If you are an international student preparing for your CPA application, or someone who live outside the USA looking to get the CPA title, you are at the right place.
(If you are looking for general information on how to become a CPA, please click on this link.)
First of all, let me tell you that I am an international student myself who got my CPA while working in Hong Kong (within 9 months of preparation) — so the good news for you is, it is entirely doable, and you can get it quickly if you work hard!
The CPA Application Procedure for International Students
Please let me know more about you so I can give the best advice:
- You are an international student studying in the US
- You attended an university in a country other than the US, but would like to become a US CPA
- You are a Chartered Accountant (CA) in another country and would like to get the additional title in US
- You just want to get a globally-recognized Accounting Title
1. International Student Studying In the US
Good news! There isn’t really anything you need to worry about if you get your education in the US.
In general, if you plan to work as a public accountant (auditor) in the state where you go to college, then you should apply to the state that you are currently residing.
However, if you plan to work in non-public accounting and you are getting the CPA qualification for credentials only, then you are free to choose any state you like.
How To Choose A State That Is Most Favorable For You
Different states have different requirements, which is great for international students because you can pick a state that fit your existing education and working experience.
What you should do is to avoid these states with CPA license restricted to US citizens only:
- Alabama
- North Carolina
And be careful with the following states that grant CPA license to local residents only (but if you live, work or study there it’s ok):
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
Then, follow the same CPA exam application process as everyone else, and you can get the details here:
Tips:
- You can only take the CPA exam in US territories. If you plan to be living or working in places other than the US by the time you sit for the exam,you have to take into account the extra traveling and accommodation cost in your exam budget.
- If you happen to live in Asia, Guam is the best choice because of negligible time difference and jet lag.
2. Candidates With Non-US Education
The main CPA exam requirement is on education — most states require a 120-150 semester credit hours (equivalent to a Bachelor and Master degree respectively) from a “accredited college, university or educational institution in the US” to either sit for the exam or for CPA certification.
If your degree is earned outside of the US, chances are that your university is not accredited. No worries, as state board accept non-US transcript if it is evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation company.
Foreign Credential Evaluation
Each State Board has its own requirement on this: for example, Florida only recognizes the evaluation done by FACS, one of the biggest providers of credential evaluation services; while some others are fine with any services that are members of the NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services).
Please expect a couple hundreds of US dollars and allow at least a month (more likely 2 months) for the company to get back to you. You may also find the FAQ section from FACS useful.
Other than having your transcript evaluated, the process is the same as everyone from the US. Please go back to the top of this page and read the section for CPA Exam requirements to pick a state, and CPA Exam review courses comparison if you decide to go ahead.
3. Existing CA Going For The CPA Title
It used to be relatively easy for members of the International Chartered Accountants or ACCA to fulfill the requirement through the State of Colorado. Please note, however, that the State Board has recently enacted a new restrictive rule:
- As of 9the December 2009, the Colorado State Board is no longer accepting Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) certificates as evidence of having met educational requirement.
- Chartered Accountant (CA) qualifications from Australia, Canada, Ireland, Mexico and New Zealand (part of the U.S. International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB) MRA agreement) is accepted; but those from other jurisdiction (e.g. India) is no longer accepted.
It doesn’t mean an Indian Chartered Accountant can no longer get an equivalent degree in the US — it’s just that you need to fulfill the educational requirements as anyone else. Please check out the educational requirements for CPA exam for tips and guidance.
4. Getting A US vs Non-US Accounting Credentials
The US is not the only country that grants a certification to qualified accountants. The equivalent in Canada, the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand is the Chartered Accountant (CA) and they have a different system to get certified and licensed.
I am planning to write a comparison between CPA vs CA, but for now, I’ll tell you that the US CPA is better if you prefer:
- Getting the title ASAP: US allows you to take all 4 exams in one go — I manage to complete the whole process (from CPA exam application to getting the CPA qualification) within a year
- More flexibility: for US CPA you can take the exam anytime during the exam window, which is 2 months out of 3 in each quarter
- A multiple choice vs long questions format
- Be part of AICPA, the largest accounting body: this implies more resources for its members.
