CPA After Post-Graduation: A Step-by-Step Guide

The US CPA is the superior certification for building an outstanding career in accounting and finance. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants delivers the Certified Public Accounting (CPA), which operates as a worldwide recognised accounting accreditation. 

Since 2020, the US CPA examinations have begun in India. Professional accountants from the CPA Association provide services that encompass financial statement analysis, tax preparation, financial planning, internal auditing, corporate tax responsibilities management, and many other financial support functions. 

Before beginning your journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant, explore the CPA course details, including CPA course fees, exam structure, and CPA course duration, to plan effectively.

What is a CPA?

In various English-speaking nations, the Certified Public Accounting qualification allows accountants to operate as CPAs. The CPA title matches the qualifications of the worldwide Chartered Accountants. CPAs possess public licenses from the United States, which enables them to provide accounting services to the public. Every US state offers a licensing authority that authorises CPAs to perform services across their territory. The Indian CPA qualification shows characteristics that are equivalent to those of the CA framework yet function under international US standards for accounting. 

Why Pursue CPA After Post-Graduation?

The CPA course fees in India typically range from Rs 1,00,000 to Rs 1,20,000, depending on the institution and the quality of the training. 

Here’s why:

1. Higher Career Prospects & Salary Growth

Gaining CPA certification serves as an effective method to increase your professional income potential.  According to Payscale, the average salary of a CPA in India is ₹670,179 in 2025.

2. Global Job Opportunities

Unlike CA (Chartered Accountancy), which is mostly recognised in India, CPA certification is worldwide accepted, particularly in the USA, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East.

3. Competitive Edge Over Non-CPA Professionals

Organisations choose to hire CPAs because they specialise in U.S. GAAP, IFRS and international taxation laws. Achieving roles in the global financial market becomes much simpler with CPA certification.

Eligibility Criteria for CPA After Post-Graduation

A prospective CPA candidate in India needs to fulfil qualifications defined by U.S. state boards. Different U.S. state boards control the CPA exam, which results in varying requirements for qualification.

1. Educational Qualification

• A postgraduate degree in accounting, commerce, or finance is usually required.
• You need 150 credit hours in your academic qualifications.
• (B.Com alone is usually insufficient; postgraduate education helps meet the requirement.)

2. Work Experience Requirements

• Most states require 1–2 years of experience under a CPA to get licensed.
• Some states allow you to write the exam without work experience, but licensing requires it.

3. State Board Selection

Since each U.S. state has different requirements, choosing the right state board is crucial.

How to Prepare for the CPA Exam?

These basic steps will prepare you effectively.

1. Apply for the exam

• International candidates must pick one of the US states that lets foreign applicants take the CPA exam.
• Seek approval from the Board of Accountancy of your requested state while paying their admission costs.
• You need to use the NTS to select an exam date and cover any necessary payment costs.
• Check the sections of your examination to avoid erroneous exam registration.

2. Schedule your examination

• When you obtain the Notice to Schedule (NTS), you should proceed to schedule your exam date at Prometric testing facilities.
• Select the time along with the date that works well for your schedule.
• The ideal time to schedule the exam falls during the beginning portion of the test window. You have sufficient scheduling flexibility because of the extended NTS validity.
• State regulations determine the validity period of NTSs, which typically amounts to six months, except for specific exceptions per state policies.

3. Review the CPA Exam Blueprints

• All topics belong to the four CPA examination sections.
• The AICPA website features the blueprints as one of its available resources.
• These documents show you which core areas and relevant knowledge, together with essential competencies, need attention in each part of the examination.
• You should use these blueprints to develop study plans and direct your focus toward essential material.

4. Take Online Practice Tests

• Websites like AICPA and NASBA offer free practice tests.
• You succeed in familiarising yourself with the actual exam structure along with question types through mock evaluations that mimic real examination conditions.
• The use of practice tests enables you to effectively organise your examination time during the actual test session.
• Multiple resources featuring video tutorials and comprehensive explanations exist for each part of the test.

Job Opportunities and Career Growth After CPA

CPA certification unlocks high-paying roles in India and abroad.

The CPA course is excellent for postgraduates aiming for international accounting roles. It not only enhances career growth but also opens doors to global opportunities.

People who seek professional development in their careers should begin their CPA exam preparation right now. Check various resources for the specific CPA course details while studying pricing and exam duration before commencing your journey toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant.

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Imarticus Learning enables students to receive their US CPA certification course from AICPA, which stands as the worldwide standard in accounting. The CPA course duration is 12-18 months.

The CPA title provides membership access to the AICPA network, which enables you to connect with leaders across industries and access worldwide professional opportunities. The US CPA certification course contains four exams, which include three mandatory core subjects together with an elective that lets you personalise your certification for your career objectives.

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FAQ

• What is a CPA, and how is it different from a CA?

CPA represents a globally recognised accounting accreditation, which concentrates mainly on accounting operations within the United States, but the CA certification acts as an official qualification functional for both India and the Commonwealth nations.

2. Who is eligible to pursue a CPA after postgraduate?

Candidates need to obtain either their postgraduate studies in commerce, finance, or accounting to qualify for the programme. Such candidates must possess 150 credit hours for CPA exam qualification, and these credit requirements differ according to state boards in the United States. 

3. How long does it take to complete the CPA course after postgraduate study?

Professional college accounting training extends between 12 and 18 months. The duration to finish the CPA exam consists of your training calendar, exam preparation, and section exam completion speed.

4. Is CPA beneficial for career growth in India?

Yes! Financial auditing services and tax advisory, together with international accounting jobs at Indian MNCs, mainly employ professionals who possess the CPA certification, which includes the Big 4 accounting firms Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG. 

5. How can I prepare for the CPA exam while working?

You can balance work and studies by following these tips:

• Create a study plan and dedicate 2-3 hours daily for CPA preparation.
• Use CPA study materials from AICPA-approved providers.
• Attempt mock tests and practice exams to track progress.

Join an online CPA course for structured learning and expert guidance.