If you are planning to pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification…one of the most common questions you may have is… “How long does CPA take?” The CPA course duration varies depending on multiple factors, including your background, study pace, &exam preparation strategy. Understanding the timeline-for completing the CPA certification can help you plan better &streamline your preparation.
In this blog…. we will break down the CPA course completion time, the factors that influence it &tips to accelerate your journey toward becoming a CPA.
Understanding the CPA Certification Process
Before diving into- the CPA course duration, it is important to understand the CPA certification process. The journey to becoming… a CPA consists of the following key steps:
- Meeting Eligibility Requirements
- A B.Com degree (or equivalent) is required to sit for the-CPA exam.
- For CPA licensure… a total of 150 credit hours is required, which can be met with an M.Com, MBA, or professional certifications like CA.
- Passing the CPA Exam
- The CPA exam consists of four sections:
- Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation & Regulations (REG)
- One elective discipline: Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR), Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP), or Information Systems & Controls (ISC).
- Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
- Candidates must pass all four sections within 18 months of passing the first exam.
- The CPA exam consists of four sections:
- Gaining Work Experience
- CPA licensure requires a minimum of two years (20,000 hours) of experience in accounting or finance.
- CPA licensure requires a minimum of two years (20,000 hours) of experience in accounting or finance.
- Obtaining CPA Certification
- After clearing the exams and meeting work experience requirements, candidates receive their CPA license, which opens doors to global job opportunities.
- After clearing the exams and meeting work experience requirements, candidates receive their CPA license, which opens doors to global job opportunities.
How Long Does CPA Take?
The CPA course duration typically ranges from- 12 to 18 months, but several factors can affect the timeline:
1. Study Mode: Full-Time vs. Part-Time
- Full-time students can complete the CPA program in 12 months, dedicating 25-30 hours per week to studying.
- Part-time candidates (working professionals) usually take 18 months or longer, balancing study time with job responsibilities.
2. Prior Knowledge & Educational Background
- Candidates with a strong accounting and finance background (such as CA or MBA Finance graduates) may require less CPA study duration than those new to the field.
- A structured CPA exam timeline helps candidates without prior experience build their knowledge gradually.
3. Exam Preparation Strategy
- Using a well-structured study plan &resources like Surgent CPA Review (included in Imarticus Learning’s CPA program) can help candidates prepare more effectively.
- Enrolling in CPA coaching with live online classes, practical case studies & mock tests reduces CPA course completion time significantly.
4. Number of Exams Taken Per Window
- The CPA exam is divided into four parts, &candidates can take multiple exams per exam window.
- Completing two exams per quarter can shorten the CPA exam timeline to 12 months.
- However, some candidates prefer a more flexible approach, taking one exam per quarter- f leading to a longer CPA study duration of up to 18 months.
5. Work & Personal Commitments
- Working professionals often have to balance CPA study duration with their job, family, and other commitments.
- Using a flexible study schedule with on-demand learning modules can help professionals stay on track.
6. Pass Rate & Retakes
- The CPA exam has a pass rate of 50-55 percent.
- If a candidate fails an exam, they must wait for the next testing window to retake it- extending the overall CPA course duration.
CPA Exam Timeline: Step-by-Step Breakdown
| Stage | Time Required |
| Eligibility Verification | 1-2 Months |
| Study for CPA Exams | 12-18 Months |
| Pass All Four CPA Exams | Up to 18 Months |
| Gain Required Work Experience | 24 Months |
| Apply for CPA License | 1-2 Months |
| Total Duration | 2.5 – 3.5 Years (Including Work Experience) |
The CPA course completion time can be reduced by:
- Following a disciplined study routine.
- Passing all four exams within 12-15 months.
- Managing work and study time effectively.
Tips to Shorten Your CPA Course Completion Time
If you want to complete the CPA certification process faster, consider these strategies:
- Create a Structured Study Plan
- Break down the CPA syllabus into manageable weekly goals.
- Use Surgent’s adaptive learning technology for targeted preparation.
- Break down the CPA syllabus into manageable weekly goals.
- Leverage Live Online Classes & Mock Tests
- Enrol in Imarticus Learning’s CPA program, which offers 200+ hours of live training.
- Take mock exams to simulate real exam conditions.
- Enrol in Imarticus Learning’s CPA program, which offers 200+ hours of live training.
- Prioritise High-Weightage Topics
- Focus on difficult subjects first to maximise your score.
- Use real-world case studies to improve conceptual clarity.
- Focus on difficult subjects first to maximise your score.
- Follow a Disciplined CPA Exam Timeline
- Attempt two exams per quarter to complete the CPA within 12-15 months.
- Avoid long study gaps to maintain knowledge retention.
- Attempt two exams per quarter to complete the CPA within 12-15 months.
Is the CPA Course Worth the Time Investment?
The CPA credential is globally recognised and offers high-paying job opportunities in top firms like- Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG. The return on investment for CPA certification is significantly high, making it a valuable career move for finance professionals.
Read more about CPA salary prospects here
Explore if CPA is the right investment for you
FAQs
1. What is the typical CPA course duration?
The CPA course duration typically ranges from 12 to 18 months, depending on factors such as study pace, background, &exam strategy. Full-time candidates may complete it in a year, while part-time candidates may take longer.
2. How long does CPA take if I am working full-time?
For working professionals, how long does CPA take depends on their ability to balance work &study. Most professionals complete the certification in 18 months, taking one exam per quarter.
3. What is the CPA exam timeline for completing all four sections?
The CPA exam timeline allows candidates 18 months to pass all four exams from the date they clear their first paper. Planning to complete two exams per quarter can shorten…the timeline.
4. Can I reduce my CPA study duration?
Yes
5. What is the average CPA course completion time for beginners?
For candidates without an accounting background… the CPA course completion time may extend to 18 months or more, as they need additional time to understand-core financial concepts.
6. What factors affect the CPA certification process timeline?
The CPA certification process depends on factors such as study consistency, exam attempts, professional commitments, &prior knowledge of accounting principles.
7. Is it possible to complete CPA certification faster?
Yes
Final Thoughts on CPA Course Duration
The CPA course duration depends on various factors like study mode, preparation strategy, and personal commitments. By sticking to a structured study plan, using the right learning resources, and maintaining consistent efforts, you can achieve CPA certification within 12 to 18 months.
Imarticus Learning offers a comprehensive CPA program with:
- Live online classes with expert faculty
- Personalised mentoring
- Money-back guarantee if you do not pass
- Internships and pre-placement training
Learn more about the CPA certification process here
Watch this video to understand the CPA exam process in detail
If you have been wondering, “How long does CPA take?”, the answer is in your hands. Start today and accelerate your journey toward a rewarding career in accounting and finance.