiliation.
- State-Specific Rules: As mentioned above, these requirements may differ slightly from state to state. You’ll want to verify with the state board regarding local rules and regulations.
CPA USA Education Requirement
From the CPA USA eligibility requirements, one of the factors is to comply with the education requirements where you are planning to appear for the exam. These educational prerequisites can include
- A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college
- At least 150 semester hours of education. That’s more than the typical 120 hours it takes to complete a traditional bachelor’s degree.
All states require CPA candidates to pass the CPA exam and have 150 semester hours of education, but most states also mandate applicants to have completed certain coursework in accounting, business law and other applicable fields. Courses may cover financial accounting, auditing, tax, and strategic management accounting. Those completing baccalaureates with fewer than 150 semester hours may be required to complete additional hours to satisfy minimum education requirements.
CPA USA Eligibility for ACCA Holders
As an ACCA holder, you may be interested in knowing where it fits in the CPA USA requirements. The good news is that, as an ACCA member, you may be able to take the CPA exam in the US.
If ACCA is your background education, then first, you need to confirm how many academic credits you have earned, and you may need to evaluate these credits with the USA education system. Although ACCA is an internationally recognized qualification but in some countries, some states demand some more additional exams or education apart from ACCA to be qualified for the CPA exam.
Individuals who hold qualifications from ACCA might also be required to complete some courses or show an equivalent U.S. education, for example, in the field of taxation or business law, which might not match each country’s regulations. If you’re an ACCA member, check the requirements of the individual state board to see how your qualifications will transfer and whether you may need to take additional coursework to become eligible to sit for the CPA exam.
- The 150 credit-hour requirement isn’t met solely by taking ACCA.
- Even the combination of such a B.Com + ACCA might be insufficient in giving the required credits.
- ACCA + M.Com or MBA, assist in CPA eligibility.
- For CPA, there is no exemption from exams for ACCA.
- You must have your academic credentials evaluated by either the NASBA or a NACES-approved agency.
- The international candidates are better off in some US states where they have relaxed rules.
- Minimum: One to two years of experience working for a licensed CPA.
- ACCA and CPA dual qualification enhances career openings in worldwide accounting.
- ACCA does not have an official MOU or fast-track program with US CPA.
How to Fulfill the CPA USA Eligibility Criteria?
Satisfying the CPA USA eligibility criteria is a must for all those who want to make a career as a Certified Public Accountant in the United States. The core requirements are quite broad, but there are additional factors required based on which state board of accountancy you are applying to. Here’s how you can do that.
Education and Coursework
The key to being eligible for CPA USA is the required education. You must have received a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, preferably with a major in accounting, business administration, finance or a related field such as business law, economics, or government. In order to satisfy the 150-semester-hour requirement, students have to go back to college and get a master’s in accounting or business administration after they graduate with their bachelor’s.
This is how you can meet the education requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Obtain a bachelor’s degree from a school that is accredited. A preferable degree to hold is in accounting, business or ethics.
- Additional Credits: Take more courses if your degree is not 150 hours. This requirement is satisfied by the majority of candidates through a master’s degree in accounting or business.
- State-Specific Coursework: You need to review the requirements of the state that you wish to become licensed in to verify that you have taken all required courses that may include auditing, taxation and business law.
Professional Experience
You also need to have met the work requirement in addition to the academic requirement. Usually, this involves working with a licensed CPA for an agreed-upon amount of time (usually one or two years). Here’s what to do to meet this requirement:
- Work under a CPA: For experience, you’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed CPA in either a public accounting firm or a company that has an accounting department.
- Document Your Experience: Make sure that you have some real work experience, and that work is well-documented and can be verified. This can be critical to achieving eligibility for realization in the USA.
CPA USA Requirements by Specific US States
Each state in the United States has its own CPA USA eligibility requirements. It’s important to review the guidelines of the specific state’s board of accountancy before you apply. Although the overall CPA exam USA eligibility is the same for all states, some specific details may vary as follows:
Residency Requirements
Some states may require residency or employment in that state to sit for the exam. But many states also permit out-of-towners to take the exam.
Work Experience
Most states require anywhere from 1 to 2 years of supervised experience, but the details vary, with alternative training possible in some states or opportunities to waive certain requirements for international applicants.
Education Equivalency
The educational requirements vary from state to state; some require the maximum number of hours possible, while some states allow very flexible options, particularly for candidates who have obtained ACCA or other overseas qualifications.
Additional Requirements
There are some states with other exams or certifications that it is a requirement to have in addition to the CPA USA requirements.
State Board Verification
Before you start your CPA journey, you should check with the state board of accountancy in the state in which you plan to take the exam. Every state is going to be a little different and have extra requirements. The best bet is to check on the official website of the state board and find out the most recent, official information on who is eligible.
Applying for the CPA Exam in the United States
After you qualify for the US CPA, it is time to apply for the CPA exam. The standard application procedure is as follows:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Before applying, you should ensure that you meet all of the state’s academic, work experience, or other requirements.
- Submit Your Application: You will apply through the state’s board of accountancy or a third-party test administrator (like NASBA— National Association of State Boards of Accountancy).
- Submit Transcripts: You will be required to send your official academic transcripts to meet the 150-hour requirement and for additional coursework completed.
- Schedule Your Exam: Once your eligibility is verified, register for the examination with the appropriate testing centre.
CPA USA Eligibility FAQs
1. Which students are eligible to pursue US CPA course?
Anyone who has a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, along with 150 semester hours of education, can apply. You also typically need work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
2. How do I qualify for the CPA exam?
You need 150 or more semester hours, an undergraduate degree, and some relevant work experience. Each state can have different requirements.
3. Can an Indian do CPA in the USA?
Yes, Indians can pursue a CPA in the USA if they are able to fulfil the education and work experience levels. They also may have to earn more credits to reach American standards.
4. Is work experience required to become a CPA?
Yes. Most U.S. states require 1–2 years of work experience under a licensed CPA, which can be completed before or after passing the CPA exams.
5. Who is paid more CA or CPA?
CPAs tend to make more in global roles and when in U.S.-based jobs. Domestic CAs may earn more in India, depending on experience.
