Introduction:
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA) are two prominent accounting certifications, both presenting their own unique challenges and benefits. While the difficulty is subjective, differences in the number of exams and time required set these certifications apart. Let’s explore these factors and shed light on their distinctions.
The number of Exams and Time Taken:
CPA candidates must pass four rigorous exams covering various accounting and business topics: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). In contrast, becoming a CA involves three levels of exams (Foundation, Intermediate, and Final) and practical training. CPA exams are comprehensive and demand extensive knowledge.
Complementary Nature:
CPA is pursued as a complement to a university degree. Therefore, the CPA course is crisper in content and focuses only on the skills needed to be an F&A professional. On the other hand, in many countries, CA is a substitute for a university degree which makes them lengthy and time taking.
Recognizing the Value:
Both CPA and CA hold immense value and prestige, indicating dedication, expertise, and commitment to the profession. You must chose one based upon your career goals and ambition.
CA + CPA: The ultimate combination in the F&A industry:
The combination of CA and CPA is a powerhouse in the F&A industry. It opens doors to global opportunities, higher credibility, and increased earning potential. The combination helps in achieving professional excellence and broadening your career prospects.
Conclusion:
The question of whether CPA is harder than CA is subjective, as difficulty varies from person to person, and the number of exams, and time required to complete these certifications. CPA involves four comprehensive exams, while CA entails multi-level exams and practical training. Each certification has its own challenges and merits. Aspiring accountants should choose based on their career goals, personal circumstances, and regional requirements. Also, acknowledge the unique value of the combination of both. Miles Education understands the significance of this powerful duo. Hence, it is a perfect training partner for leveraging your finance career with the CA + CPA combination.
