CPA course is the international benchmark and popular finance and accountancy qualification. Multidirectional geographically dispersed business entities with operations of multinational companies have multi-directional needs for accountants. There is felt need for accounting law and legislation and higher technical proficiency at a superior level by corporate clients to manage taxation, auditing, financial planning, and compliance. That is where Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification comes into the scenario to decide on future career options for future finance experts and accountants.
A CPA certification is the epitome of accounting that can handle financial reporting, tax planning, risk management, and compliance for domestic and foreign economies. A degree holder in accounting, finance professional seeking credentials, or career aspirant seeking employment abroad, taking an online CPA course can be the passport to opportunities.
The greatest advantage of pursuing a CPA certification course is syllabus information, study schedule, and time to stick to the course. With the goal for the same study pattern, the participants will be capable of clearing the CPA exam between 12 and 18 months depending on work schedule and commitment.
Here, we are going to talk about the syllabus of the CPA course, advantages of being a CPA certified individual, career it offers to you, and how it would be a game-changer to take a step forward by choosing the best CPA training institute like Imarticus Learning. Whether you should opt for CPA certification or not at your existing cost of professional development is something until you read the below guide.
1. What is the CPA Certification?
CPA certification is an internationally recognized accounting professional certification. It is awarded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and gold standard industries.
1.1 Who Should Pursue the CPA Course?
- Accounting Degree Holders to achieve high-end career designations
- Finance Professionals to specialise and develop
- Chartered Accountants (CAs) to be qualified for global-level job designations
- Taxation and Auditing Experts to build careers
- MBA Finance Students who want to be finance literate
1.2 Benefits of Becoming a CPA
- Internationally recognized certificate
- Better salary opportunities (CTC Range: INR 12.50 to 20.50 lacs)
- Career opportunities in Big 4 auditing firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG)
- Increased credibility for accounting reporting, audit, and compliance
- Job opportunities in India, the US, and other global markets
2. CPA Course Curriculum: What Will You Learn?
CPA course syllabus is segregated into four broad categories of various segments of finance accounting and management.
2.1 Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Risk assessment and material misstatement
- Internal control evaluation
- Audit process and obtaining evidence
- Compliance and reporting
2.2 Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial management and corporate management
- Economic and management concepts and principles in finance and business concepts
- Company law, compliance requirements, and business relationship
- IT application, cyber security, and accounting automation
2.3 Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Preparation of US GAAP & IFRS financial statements
- Reconciliation of revenue and leasing accounting
- Consolidated accounting financial statement
- Not-for-profit and governmental agencies accounting principles
2.4 Regulation (REG)
- Corporate & individual Federal taxation
- Business ethics & law
- Legal prerequisites of CPAs
- Methods and guidelines of the IRS for compliance
The candidates are made technically capable of writing the CPA exam and achieving financial careers’ success on completing the course.
3. How Long Does It Take to Complete the CPA Course?
CPA exam course will be of 12 to 18 months duration, depending on a candidate’s work and study time.
| Study Mode | Duration |
| Full-Time Study | 12 months |
| Part-Time Study (Working Professionals) | 18 months |
Candidates have to finish all four parts of the CPA exam within 18 months.
4. CPA Exam Structure and Passing Criteria
CPA exam is given by AICPA and comprises four parts with a duration of 4 hours each.
Section
| Section | Exam Duration | Question Format | Passing Score |
| Auditing & Attestation (AUD) | 4 hours | MCQs, Task-based Simulations | 75/99 |
| Business Environment & Concepts (BEC) | 4 hours | MCQs, Written Communication | 75/99 |
| Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR) | 4 hours | MCQs, Task-based Simulations | 75/99 |
| Regulation (REG) | 4 hours | MCQs, Task-based Simulations | 75/99 |
CPA exam graded on a 0-99 scale, with minimum passing marks in each segment of 75 and above.
5. Career Opportunities After Completing the CPA Course
CPA certification resulted in high-reward job advertisements in each top profession. The highest sought-after job advertisements are:
| Job Role | Average Salary (INR) |
| Financial Analyst | 10-15 LPA |
| Internal Auditor | 12-18 LPA |
| Forensic Accountant | 15-20 LPA |
| Tax Consultant | 12-18 LPA |
| Risk Manager | 18-25 LPA |
CPA certification holders can pursue investment bank career positions, corporate finance, wealth management, and audit firms across the globe.
6. Why Choose the Imarticus CPA Course?
Imarticus Learning presents a quality CPA certification program with the specific motive of aiding the candidates to clear the CPA exam without complications.
6.1 Key Benefits of the Imarticus CPA Program
- Live Online Sessions for interactive sessions
- Industry-Based Syllabus for every component of the CPA exam
- Mock Tests & Simulations for exam preparation
- Placement Bootcamp for procurement of high-paying jobs
- Money-Back Guarantee for failure to achieve exam clearance targets
- Satisfactory program for placement-based systematic learning process career-oriented candidates.
FAQs
1. What are the application requirements for the CPA course?
To obtain admission in the CPA course, the applicants must possess a bachelor degree in business, finance, or accounting. The applicants from some US states must provide 150 hours of education as the educational requirement to appear in the CPA exam.
2. How much is the cost of the CPA course?
CPA course fee is location and training center dependent. On average, a candidate pays INR 2.5 to 3.5 lakhs for course fee, study material, and exam fee.
3. Is CPA course online?
Yes, all training centers, including Imarticus Learning, provide CPA courses online along with mentorship, live sessions, and recorded lectures.
4. What is the CPA exam passing percentage?
CPA’s passing percentage is 50-55 percent, and if you are properly prepared and trained, there is every likelihood of passing.
5. Is it worth getting a CPA in India?
Yes. Indian professionals with a CPA certification can work with multinational firms, Big 4, and foreign banks, and thus it is a value-added qualification.
6. Will I be hired abroad with a CPA certification?
Yes. The CPA certification is also accepted globally, and professionals are able to practice in the US, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
Conclusion
CPA certification is not only a professional title; it is also a passport to future profitable career opportunities and long-term financial stability. With international fame, fair pay, and the flexibility of the finance profession, CPAs are among the most sought-after professionals to be employed as accountants, tax professionals, auditors, and financial planners. Whatever your dream employers could be, the Big 4 firms, the multinationals, the financial advisory firms, or the government agencies, CPA certification highly boosts your chances of being hired at senior levels.
Although the CPA exam demands greater prudence and practice, selecting a superior training program could be a lifesaver. Imarticus Learning provides a complete CPA certification course that not only makes the candidates well-acquainted with the most important accounting concepts but also provides placement assistance, learn-by-doing, and interaction with top finance recruiters. Systematic guidance, expert industry counsel, and proper provision of resources will enable the candidate to apply for clearing the CPA exam confidently and will expedite the finance and accountancy career.
If you have a desire for a lucrative career in accounting, then the moment is now. Finance is evolving at a rate that is rapidly closing in on lightning speed, and business players hold their breaths for CPAs with the ability to dissect intricate financial situations to the very last dot. A course in being a CPA puts you on the path to professional advancement, professional credibility, and career opportunities par excellence.
Ready to propel your accounting career to newer heights and become a certified CPA professional? Sign up now with today’s finest CPA course and unlock limitless possibilities in the world of finance!