EduAtal
FOR THE BEST US CPA COACHING IN INDIA

1) Eligibility Requirements:

1. Educational Qualification:
   • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is typically required.
   • 120 credit points to make you eligible to sit for the exam
   • 150 credit points to fetch a licence (in part License requirement)
   • Specific coursework in accounting and business-related subjects may be mandated, varying by state.
2. Professional Experience: (License requirement)
   • Most states require 1–2 years of relevant accounting experience, which can be obtained in public accounting, industry, government, or academia.
3. Ethics Examination:
   • Some states mandate the successful completion of an ethics exam, often administered by the AICPA, to assess a candidate’s understanding of professional conduct standards.
4. Residency Requirements:
   • Certain jurisdictions may have residency requirements, necessitating candidates to be residents, employees, or have an office in the state where they seek licensure.

2) Exam Structure:

The CPA Exam is structured into four sections, each focusing on different areas of accounting and finance:

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD):
   • Covers topics related to auditing processes, including planning, internal controls, evidence collection, and reporting.
2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR):
   • Deals with financial statement preparation and reporting for various entities, including standards and regulations.
3. Regulation (REG):
   • Encompasses federal taxation, ethics, professional responsibilities, and business law.
4. Discipline Exam:
   • As part of the CPA licensure pathway, candidates are required to complete one Discipline Exam to demonstrate advanced proficiency in a chosen area of accounting. You may specialize in one of the following three disciplines:
   • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Focuses on complex individual and entity tax compliance, strategic tax planning, and tax research. Ideal for candidates aiming for careers in taxation, advisory, or public accounting.
   • Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Emphasizes IT governance, data security, system controls, and risk management. Best for those interested in accounting and technology roles like IT audit or systems advisory.
   • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Covers advanced financial analysis, reporting frameworks, and performance management. Designed for careers in corporate finance, controllership, or financial planning and analysis.

3) Number of Questions:

• Each exam section comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). The exact number of questions varies by section.

Time Allocation:

• Each exam section is allotted 4 hours, totaling 16 hours for all four sections.

Marking Scheme:

• Each section is scored on a scale from 0 to 99, with a passing score of 75.

Exam Progression:

• Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling period, beginning from the date the first passed section was taken.

4) Exam Syllabus:

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD):
   • Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and General Principles
   • Assessing Risk and Developing a Planned Response
   • Performing Further Procedures and Obtaining Evidence
   • Forming Conclusions and Reporting
2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR):
   • Conceptual Framework, Standard-Setting, and Financial Reporting
   • Select Financial Statement Accounts
   • Select Transactions
   • State and Local Governments
3. Regulation (REG):
   • Ethics, Professional Responsibilities, and Federal Tax Procedures
   • Business Law
   • Federal Taxation of Property Transactions
   • Federal Taxation of Individuals
   • Federal Taxation of Entities

5) Fees Structure:

1. Application Fee:
   • A one-time fee ranging from $50 to $200, depending on the state board.
2. Examination Fees:
   • Approximately $365 per exam section, totaling around $1,460 for all four sections.
3. Registration Fees:
   • Fees vary by state and may be tiered based on the number of sections registered at once. For example, registering for one section may cost between $75 and $100.
4. Ethics Exam Fee:
   • If required, this fee varies by state.
5. Licensing Fee:
   • Upon passing the exam and meeting experience requirements, a licensing fee is required, varying by jurisdiction.

6) Course Duration:

The duration to complete the CPA certification varies based on individual preparation and scheduling but generally follows this timeline:

• Education:
  • Completing the 150 semester hours typically takes 4–5 years.
• Exam Preparation:
  • Candidates often spend 6–12 months preparing for and passing all four exam sections.
• Experience Requirement:
  • Gaining the required 1–2 years of professional experience can occur before, during, or after.

7) Benefits of CPA Certification

1. Enhanced Earning Potential:
   • CPAs often command higher salaries than non-certified accountants, with potential lifetime earnings significantly increased.
2. Increased Job Opportunities and Security:
   • The CPA credential opens doors to diverse roles in public accounting, corporate finance, government, and non-profit sectors.
3. Professional Prestige and Recognition:
   • Attaining CPA status demonstrates a commitment to the profession and adherence to high ethical and professional standards.
4. Career Flexibility and Mobility:
   • The CPA designation is recognized across the U.S. and internationally, facilitating career mobility and opportunities in various industries.