I am obviously biased and recommend a US CPA qualification for any international students. If you agree, please read the first section of this page for next step.
Best of luck in passing the CPA exam!
Kind regards,
Stephanie Ng, CPA
Related Q&A For International Students
- Which state is best for international candidates in your opinion?
- I’ve picked a state, but can I take the exam in another state?
- Do CPA offer exam sites outside the US?
- I have a 3-year bachelor degree. Do I qualify?
- I did not get my degree in the US. How do I know if my coursework fit the educational requirements?
- Does CMA qualify for the educational requirements?
- Can I fulfill the CPE requirements outside the US?
In Case You Want It All At Once…
Are you serious about applying for the CPA exam?
Need help to sieve through the conflicting and overwhelming information?
You might want to learn from your peers by reading my mini-book on 12 FAQs From International CPA Candidates.
All you need to do is to sign up for an (also free) newsletter written specifically for those with non-US background and provide solutions in the process.
Yes Stephanie, Please Tell Me How To Get
The Free Book And Tips From You!
Feel free to learn more about this free CPA exam course before signing up.
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← Previous Comments
Hi Stephanie,
Just a quick question for you, I passed my Colorado Uniform CPA exams about 5 years ago. Having checkde just now on the latest Rules published in September by the Colorado State Accountancy Board, yous hould apply for a license withing10 years of passing the exams.
However, I have a CA qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales and a 3 year BA degree from a UK university in Accounting & Finance. My question is, for the purpose of meeting the requirements of education, is my CA, or my CA + BA together, considered to be equivalent to a US bachelors or masters qualification?
Thanks!
James
Hi James,
Thanks for your note. I thought the “allowance” is 5 years, but if you have just checked it to be 10 years then that’s good (I will double check later).
Actually I am not too sure about CA from England, but my readers told me for CA from India they are given ~40 credits. Assuming it’s the same, 40+90 credits (for 3 year degree) > 120 credits so it should be fine. Please note that you’ll need to fulfill the 1 year working requirement unless you take more courses and make it to 150 credit hours and go through the “education in lieu of experience” route.
Also, you’ll need to go through one of the credential evaluation agencies to make sure
Best of luck to you! Stephanie
Hi Stephanie,
I have a 4 year Bachelor degree in Finance from Romania and currently I am attending a Us University for my second Bachelor in Accounting to get my extra accounting credit hours. I had my degree evaluated by J Silny and Associates and it was considered a equivalent of a US BBA in Finance.
I am planning to sit for the CPA and I was wondering if my 4 year degree in Finance from Romania is considered enough to be eligible o sit for the CPA in Florida.
Thank you.
Hi Cristina,
Since Josef Silny & Associates is one of the recognized agencies in Florida, I think there shouldn’t be a problem but you’ll have to get first complete the extra ~30 credits from your 2nd bachelor. You can also double check with FL state board whether they let you sit for the exam before you are about to but not yet complete the extra credits… for some states you are allowed to do that as long as you have the proof.
Hope it helps? Stephanie
Hi stephanie,
I hope u remember me coz I had a query regarding CPA and I have posted some questions on your site and ur answers did help me. I really thank u so much.I also wanted to ask u one more thing. Before that I would have to take u through my educational background I have done my B.com from a good university in the year 2009 which helped me to consider my credentials to be qualified to attend the exam from New Hampshire board. Now I just wanted to know should I schedule all my exams in a single attempt. Is that possible. Attempting all the 4 exams in a single attempt is tough or is it something possible.Coz frankly speaking I am in India now in order for me to write the exam I should Keep expenses in consideration. So what should be my plan and how should I schedule everything.
Hi Suresh,
Nice to hear from you again! I am more than happy to offer help if I can be useful.
I think taking them all in one go is doable because this is what I did back then — when I stationed in Hong Kong. Expense and time is the major consideration as you mentioned. I took it in Guam though so jet lag/time difference was not a problem.
While it is doable it is understandably more risky — and if I have to do it now (with family + 2 young kids + work) I don’t think it is possible for me. So it does take into account your commitment to this project.
