CPA Course in the USA: Everything International Students Need to Know
Master the Numbers, Ace the Exam!
Table of Content
- What is a CPA Course in the USA?
- Why Pursue a CPA in the USA?
- CPA Eligibility Requirements in the USA
- Exam Syllabus of the CPA Course in the USA
- CPA in the USA Exam Structure
- How to Apply for a Certified Public Accountant Course in USA?
- Fee Structure for CPA in the USA
- Top Universities for CPA in the USA
- Countries Offering International CPA Exams
- Career Prospects & Salary after a CPA Course in the USA
Wondering how a Certified Public Accountant course in USA could boost your career growth? Administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the CPA serves as a benchmark for excellence in the accounting courses in USA. The credential signifies auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance expertise.
Beyond financial rewards, accounting and finance courses offer the opportunity to work with motivated professionals in diverse industries. But what does it take to become a CPA in the USA? Let’s break down the eligibility, costs, and top universities to get you started with Certified Public Accountant training.
What is a CPA Course in the USA?
A Certified Public Accountant Course in USA is a professional accountancy certification where candidates are tested on their skills in financial accounting, financial reporting, auditing, attestation, regulations, business environments, and business concepts.
This is among the accounting courses in USA that provides expertise in tax law, auditing procedures, management practices, and financial operations, making CPAs highly valuable. They provide essential financial services, ensure regulatory compliance, and help organizations make informed financial decisions.
Why Pursue a CPA in the USA?
Earning a Certified Public Accountant Course in USA offers numerous benefits if you want to advance in your career. Some key reasons to motivate you to pursue a CPA in the USA are:
International Popularity: The CPA credential is highly respected in the accounting and finance industry worldwide.
Career Advancement: With a CPA course, doors to senior roles in accounting, finance, auditing, and taxation open.
High Salary Potential: CPAs earn 10-15% higher salaries than non-certified accountants.
Career Opportunities Widen: CPAs can work in public accounting firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth in employment for individuals with a CPA license by 2028, highlighting a strong demand for certified accounting professionals.
CPA Eligibility Requirements in the USA
You can complete the required credit hours during your undergraduate studies before entering the workforce, or you can also pursue a master’s degree, gaining additional credits and advanced qualifications.
Another path is to graduate with a four-year degree and begin studying for the CPA exam immediately. To be eligible for the Certified Public Accountant course in USA, candidates must meet the following requirements:
Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field like tax preparation and planning or auditing. Some states require 120-150 credit hours, which may necessitate a master’s degree.
Work Experience: Most states require 1-2 years of experience under a licensed CPA.
State-Specific Requirements: Each state has its own CPA eligibility requirements, so candidates must check with the State Board of Accountancy where they plan to be licensed.
Exam Syllabus of the CPA Course in the USA
The Certified Public Accountant Course in USA licensure model requires candidates to pass three Core exam sections and one Discipline exam section of their choice.
Core exam sections evaluate the fundamental knowledge and skills that all newly licensed CPAs (nlCPAs) must possess to protect the public interest. Whereas discipline exam sections assess specialized knowledge and skills relevant to a CPA’s chosen field, ensuring they are well-equipped to uphold professional standards.
| Core Examination Section | Topics for the Certified Public Accountant course in USA |
|---|---|
| Auditing & Attestation | - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and General Principles - Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response - Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence - Forming Conclusions and Reporting |
| Financial Accounting & Reporting | - Financial Reporting - Select Balance Sheet Accounts - Select Transactions |
| Taxation & Regulation | - Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Federal Tax Procedures - Business Law - Federal Taxation of Property Transactions - Federal Taxation of Individuals - Federal Taxation of Entities (including tax preparation) |
CPA in the USA Exam Structure
The Certified Public Accountant Course in USA consists of three Core sections and three Discipline sections, each lasting four hours. Here’s an outline of the exam structure and the types of questions featured in each section:
| Certified Public Accountant course in USA Exam sections | Task-Based Simulations | Multiple Choice Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Auditing & Attestation | 7 | 78 |
| Financial Accounting & Reporting | 7 | 50 |
Taxation & Regulation | 8 | 72 |
| Business Analysis and Reporting | 7 | 50 |
| Information Systems and Controls | 6 | 82 |
| Tax, Compliance, and Planning | 7 | 68 |
How to Apply for a Certified Public Accountant Course in USA?
The application process for the CPA for international students USA is easy and hassle-free. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:
Determine Your Eligibility: Visit the website to check if you meet the education requirements.
Submit Your Application: Apply through NASBA’s CPA Central portal.
