US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is one of the most premier and sought -after professional finance certifications of the USA. A qualified US CPA is recognized and employable in more than 140+ countries across the globe and hence the growing demands for the same.
The US CPA certification is awarded by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, USA), the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession since 1887. The license however is granted by the respective State Board in the USA from where a candidate has applied for.
A frequent query raised by prospective US CPA aspirants is as to whether they would able to prepare and appear for the qualifying exams from India, without travelling to the US. Today we will attempt to clear some common misconceptions about the US CPA certification and will also shed some light on how you can secure this certification from within India, through 6 simple steps:
1.Understand US CPA:
The US CPA consists of 4 paper exams and to clear it the candidate must obtain a minimum mark of 75 per paper. The course can be completed in a period of 12 to 15 months. However skilled and dedicated candidates can successfully finish the program within a 12 month period.
2. Preliminary assessment of eligibility of US CPA:
A candidate has to have a minimum of 120 credits to take up the CPA examination. A candidate’s eligibility is to be assessed before taking up the CPA exams. Every State in the US has its own set of rules and regulations and it is preferred that a candidate gets his / her evaluated by an expert before joining the program. In case a candidate is found ineligible, there are alternative options (bridge courses) which can be done to make them.
3. Enroll for the US CPA program and prepare under the guidance of qualified mentors:
The US CPA exam is predominantly objective in nature. Accuracy is obviously an important factor if you wish to score well in these exams. The students need to develop the skill of thinking on their feet. The exams are of 4 hours each and so Speed becomes another important factor. In order to acquire this deadly combination of Speed and Accuracy, candidates need to have right guidance and training from competent professionals.
Aspiring candidates need to decide on an Academy to join for training after appropriate due diligence So, choose an academy that has competent trainers who can deliver guaranteed results using proven scientific learning methodologies. This is important because the structure of the exams is quite different from a typical Indian Professional Certification and hence utilizing the services of experts will always be helpful in clearing the exams early..
4. Get official assessment and State registration completed for US CPA:
Candidates need to get their transcripts or credentials evaluated by an official agency. Once they receive confirmation from a State Board that they are eligible to take up the exams, they can apply and pay the required fees to the relevant State Board of Accountancy. Point to note is that while the exams are the same across the Board, each State has their own set of rules and regulations with regards to eligibility criteria. This is where a good training academy can make a difference, as it can guide the candidate in zeroing in on the right State Board of Accountancy. A competent training academy would be able to guide the candidate in all the processes that are needed.
5. Apply for examination & Prometric Registration of US CPA:
Determine and pay the required fee for the exams. Once the required fee is paid (including the International Testing Fees), the candidate would receive what is called the Notice to Schedule (NTS) from the State Board of Accountancy. Once the candidate receives the NTS, he or she can schedule the exams in the Prometric Center from where they would prefer to take the exams. It is important to note that the NTS is valid only for a period of 6 months and hence the candidate has to plan in obtaining the NTS based on his preparation schedule.
6. Take up your US CPA exam with confidence:
The US CPA exam is divided into three parts – Multiple Choice Questions, Task Based Questions and Written communication. Each section of the CPA Exam is a rigorous assessment of the minimum technical knowledge and skills required for licensure. You’ll take one section at a time so make sure to use all the resources and tools available to you, including the CPA Exam Blueprints and the CPA Exam Sample Tests. Once ample preparation is done under the tutelage of able mentors, take the exam with confidence.
The fast growing Indian economy is attracting a lot of foreign investors and multinational corporations. There is an increasing demand for qualified Accounting and Finance professionals with specialized certifications. Simultaneously, Indian conglomerates who are competing to be listed on NASDAQ https://www.nasdaq.com/, are adopting International standards. This throws open a wide array of opportunities and there is an ever-growing need for qualified CPA’s.
The US CPA certification distinguishes the candidate from the crowd and gives him/her a competitive edge. You can now prepare for the exams from within the confines of your home through online courses and can appear for the exams at any one of the approved Pro-metric testing centers in India.
Get in touch with FINSPIRE Academy a reputed US CPA Coaching Institute to partner with you on a journey that can Transform your life. The job opportunities in India for a qualified US CPA are increasing day by day. Visit www.finspireacademy.com or mail to info@finspireacademy.com for more information on how to successfully qualify for the US CPA and get into better career.