Hope it helps! Just come back if you have more questions. I always love to hear from my loyal readers
Stephanie
Hi stephanie,
I am an international as well and planning to sit for the CPA exam in 2011. If I passed all the 4 parts, can I get the working experience requirement outside the USA, like in Hong Kong and be certified as US CPA?
Thanks!
Hi Mag,
You can certainly get your experience outside of US, but you’ll need to be supervised by a CPA US licensee. I understand that it might not be easy in places such as HK. But many states accept CPA equivalents, i.e. Canadian CAs and Australian CA/CPAs (But I don’t think CPA from HK is ok). Please check with your state board on the details.
Alternatively, you can pick a state what doesn’t require working experience e.g. Illinois. Please check with the restrictions that may apply.
Cheers, Stephanie
hi stephanie,
thank you so much for giving all the information
i am still confused if can take the exam if dont have semester hours in accounting?
i have a btech-engineering degree( 4-years) from india and i finished my masters in computer science from new mexico, usa
currently, i am pursuing my phd in business administration(management)
i dont have any work experience.
please let me know which state best suites my profile.
i can take courses in accounting if it is a must for all states.
please let me know, thanks , jaison
Hi Jaison,
Yeah… given this is an accounting qualification it’s pretty tough not to have any accounting courses taken, you know.
The least no. of accounting required is New Hampshire (12 semester hours), but they require public accounting experience after you pass the exam to get the license. Will that work? Stephanie
Hi, i reside in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland and i am currentlty studying the CPA (PROFESSIONAL 1) If i want to relocate to the state after my qualifying as a CPA, What is my benefit in the state. Pls enlighten me more on this pls and do forward it to my email address. Thanks
Stephanie,
I posted my questiong on 10.22.10, now it has been more than a month i have not gotten my answer from you. Yet, you answered many other questions who posted after me. I am really disappointed. I dun know why you didnt not answer mine. Is it not good enough or what..Sigh
Hi Stephanie,
I have extracted some information below from NASBA website regarding CO requirement for exam and licence. Please note that In both cases foreign applicants, who are not living in US, could provide SSN Affidavit instead of SSN. I thought this might be helpful for other and you could confirm this for all of us.
“The Division will accept a sworn SSN Affidavit in lieu of a social security number from foreign nationals not physically present in the US.”
ELIGIBILITY FOR EXAMINATION
All first-time applicants must be:
Have a social security number if they are physically present in the US. and
Complete the Affidavit of Eligibility. and
If the applicant is not physically present in the US, they must also complete the SSN Affidavit. and
Meet ONE of the following educational requirements:
1. Received baccalaureate degree before July 1, 1993 and who apply for certification after July 31, 1991 by one of the six (6) U.S. regional accrediting bodies, are required to complete;
• At least twenty-seven (27) semester (or 40.5 quarter) hours in accounting, of which three (3) semester hours must be in auditing. No more than 3 semester hours in accounting-related computer and information systems;
• At least twenty-one (21) semester (or 31.5 quarter) hours in other business administration courses such as business law, management, marketing, statistics, business communication, economics and finance. However, no more than six (6) semester hours in any one of these areas can be applied towards the twenty-one (21) semester hour total;
• All 3 semester hours of auditing must address the generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS).
2. Received baccalaureate degree after June 30, 1993 by one of the six (6) U.S. regional accrediting bodies, are required to complete;
• At least twenty-seven (27) semester (or 40.5 quarter) hours in accounting, of which twenty-one (21) semester (or 31.5 quarter) hours must be cost accounting, tax, intermediate accounting, accounting theory and advanced accounting. At least three (3) of the 27 semester hours must be in auditing;
• At least twenty-one (21) semester (or 31.5 quarter) hours in other business administration courses such as business law, management, marketing, statistics, business communication, economics and finance. No more than six (6) semester hours in any single category can be applied towards the twenty-one (21) semester hour total;
• All 3 semester hours of auditing must address the generally accepted auditing standards (GAAS).
3. Applicants who have earned degrees or course credit at institutions without regional accreditation may be considered under the stipulations of Colorado Rules 2.2B or C, and 2.3B.)