Submit Documents: Submit documents for verification. Once approved, receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which is valid for six months.
Schedule Your CPA Exam Section: Use your NTS to book your exam through Prometric and start CPA exam preparation USA.
Fee Structure for CPA in the USA
The total cost of obtaining a Certified Public Accountant Course in USA varies by state. The CPA course fees that you generally pay include:
| CPA Course Fees in USA | Amount (in USD) |
|---|---|
| International Credential Evaluation for CPA Exam and/or Licensure | 240 |
| Duplicate Report | 25 |
Each year, the AICPA Foundation gives out more than USD 1 million in scholarships, with individual awards ranging from USD 1,000 to USD 15,000. Whether you're an undergrad, graduate student, CPA candidate, or even planning to earn a PhD in accounting, there is a scholarship that might be perfect for you!
Top Universities for CPA in the USA
With so many universities in the US offering accounting programs, picking the best one can feel overwhelming. You get access to the best CPA review courses USA at these universities. Here’s a list of the top undergraduate and master’s accounting programs to help you make the right choice for Certified Public Accountant training:
| CPA Exam Preparation USA Universities | Accounting Courses Offered for CPA |
|---|---|
| University of Texas at Austin | BBA, Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc), Ph.D. |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Master of Accounting Science (MSAcc), Master of Science in Tax (MSTax), MSA, Ph.D |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | BBA with Accounting major, Master of Accounting (MAcc), Ph.D. |
| University of Chicago | MBA with Accounting, Ph.D. |
| Indiana University | BS in Accounting, Master of Science in Accounting (MSA), MBA, Ph.D. |
Countries Offering International CPA Exams
The Uniform CPA Examination is offered internationally through a collaboration between the AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric. This initiative provides flexibility for qualified international candidates to take the CPA course for international students without traveling to the US, expanding global access to the credential.
To take the Uniform CPA Examination internationally, candidates must select a participating state, contact its Board of Accountancy to obtain application materials, and submit the completed application along with the CPA Course Fees in USA. Once deemed eligible, candidates receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which allows them to register for the exam at an international test center.
The foreign centers offering exams for the CPA course for international students are:
| Bahrain | Bermuda |
| Brazil | Egypt |
| England | Germany |
| India | Ireland |
| Israel | Jordan |
| Japan | Kuwait |
| Lebanon | Nepal |
| Philippines | Republic of Korea |
| Saudi Arabia | Scotland |
| United Arab Emirates |
Career Prospects & Salary after a CPA Course in the USA
The Certified Public Accountant Course in USA opens up tons of career opportunities and significantly increases your earning potential by being among the highest-paid jobs. Whether you want to work for a Big Four firm, climb the corporate ladder, or even start your accounting practice, a CPA license gives you the skills and credibility to do it all.
| CPA for International Students USA Job Roles | Job Responsibilities | Annual Average Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Accountant | Auditing, taxation, and consulting responsibilities | 75,000-80,000 |
| Corporate Accountant | Manage financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance for corporations | 78,000-85,000 |
| Forensic Accountant | Investigate financial fraud and support legal cases | 50,000-75,000 |
| Tax Consultant | Help businesses and individuals with tax planning and compliance | 60,000-120,000 |
| Internal Auditor | Assess risks and improve financial efficiency within organizations | 70,000-1,10,000 |
Completing a Certified Public Accountant Course in USA is one of the best career investments you can make. If you need comfortable and affordable accommodation while you’re at it, check out Amber Student! Explore affordable student housing near your university and focus on acing your CPA exams stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of questions are asked in the CPA Exam?
The Certified Public Accountant Course in USA exam consists of multiple testlets with different question formats. The first two testlets contain multiple-choice questions, and the next three testlets include task-based simulations.
Which states use the CPA Exam?
All 50 US states and Washington, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands use the Uniform CPA Exam for licensure. Each state has its own Board of Accountancy that sets specific eligibility and licensing requirements.
Does NASBA offer a CPA credential?
No, NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) does not issue CPA credentials. It facilitates the CPA Exam process by handling applications, score reporting, and international evaluations on behalf of state boards. Individual state boards of accountancy grant the actual CPA license.
Can I take the CPA exam without US citizenship?
Yes, you do not need to be a US citizen to take the CPA exam. Several states allow international candidates to sit for the exam, but requirements vary by state.
Can CPAs work outside the US?
Yes, CPAs can work outside the US. It is a globally recognized certification. Many multinational corporations and financial institutions value CPAs. Some countries, like Canada and Australia, have mutual recognition agreements with the US CPA credential.