Is The CPA Exam Offered Outside The US?

Good news! The AICPA/NASBA has finally answered the call from international candidates with the opening of 6 international sites since August 2011.

Qualified candidates can stay in their home country or long-term country of residence and take the exam without the hassle and extra cost on travel and accommodation.

The 6 countries are:

  • Japan
  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Lebanon
  • The United Arab Emirates
  • Brazil

But Here Is The Catch…

There are specific rules on citizenship/residency and other restriction you need to be aware of, including the requirement to get the verified experience within 3 years. You can get more details on the development from these pages:

If You Don’t Get Qualified, But Happen To Live In East Asia…

I would highly recommend taking the exam in Guam because the similar time zone reduces traveling time and cost, and you don’t need to suffer jet lag. There is a surcharge of taking the exam in Guam but it’s worth it.

Similarly, if Hawaii is closer to where you live, you can consider taking the exam there (and pamper yourself afterwards!)

Please note that by taking the exam in Guam / Hawaii you do NOT need to register in these states. Please see the next FAQ for details.

For Your Further Reading

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{ 2 comments }

Saurabh Saraswat

Hi Stephanie,
First off, your website is a great resource! thanks for having it up. I came across this post of your’s regarding international testing sites, and can confirm to you , as of 2011 the CPA exam will be offered in Japan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates. I just thought you might want that put up on your site. Finally, I am a B.S Finance from George Mason University, and while I qualify to sit for the exam, it seems that I need 150 hrs to get licensing, my question is whether the 150 credit hrs requirement can be met via a combination of my degree at Mason and a professional course/certificate in accounting elsewhere. Thanks.

Stephanie

Hi Saurabh,
You are absolutely right — I added this page on Japan without changing this page! Thanks for taking the time to let me know and to alert others of the change. I have now included the extended discussion on the new exam sites above.

To answer your question on 150 credit hour rule, it has to be fulfilled in accredited educational institutions — if the professional course is offered in these places then you are fine. Got to double check with the school though.

Cheers, Stephanie