2 | P a g e
All educational transcripts, Affidavit of Eligibility, SSN Affidavit, Certificate of Enrollments, and/or foreign evaluations are required to be submitted at the time of application. Official school transcripts, Certificate of Enrollments and/or foreign evaluations are required to be mailed directly to CPA Examination Services from the academic institution or evaluation service.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE AS CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
Applicants are advised that all education must be completed at the time of licensure.
Applicants are required to pass an open-book examination on professional ethics. The examination is a home-study course prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is available from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) by calling (888) 777-7077 or visit their web site at http://www.aicpa.org.
Starting January 1, 2007, pursuant to H.B. 06S-1009, C.R.S 24-34-107, only persons lawfully present in the United States will be issued a license. Therefore, ALL applicants for original licensure or licensees renewing a current Colorado license after January 1, 2007 are required to complete and sign the Affidavit of Eligibility, and may also be required to provide valid identification when requested.
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER REQUIREMENT:
Social Security Number is Required: Effective January 1, 2009, a Social Security Number is required for all licensees who are physically present in the United States. The Division of Registrations will deem an application to be incomplete when the applicant is a United States resident and fails to submit his/her social security number. The Division will accept sworn affidavits in lieu of social security numbers from foreign nationals not physically present in the United States.
SSN Disclosure:
Section 24-34-107(1) of the Colorado Revised Statutes requires that every application by an individual for a license issued pursuant to the authority set forth in title 12, C.R.S., by the Department of Regulatory Agencies, shall require the applicant’s social security number. Disclosure of your social security number is mandatory for purposes of establishing, modifying, or enforcing child support under § 14-14-113 and § 26-13-126, C.R.S.; and locating an individual who is under an obligation to pay child support as required by § 26-13-107(3) (a) (I) (A), C.R.S. Failure to provide your social security number for these mandatory purposes will result in the denial of your licensure application. It is the Colorado Board’s position that disclosure of your social security number is voluntary to other state regulatory agencies, testing and examination vendors, law enforcement agencies, and other private federations and associations involved in professional regulation for identification purposes only. Your social security number will not be released by the Colorado Board for any other purpose not provided for by law. The Colorado Board may contract with a private vendor to provide licensure examinations and examination administration services. That vendor might require that you provide your social security number in order to take your examination.
Notice for Foreign Applicants Regarding a Social Security Number
All applicants who reside in the United States must provide their social security number when applying for licensure. The Division will accept a sworn SSN Affidavit in lieu of a social security number from foreign nationals not physically present in the U.S.
With thanks and regards,
Tarek Rana
Hello Stephanie!
Here I’m again to seek your support. I got my evaluation done from FACS as I have done my B.Com & ICWA from India and I got positive report.
I want to apply from Georgia State. I understand that my evaluation report is submitted directly to the state board by FACS. Do I have to submit any other document apart from application form & fees?
And my next querry is..I understand that NTS is valid for 6 months ..but from which date? is it from the date of application or from the date on which NTS is received?
Thanking you in anticipation.
Best Regards
Mugdha
Dear Stephanie
I have passed the CPA examination from New Hamphsire. However, I want to obtain the license from another State which requires 150 semester hours. I have 132 semester hours and I’m CIA and CFE, will those two qualification satisfy my 18 hours defecit? Thank you for help
Regards,
Bitar
Dear Mugdha,
I am also a B.com and doing ICWA final. It would be of great help if you could you advise how many credit hours you got for B.com and how many for ICWA from FACS?
Thanks for your help
Sri
Dear Stephanie,
I am from India and I am moving US within some months. I completed my B. Com. from Mumbai University (3 years). I have cleared my CA Inter exam and I am also holding my Internship Completion Certificate. I wanted to know the full procedure for converting into a CPA student from the Indian CA course. Thanks in Advance.
DHARMIN.
This is a very helpful post, i hope this really helps me to complete my project.
hello stephanie
I am an international student here in the US. I completed my bachelors degree here and now planing to sit for my CPA exam. but since this is not a degree programme and i will be out of status if i dont enroll in to any programme by March 2011… so my question to you is “Would enrolling for a CPA exam prevent me from going out of status or i have to get enrolled into a degree programme for that”
your cooperation will be appreciated…..
