What is a CPA Course: Eligibility in India, Duration, and More
If you are looking forward to building a career in CPA, you have come to the right place. This blog will give you all the information you need to get started. CPA or Certified Public Accountant is a broad designation and covers a lot of different areas. You can find detailed information on courses, eligibility, and career in this blog.
Certified Public Accountant Course: Highlights
The duration of the course is typically two years, although some universities offer accelerated programs that can be completed in as little as 18 months. CPAs are required to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field and must pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Upon completion of the CPA exam, CPAs must also complete a certain number of hours of continuing education every year to maintain their license. The CPA course curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law. Students also learn about ethical standards and professional responsibility.
| CPA course full form | Certified Public Accountant |
| Duration | 18 Months |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s Degree in accounting or related field + 2000 hours of work experience |
| Course Type | Certification |
| Type of Exam | Computer-based exam |
| Passing score | 75 |
| Frequency | 4 times in a year |
| Types of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions, Task-Based Simulations and Written Communication Tasks |
| CPA Exam Fee | |
| Base Salary | 7-9 Lakhs |
CPA Eligibility in India
The US CPA exam has different eligibility requirements for each state board but generally below things are required.
- One year or 150 semester hours of college coursework for gaining a CPA license. University Education in India is generally considered equivalent to 30 credits of US education.
- Earn a Master’s degree in any of the related disciplines such as Commerce, Accounting, or Finance.
- According to the requirements set by the US CPA Examination, an aspirant needs to have completed 120 credit hours of schooling.
- A minimum of 1-2 years of experience working under a CPA. The work experience requirements vary by state but typically range from one to two years.
CPA Course Duration
Students who are enrolled in the CPA course have 18 months to complete the four papers (Time limit for passing the CPA course). The course lasts between 9 and 12 months, with exams every month.
Certified Public Accountant Course Syllabus
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam is made up of four sections, each with its corresponding syllabus and exam. It is a 4-hour long exam. To achieve a passing score, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in all four sections. Candidates have 18 months to complete all sections of the test. They can select any section in any order during one open testing window.
Candidates can take as many tests as they want during the same window. We have laid out the syllabus in advance to get an idea of the topics and concepts you will need to prepare as part of your study plan. This will help ensure that you are adequately prepared for the exam and give you the best chance for success.
Paper-1: Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
- Conceptual Framework, Standard Setting and Financial Reporting
- Select Financial Statement Accounts
- Select Transactions
- State and Local Governments
Paper-2: Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
- Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and General Principles
- Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
- Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
- Forming Conclusions & Reporting
Paper-3: Regulation (REG)
- Business Law
- Individual Federal Taxation
- Property Transaction Federal Taxation
- Entity Federal Taxation
- Professional Responsibilities, Ethics, and Federal Tax Procedures
Paper-4: Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)
- Economic Concepts and Analysis
- Operations Management
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Management
- Information Technology
Fee Structure of CPA Course
- Application fees cost depend upon the state.
- Examination fee costs for each section i.e. for 4 papers. You can choose to apply for one section at a time or for all sections dispensing upon the state.
- Once you pass the CPA exam some states require you to pass the ethics exam to grant you the license which costs between $150 and $200.
| Cost | AUD | BEC | FAR | REG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $140 | – | – | – | – |
| Examination fee | Approx $193.45 (for each section) | $ 187.00 | $ 140.78 | $ 175.44 | $ 152.33 |
| Registration fee | $250 | – | – | – | – |
CPA Exam Pattern
Candidates need to obtain passing marks of 75 or more on a 0-99 scale.
Multiple-Choice Question
This uses a multi-stage testing approach called “adaptive testing.” This means that as the candidate moves through each section, the level of difficulty for the next set of questions changes based on their performance. This means that as the candidate moves through each section, the level of difficulty for the next set of questions changes based on their performance.
Task-Based Simulation
The TBSA is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and apply task-based simulations in a range of business and accounting contexts. The TBSA consists of three task-based simulations, each of which is based on a different business or accounting scenario. The tasks include preparing financial statements, performing audits, and providing tax advice. Candidates are given a set of instructions and must complete the simulation within a specified time limit.⏰
Read More: What is a CPA and What Does a CPA Do?
Written Communication
The BEC section of the CPA exam tests your ability to communicate through demonstration and creative writing, both of which will be done in a word document on the computer.
| Subject and Weightage | Time Taken | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| AUD (50% MCQ 50% TBS ) | 4 HRS | 90 questions and 7 task-based simulations |
| BEC (50% MCQ 35% TBS and 15% written communication) | 3 HRS | 72 questions and 3 written communications tasks |
| FAR (50% MCQ 50% TBS) | 4 HRS | 90 questions and 7 task-based simulations |
| REG (50% MCQ 50% TBS) | 3 HRS | 72 questions and 6 task-based simulations |
Why Invisor
Our program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field of accounting. Invisor Education is a great choice for students who are looking for a flexible learning environment. Our online courses allow students to study at their own pace and on their own schedule as well apart from live online and offline classes. This makes our program ideal for busy professionals who need to complete their CPA coursework while still working full-time.
Comprehensive curriculum
Our course comes with 400+ hours of live training (online / offline ) and 400+ hours of pre-recorded class and a self-learning platform.
Experienced Instructor
Invisor Education’s instructors are all practicing CPAs who are experts in their field and are committed to helping you succeed.
Variety of Study Aids and Resources
We also offer a variety of resources, such as practice exams and study guides, to help you succeed. Students can download the latest sample CPA USA questions.
Placement Assistance
We provide you a guaranteed placement ✅ at Big 4’s and top MNCs.
Contact us today or book a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you achieve your CPA goals.
Steps to Become a CPA
- Eligibility Criteria Evaluation
We have a team of experts who can help you with your academic evaluation, check your eligibility requirements for the CPA Exam, and submit your application. Contact us today to get started.
- Prepare for the Exam
Get ahead in your CPA Exam preparation by enrolling in our Instructor led live classes, and by downloading our latest practice questions.
- Schedule the Exam
Get Notice-To-Schedule and schedule for your CPA exam at the nearest Prometric Testing Center. Our consultants complete all the necessary paperwork.
- Pass the Exam and Apply for a License
To become a licensed CPA, you must first pass the four CPA exams as well as the ethics exam. After that, you must obtain the required work experience and then apply for your license.
FAQS On What is a CPA Course?
How much do CPA license fees cost?
Once you clear the CPA exam you have to pay a licensing fee every year costing around $50 and $500 per year depending on the state.
What is the salary of a CPA professional in India?
A fresher on average can earn around Rs. 6-7 lakhs per year. With experience, CPAs can earn up to Rs. 10 lakhs per year. CPAs working in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in smaller cities.
Can I work and study CPA course?
Yes, it’s possible to earn a CPA degree while working.
How many times can you take a CPA exam?
You can attempt the CPA exam as many times as you require. But keep in mind that, you can only complete each section once per testing time frame.
Can I do CPA after BCOM?
No, it is not possible to earn a CPA after completing just a B.Com, as it only gives 90 credits. To qualify for the exam, you must have 120 credits; to earn the license, you must have 150 credits.
