CPA Exam Requirements by State: What You Need to Know

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is a highly respected accounting credential recognized globally. While the certification is granted by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), it is recognized in several countries across the world, including India.

If you are considering pursuing a career in accounting in India, obtaining the CPA certification can be a valuable addition to your resume. In this blog, we will cover the requirements and eligibility criteria for taking the CPA exam in India.

CPA Educational Requirements:

The minimum requirements to take the CPA exam in India include obtaining a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a focus on accounting or business. The degree must consist of at least 120 credit hours, and it should include a minimum of 24 credit hours in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. Additionally, a master’s degree in accounting or a related field can also satisfy the educational requirements for the CPA exam.

CPA Age Requirements: 

There is no minimum age requirement for taking the CPA exam in India. However, the candidate must be at least 18 years old to register for the exam.

CPA Residency Requirements:

There are no residency requirements to take the CPA exam in India. However, candidates must provide a valid passport as proof of identity.

CPA Graduation Requirements:

To be eligible for the CPA certification, candidates must complete at least 150 credit hours of coursework. This typically involves a bachelor’s degree, followed by an additional year of study that meets the credit hour requirement. Candidates who have not completed the 150 credit hours of coursework can still take the CPA exam, but they cannot obtain the certification until they have completed the additional coursework.

CPA Ethics Requirements: 

The AICPA requires all candidates to pass the Ethics Exam as a part of the certification process. The Ethics Exam is a self-study course and exam that covers ethical and professional standards for CPAs in the United States. 

CPA Exam in India: 

The CPA exam in India is conducted at Prometric testing centers. The testing centers are located in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bangalore. The exam is administered in English and consists of four parts, which must be completed within 16 months.

CPA USA Course Details: 

The CPA certification program consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. Each section of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and written communication tasks.

In conclusion, Preparing for the CPA Exam may be intense, but it is worth the effort. A CPA career can lead to positions such as audit or tax manager, senior associate, finance manager, or consultant. Obtaining the CPA certification can be a valuable addition to your accounting career in India. To be eligible for the certification, candidates must meet the educational, age, and experience requirements, complete 150 credit hours of coursework, and pass the CPA exam. With proper preparation and dedication, you can successfully obtain the CPA certification and advance your career as an accountant in India.