Hi Stephanie,
I completed my exams from Colorado in 2006, but didn’t give the ethics exam. Now I want CPA certificate as I am an international student. My job requires that I have CPA Certificate. I am preparing for the Ethics exam at the moment, could you tell me what is further requirements to be completed to get a CPA Certificate from Colorado. I have been working as a Financial Accounting Manager in an MNC since last 3years and have worked on technically accounting issues relating to US GAAP in my organization. Appreciate your help in guiding me. Thanks
Hi,
Just a quick one, I am a Nigerian presently in the UK. I am interested in applying for the CPA exams in Nevada. I am not quite clear on the visa entry process or if one has to be in the US? Hw did you do yours?
Hi Stephanie,
I have done my B.Com and MBA from India and wish to do my CPA . I got my credentials evaluated from WES and I am eligible to sit for the exam. I got to start preparing for the exam but I dont know which paper to take first. I completed my degree 3 rs back, and I am not sure if I remember whatever I studied. I was thinking of going through the basic accounting , tax ,business law subjects based on US syllabus before I started my preparation for the CPA exam. Please suggest some books to go through for the same purpose. Is there any pattern for preparing for the CPA exam? Can you please suggest some materials which i can refer for the same?
Thank you,
Arvind
Hello Stephanie,
first of all, I appreciate your huge efforts to help us passing the CPA exam.
I’m thinking in applying for the CPA but Im confused:
I have B.com from a middle east university with Accounting specialization.
I have MBA from an american accredited university.
I have 1 year experience as general accountant in private trading firm 7 years as Accounting manager in private trading firm which is none of them is auditing firms or under CPA license supervision.
I live outside the US , and never have been there.
i’m attempting to take the exam in UAE or Lebanon.
could you please which state is the best for me since I need the CPA certificate only for my resume.
appreciating your prompt reply.
thanks, regards
Fadi
Dear Stephani,
Firstly i would like to appreciate the work you are doing !
I wanted to ask that I have passed my ACCA ( Association of Certified Chartered Accountacts) exams. I don’t have any bachelors degree which is required for CPA. What can i do ?
Thank you.
Hi Stephanie,
if i get a CA certificate of India then i receive a CA certificate of Australia as a result of MRA between ICAI and ICAA. i have read in AICPA reciprocal qualification CA Australia that such persons having CA certificate as a result MRA between countries like India are not eligible to do IQEX(to get CPA reciprocal certificate by passing 1 paper) .
MY DOUBT IS THAT CAN I DO CPA by passing all 4 papers keeping my CA Australia certificate as my qualification to do CPA
Dear Stephenie,
Kudos for your wonderful efforts in helping the CPA community. I am holding B.Com (3 yr) degree with Accountancy & Auditing as main subjects, from India and planning to register for CPA exam in Jul/Aug2011. Kindly please advise if I am eligible to sit in exam from University of Delaware. Moreover, what are the additional subject/course I have to undertake to meet Delaware requiremens? And after passing the CPA exam, will I get certificate even if I dont want to obtain license and practice.
Kindly send in your advise, thanks a million.
Hi Stephanie,
I did B.Com ( 3 yrs) M.Com ( 2 Yrs) from India, and Working as An Accountant in U.A.E since 4 years. I would like to apply for CPA.
But confused to apply for which state and I would like to appear for exams in UAE ( Abu Dhabi is announced as new examination Center).
Kindly Advise me the process and which state I need to apply.
Hi Stephanie,
I am facing a peculiar problem. I have done a Bachelor of Business Studies from Delhi University ( It’s like a BBA only named differently in DU). I have studied Financial Accounting and Cost Accounting in my graduation but no Auditing. From what i have enquired, i cannot qualify from Delaware as they require Auditing. My second option is New Hampshire as i might get a WES evaluation which recognizes and indian 3 year degree as equivalent to 4 yr US degree. But as per WES india policy my university should be accredited by NAAC which Delhi University is not because for some reason Delhi University is not complying with NAAC rules. Can u pls suggest me something as i might be rejected even after doing my grads from the most recognized university in India. Ur help will be really appreciated.
