The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is among the most prestigious accounting qualifications in the world. Before you plan your CPA journey, it’s crucial to grasp the CPA eligibility requirements, which vary slightly across US states but follow some common standards.

Basic CPA Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CPA test, you must meet three broad requirements often referred to as the “Three E’s”:

Education

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, commerce, or business-related field.

Most states require 150 credit hours of education (equivalent to postgraduate level in India).

Courses must cover subjects like Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, and Business Law.

Examination

Candidates must pass all four sections of the CPA test:

AUD (Auditing and Attestation)

FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)

REG (Regulation)

BEC (Business Environment and Concepts)

Experience

To get licensed (after passing the test), candidates usually need 1–2 years of work experience under a licensed CPA.

CPA Eligibility for International learners (Including India)

B.Com + M.Com, or

B.Com + MBA (Finance/Accounting), or

CA/ICWA/CS + B.Com
generally satisfy the 150-credit requirement.

Credentials must be evaluated by NASBA or an authorized agency to ensure they meet US standards.

Age and Residency Requirements

Minimum age: 18 years.

US residency is not mandatory, making CPA accessible to international learners.

Why CPA Eligibility Differs by State

Each US state has its own Board of Accountancy that sets eligibility requirements. Some states are more flexible, making them popular choices for international candidates.

How FinTram Global Assists learners

FinTram Global offers complete support for:

Eligibility evaluation

Selecting the right state board

Credential verification
This ensures learners don’t face last-minute hurdles.

conclusion

Clearing CPA eligibility is the gateway to becoming a globally recognized accounting professional. Once you meet the requirements, the path is clear to prepare, attempt, and succeed in the CPA test.