Are you wondering if taking a CPA certification course is worth it? Then, this guide is for you.
Over time, auditing sectors have gained significant importance, which is where a CPA comes in handy. CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, help a business grow. They manage everything from internal auditing to financial planning and accounting. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of accounting principles and financial management.
Many reputed universities offer a CPA certification course, and CPAs often land jobs with attractive salaries. Did you know that a CPA’s starting salary can be almost INR 4.1 lakhs? If you’re excited to learn about the course details and exam structure, read on!
Who is eligible for the CPA certification course?
The eligibility criteria vary between the USA aspirants and the rest of the world. The differences are in consent agreement, documentation, etc. Here are some of the standard eligibility criteria:
- You must have a graduation degree or its equivalent from a reputed university.
- You have to complete 150 hours of CPA semester to earn your licence.
- Any experience under a reputed CPA is an added advantage.
- If you’re an Indian candidate, you must be an ICAI, ICMAI, or ICSI member.
- You can also hold an MBA or any relevant commerce degree.
What is the CPA certification course exam like?
The CPA certification course exam takes approximately 16 hours and has 4 sections. Here are the details:
| Paper | Details | Duration |
| 1 | Auditing and Attestation or AUD | 4 hours |
| 2 | Financial Accounting and Reporting or FAR | 4 hours |
| 3 | Regulation or REG | 4 hours |
| 4 | Business Environment and Concepts or BEC | 4 hours |
Each section asks three types of questions: multiple-choice, task-based, and written communication. There’s no fixed order for attending the sections. However, each section is time-bound.
Here’s the question pattern for the CPA certification course exam:
| Question type | AUD | FAR | REG | BEC |
| MCQs or multiple-choice questions | 50% | 50% | 50% | 50% |
| TBSs or task-based questions | 50% | 50% | 50% | 35% |
| WCTs or written communication tasks | NIL | NIL | NIL | 15% |
You can take up to 18 months to complete all four sections, during which you can take as many attempts as you want.
CPA certification course structure
Here’s the detailed syllabus for the CPA certification course:
| Core area | Content |
| AUD |
|
| FAR |
|
| REG |
|
| BEC |
|
Your CPA exam centres
As of 2021, you can take the CPA exam from any of these eight centres in India:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Calcutta
- Hyderabad
- Ahmedabad
- Bangalore
- Chennai
- Trivandrum
Wrapping up
Now that you know about the CPA exam and course structure, it’s time to begin your preparations. Once you have passed the exam, you can get a job in various sectors like auditing, tax, capital, and much more. This course allows you to explore financially rewarding job opportunities in top companies like Accenture, Michael Page, Unilever or Deloitte.
So, enroll in the best CPA certification course in India today to kickstart your career!
Whether you’re looking for online CFA or classroom learning, sign up today!
For more details, visit The WallStreet School or contact us via email or phone: +91-9999724852.
FAQs
- Which is ranked higher, CPA or CA?
None of the degrees is higher than the other. The only difference is in their recognition. While CPA is more recognised in the United States of America, CA is more popular in India or any other Commonwealth Nation. Also, CPAs are usually paid more than CAs.
- What is the cost of a CPA certification course in India?
This course will cost you around INR 2 to 2.5 lakhs. This cost includes application fees, registration fees, licensing fees, etc.
- Is passing a CPA exam difficult?
Yes, the exam can be difficult, but proper preparation does wonders. Almost 50% of CPA aspirants pass their tests on the first attempt. There’s no bar on the number of attempts, but you have to pass all four sections in not more than 18 consecutive months.