Hi Stephanie,
First of all, I’d like to commend you for sharing several useful information and for having a lot of patience in answering all the questions.
I am a CPA from the philippines and currently working in a big 4 auditing firm in Indonesia. As I no longer have an apetite for public accounting, I’m hoping to concentrate on private practice and get a job in the US particularly in California. In order to this, should I get a CA certificate or getting US CPA certificate would prove to be better?
Thanks for taking time to read this and I hope you’ll be able to give me some helpful insight.
Hi Stephanie,
I had applied in CA recently. They replied ” baccalaureate or higher degree not conferred or posted on the official transcript” . Semester units – Accountancy: 28 and Business :24.
I have been residing in CA since 2009 on H4 visa. I also applied for MA Economics- Fall 2011. I was willing to complete CPA before I started with college. Now, I am in a fix. I don’t know if there is any way to get CPA certification and license from any other state. I got my evaluation done from IERF for my bachelors and MBA degree from India. Kindly advise if I can still be hopeful.
Thanks
Shally
Hi Stephanie,
I am have Syrian and Canadian nationalites, can I sit for CPA exam in the middle east.
Thanks
Maamoun
Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for taking time to prepare all the information here which I considered very helpful for those who are aspiring to become a CPA. You are just an inspiration to everyone, and by sharing your experience, give us a deep thought on pursuing our dreams to become a CPA in this country.
I want to share with you the side of my story. I am a CPA in the Philippines, but I took the CPA Licensure Examination in 1985 still, so 26years ago. I did not stop there, I did continue with my education and took and graduated my Master degree in 1996, Master in Business Management. I worked in government agency for almost 20years, a utility (electric) company, which is a fully owned government corporation.
I am now in the U.S. since 2008; I work in a retail store, and can hardly find a job in line with my profession. That’s so frustrating! Sometimes I ended up waking up in the middle of the night, crying! Sorry, I am somewhat, “drama” here, but that’s true.
While in the U.S., I did take some basic tax course through Liberty Tax, a leading international Tax preparer. It seems it did not work, because in the first year when I started working with them as “Tax Preparer”, that was also the time that I was offered by the store where I work for a full time job. I tried to weigh things and just practical that “Tax Season” is only up to April. So I accepted the offer for a full time job and did not report to Liberty Tax anymore. This tax season, Liberty Tax store owner, contacted me again and offered me a part time job as Tax Processor. I did report for a couple of months, but later when the trusted buddy of the Tax store owner reported regularly now in the store, which at first he thought, that his buddy will not be working with him anymore, so maybe that’s the reason he contacted and offered me the position as “Tax Processor”. So he did pressure me to give more time and more hours to work for him which I can’t. It’s a “Bummer” and SO FRUSTRATING experience. But this experience did not make me “LOSE HOPE”
And I am just so happy as I browse online, I saw your site and your sharing just give me encouragement to pursue with my passion.
I am now doing my first step. I did gather all my academic credentials for evaluation. I chose ECE, and I called them this morning. Hopefully I will submit it this week.
Want to be honest with you, I have the fear of taking this CPA Exam, because I am almost 50years old, I cannot rely anymore on my memory, It is a big “Project” for me if I will pursue it. What’s your recommendation/suggestion? Actually I will be happy if I will land a job in line with my profession. I don’t have the ambition to work in a big Corporation. But for me, not getting a job in line with my profession, somewhat challenge me and that lead me to the idea of taking this CPA Exam. What do you think? I am somewhat confused. I would appreciate if I can hear a word from you. I am a resident of Colorado. I signed up the CPA Exam Secret Tactic mini-course.
Thank you very much for all the information you shared, you are just an ENCOURAGEMENT TO US!.
Hi Stephanie,
I am currently in USA on H4 Status. I have my Bcom degree from India (Mumbai) and 12 years of Work Experience. I want to do my CPA here in USA.
