The US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is one of the most prestigious accounting designations in the world. Awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), it is the only license that permits professionals to provide accounting services to the public in the United States. Widely regarded as the gold standard in accounting, the CPA credential unlocks global opportunities, fueled by the strength of the US economy and the worldwide presence of American corporations.
Why Pursue CPA?
India already boasts its own highly respected program—the Chartered Accountancy (CA) qualification offered by ICAI. So, why should one look at CPA?
The answer lies in long-term career growth and global exposure. A professional career is built over years, and making the right choices early helps in standing out. Here’s why pursuing a CPA can be a game-changer, even for students in India:
Recognition as an expert in advanced global accounting standards.
Opportunities with international companies like PepsiCo, Xerox, and Accenture.
Just four exams to clear, which can be completed within 12 months.
Greater chances of working in the USA and other international markets.
Structure of the CPA Course
The CPA qualification requires candidates to pass four sections:
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
Regulation (REG)
Each section includes multiple-choice questions, simulations, and written communication tasks, testing a candidate’s knowledge and practical skills.
Students can attempt the exams in any order, but all four must be cleared within 18 months. Since the exams are conducted throughout the year across multiple testing windows, candidates enjoy flexibility in planning their attempts.
Career Benefits of Becoming a CPA
With globalization and the rise of multinational corporations in India, there is strong demand for professionals with knowledge of foreign accounting standards such as US GAAP.
Leading firms including JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs, and Citigroup actively hire CPAs in India. Moreover, nearly 25% of Fortune 500 companies are US-based, creating tremendous demand for professionals skilled in US accounting practices.
In India, CPAs working in MNCs often earn 30–40% higher salaries compared to peers with other accounting qualifications.
Popular career avenues after CPA include:
Audit and Assurance Services
Foreign Accounting
Internal and External Auditing
Consulting and Advisory Services
Taxation and Financial Planning
Eligibility Criteria
To sit for the CPA exam and eventually obtain a license, candidates must meet certain credit requirements:
CPA Exam Eligibility: 120 CPE credits
CPA License: 150 CPE credits
On average, each year of college study equals 30 credits.
Some common pathways include:
B.Com + 1-Year Diploma = 120 credits
B.Com + CA Inter/ICWAI Inter/CS Executive = 120 credits
B.Com + M.Com (2 Years) = 150 credits
B.Com + MBA = 150 credits
B.Com + CA/ICWA/CS = 150 credits
Graduates from other disciplines—BBA, BA, BCA, B.Tech—are also eligible.
If a candidate’s degree amounts to only 90 credits (3 years), they can pursue a 1-year accounting diploma from a recognized university to meet the 120-credit requirement.
Conclusion
The US CPA designation is not just another certification—it’s a passport to global career opportunities in accounting and finance. With only four exams, flexible scheduling, and strong demand from multinational corporations, CPA offers an excellent career boost for students and professionals in India.
Whether your ambition is to work with leading global firms, command higher salaries, or build an international career, CPA can help you achieve your goals and stand out in the competitive world of finance and accounting.