Gaining Access to the US CPA Exam: Credit Hours and Testing Options

The US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam is a crucial milestone in any aspiring professional's career. However, there is no specific entrance examination for the CPA. Therefore, the process to qualify begins with acquiring the necessary credit hours. This guide will walk you through the requirements, including the credit hours needed, alternative credit options, and the new continuous testing schedule.

Understanding the Credit Hour Requirement

To pursue a CPA, you must have 120 credit hours. If you are a graduate from a regular college, you receive 90 credit hours in total. However, to meet the 120 credit hour requirement, you may need to pursue a master's program, which generally provides an additional 30 credit hours.

Alternative Credit Options

There are a couple of additional ways to achieve the 120 credit hours without a master's degree:

NAAAC Accredited Universities: If you graduated from a university that is rated AA or A by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), you will automatically receive an additional 30 credit hours for your graduation. This streamlined process can save you time and effort in pursuit of the CPA exam. CA Intermediate Passout: If you have already passed the Chartered Accountant (CA) Intermediate examination, you are also eligible to pursue the US CPA exam. This path is an excellent option for those who have already demonstrated accounting and financial knowledge through the CA Intermediate qualification.

Graduation Requirements

Your graduation should be in the commerce stream, with accountancy as one of the main subjects. This ensures that you have the foundational knowledge required for the CPA exam.

Continuous Testing Schedule for the CPA Exam

Starting the AICPA's continuous testing schedule, the CPA exams are now available year-round, allowing candidates to schedule their exams at any time according to their availability. However, for Indian students, the testing schedule remains additional dates. The next testing window is in December 2020.

Indian students can select their preferred date within the month of December, depending on the seat availability at the nearest Prometric testing center. It is highly recommended to check the AICPA's official website for detailed information and to book your exam slot in advance.

Reach Out for More Information

For detailed inquiries about the eligible credit hours or the testing schedule, do not hesitate to contact us at 8147470707. Our team is dedicated to assisting you with any questions you may have to ensure a smooth process towards your CPA certification.

Conclusion

The journey to the US CPA exam requires careful planning and compliance with the credit hour requirement. With the continuous testing schedule, you can now plan your exams more flexibly. Whether you are a graduate with a commerce background or an Indian student with additional credit options, the CPA path is achievable with the right groundwork.