One way i was thinking of doing my CPA is to get my transcripts evaluated, complete my bachelors degree here in US and then go ahead and complete CPA. Is this the right way or is there any other way to complete CPA. Please let me know your thought
Hi STephanie,
I am waiting for your reply
thanks
susan
Hi Stephanie,
I just stumbled upon your site in my search to complete the CPA, and I must say you’re doing an outstanding job helping us all out.
I am an international student considering taking the CPA exam and like the few others above, I would like to know if the completion of the ACCA satisfies the 150 hour rule in any state. My main intention of doing the CPA is using it to reciprocate to the Canadian CA which unfortunately too has the 150 hour requirement.
It would be quite disappointing to know the completion of the ACCA holds such minimal value. Hope you could let me know if there are any other states unlike Colorado that would consider it.
p.s. would you happen to know any alternate routes to the Canadian CA?
Thanks in advance
Hi Stephanie,
I have a Bachelor degree in Commerce (B.Com), ACA & ACWA from India. I live in MN, but have been working in IT for over 13 years. I have an opportunity to buy a practice in TX. I have been thinking of practice on my own. Given this situation, I would like to understand the following,
1. If I write my CPA exam in MN and pass, is there a reciprocity between MN and TX so that I can transfer my qualification to TX and start practice?
2. I noticed you did not have TX listed in the ‘Resident’ status requirement for writing the CPA exam. Does that mean I can write the CPA exam in TX if my credentials are evaluated and qualify me to take the exam?
Thanks and appreciate your response.
Hi Stephanie,
I have done my MBA finance in India and would like to do CPA. Currently I am residing in Mississippi. Can you please let me know where I can get my transcripts evaluated? I would like to know which state is good for MBA finance people to do CPA.
Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Stephanie,
I have done my MBA finance in India and would like to do CPA. Currently I am residing in Mississippi. Can you let me know more about Mississippi state for International people doing CPA
Hey Stephanie,
I am an ACCA affiliate from Pakistan , i am planning to apply for CPA exams in California. I had my educational credentials evaluated by a board approved agency and i was awarded 130 semester credit hours.
My question is that is my decision of opting for the california board the right one ?
Secondly, given that i have been awarded 130 credit hours and my online application has been submitted to the CBA , do you think my application will be accepted ? Should i proceed to mail out the application fee check ?
HI Stephanie,
I’m from India..
I have done my 4 year graduation in Computer science engineering.. I have heard about CPA.. may i know if engineering graduates like me are eligible for doing CPA in US.. If so may i know how is the procedure to be followed in detail please??? I actualy have a good intrest in Finance and accounting and want to do CPA.. i hope u would help me with required information..
Thanks& Regards,
Soumya
Hi Stephanie,
I have completed my B.Com(Bachelors of Commerce) from India which is a 3 year degree course. I am interested in doing CPA program, I heard that i need to come to USA to write my exam , do i have to ?
thanks ,
Isam Khan
Hi Stephanie,
Let me first thank you for the wealth of info that you are presenting through your website. It is of tremendous help to all of the CPA aspirants.
Now getting to my query. I have a 2 year MBA in Finance from India, A 3 year B.Com degree and I am a qualified CMA. I have 2 years industry experience as an Accountant with a Shipping company. Which state would accept my educational and working experience given that I dont intent to work in public accounting sphere nor in the US. My intention is to have a CPA designation.
Thanks
Regards
Prasun
Hi Stephanie,
first thank you for the valuable information you are providing for candidates like us. I have bachelor degree in Accountants(B.Com) from India and reside in CA. I have completed CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) and have 3.8years of experience in KPMG. Initially thought of doing CPA and also got my certificates evaluated from agent. Credits are Baccalaureate 90..Accounts 27..Business 51. I have following queries:
