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The CPA is an accounting certification for many places in the world, including the United States. It usually takes 1- 2 years to complete the CPA course depending on the program taken. It entail passing of 4 tests namely: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) and Regulation (REG). It includes most of the accounting, auditing, taxation, business law and ethics subjects needed to qualify for a CPA license. The number of semesters differs between universities but the majority of full-time programs can be accomplished in one year and half.
Some of these entrance exams are allowed for one to Further their studies and take a CPA course. Besides a bachelor’s degree, other tests accepted include the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Some universities may also accept the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as an entry requirement for CPA program. Besides entrance test, practical experience in accounting, business or any related field will increase the likelihood of getting admission into competitive CPA certification programs. Some of the states in the US might have slight differences regarding the course structure and entrance requirements.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Certified Public Accountant |
| Duration | Varies depending on individual study pace, typically 12-18 months |
| Course Level | Professional Certification |
| Eligibility | Bachelor's degree with specific accounting and business credits (may require bridge course) |
| Top Colleges | Not applicable (CPA is a professional certification, not a degree program) |
| Entrance Exam | Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, FAR, BEC, REG) |
1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or any relevant field with specific accounting coursework credits.
2. Pursue a Uniform CPA Exam and be successful in all of the 4 parts in 18 months.
3. Must have 1-2 years of professional work experience performing the duties of a licensed CPA.
4. This particular is evidenced by the need to pass an ethics exam on the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
5. Obtain your state CPA license by applying for it.
6. Continuing education requirements: 40 hours of continuing professional education for active license status each year.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Auditing and Attestation | Auditing Standards, Risk Assessment, Internal Control, Audit Procedures, Reporting, Audit Sampling, Audit Documentation |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting | Financial Statements, Accounting Standards, Asset Recognition, Revenue Recognition, Leases, Inventory, Cash and Accounts Receivable, Property, Plant, and Equipment |
| Regulation | Taxation, Business Law, Ethics, Professional Responsibility, Federal Taxation, State and Local Taxation |
| Business Environment and Concepts | Business Structure, Economic Concepts, Financial Management, Information Systems, Business Strategy, Financial Markets |
| Accounting and Reporting - Governmental | Governmental Accounting, Budgeting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Governmental Funds, Proprietary Funds |
| Accounting and Reporting - Not-for-Profit | Not-for-Profit Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Non-Profit Entities, Charitable Organizations |
| College Name | Location | Average CTC (per annum) |
|---|---|---|
| Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) | New Delhi | ₹ 6,50,000 - ₹ 10,00,000 |
| The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of India (ICPAI) | Mumbai | ₹ 7,00,000 - ₹ 11,50,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Ahmedabad | Ahmedabad | ₹ 8,00,000 - ₹ 15,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Bangalore | Bangalore | ₹ 7,50,000 - ₹ 14,00,000 |
| Indian Institute of Management (IIM) - Calcutta | Kolkata | ₹ 7,00,000 - ₹ 13,50,000 |
| Delhi University - Faculty of Commerce and Business | New Delhi | ₹ 6,00,000 - ₹ 10,50,000 |
| Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics | Mumbai | ₹ 5,50,000 - ₹ 9,50,000 |
| Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) | New Delhi | ₹ 6,50,000 - ₹ 11,00,000 |
| Loyola College | Chennai | ₹ 5,00,000 - ₹ 9,00,000 |
| St. Xavier's College | Kolkata | ₹ 5,50,000 - ₹ 9,50,000 |