1. With this credits, if i register in Delaware, will i be eligible for CPA exam?
2. I understand CA needs 120 credit hrs(and i have 90), usually how many months it takes to get 30 more credits?
3. Will it be a major problem to get CA CPA license if i register in Delaware?
4. Is Bcom degree(3 years) is considered as Bachelor or Associate degree in US?
Thanks,
Vinky
Susan,
I would recommend you to persue CPA from CO state since you have accounting background and certification in the Philippines. However age is 50% factor in regards to memorizing few principles and regulations but it is still doable at age 50 provided you work hard for at least few hours a day and try to complete the most difficult exam part first. This will allow you to complete remaings parts within 18 months. Have the evaluations done first and keep studiying while waiting for all the paperwork. Good luck…. (PS: I have several friends who completed CPA at age 50-55;)
Hi Stephine,
I’m Benny working in Kuwait. I would like to appear CPA examination. Basically I’m a Bachelor In commerce ( 3 years from India), Certified Internal Auditor and CISA. Moreover I have done one more course its called Federal Taxation ACCT 429 from Devry University. I have already sent for FACS evaluation, through Delaware state. As per NASBA”S earlier list Delaware was participating in International Location testing, but last week they withdrawn, and we are in “soup” now.
So can you guide me which state I can apply, for international exam testing centres. (not yet recd facs evaluation)
Hi Stephanie,
I must appreciate the way you are helping out CPA students.
I am a B.Com Graduate (3 yrs)+ Chartered Accountant from India(residing in India).
I sent all of my documents to FACS for evaluation to get registered under CO.
But unfortunately i came to know that CO doesn’t recognize CA’s from India anymore.
I intend to work in public accounting in US.
So please suggest a state where i can get registered with minimal licensure requirements.
Dear Stephanie,
Iam and ACCA qualified and willing to take US CPA exam. Iam currently working in PWC (one of big 4′s) as an external auditor and have around 2.5 years experience. However, i don’t have 3-4 years bachelor degree. It is likely that iam short of credit hours requirement to take the CPA exam so i’ve taken extra online courses with each course carrying 2 credits based on a 50 min. hour. Will this suffice?
iam a b.com from india. i applied for cpa exam but iregistered in delware but it is not participating internationaly i can move to othr state
Safar,
The states which requires less than 120 hours, not participating internation exams, in those case all indian guys, with three years bachelors degree must travel to United States and give exam over there. Please note that Delaware state this facility provides until August 2012. If you are not able to pass CPA exam, before Aug 2012, Delaware state requires new evaluation based on 120 hours requirement. So take decision now, you have 15 months to pass the CPA examination, if you are doing Federal Taxation.
Hi Vinky,
Answering your questions:
1. With this credits, if i register in Delaware, will i be eligible for CPA exam?
Yes, but you have to check whether you can fulfill the working requirements. Please find the link to Delaware above and find out.
2. I understand CA needs 120 credit hrs(and i have 90), usually how many months it takes to get 30 more credits?
Typically it takes a year to do that, but you can accelerate your study if you like. By the way CA doesn’t issue CPA license to people who don’t have social security number. Just a reminder for international candidates living abroad.
3. Will it be a major problem to get CA CPA license if i register in Delaware?
It depends whether you can fulfill the working experience requirement. Please check out the details on the Delaware page first.
4. Is Bcom degree(3 years) is considered as Bachelor or Associate degree in US?
Most likely associate degree, although there is a chance that it is evaluated (by WES for example) as a full 4-year bachelor depending on your school and grades.
Please sign up for my mini course to get the details.
Cheers,
Stephanie
Hi Benny,
I think the question is more likely whether you are qualified in other states. Is is totally impossible for you to travel to US for the exam?
All the international candidates before the new rule had to do that… obviously it is a hassle and an extra cost but this is doable.
Just let me know your thoughts and see if I can be helpful.
thanks,
Stephanie
Hi Milind,
If you do plan to work in public accounting in the US, then Michigan can work because it still allows Indian CA cert holders to get qualified for the exam, but in order to get a license you have to get at least one audit experience in a CPA firm.
If this is what you plan to do anyway, go ahead!
Stephanie
Hi Mohammad,
I believe nowadays the CPA exam requires some sort of degree. I understand you don’t have a 3-4 bachelor degree but do you have something similar to a tertiary education?
Stephanie
Safar,
Benny is exactly right. Good luck! Stephanie
Dear all,
This comment section is getting too long to benefit other readers… so I am trying something new by using Facebook-powered comment box which is located right after each article.
If you have a question, please go back up and drop a note there. Thank you! Stephanie
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