US CPA Course Duration: After 12th, Graduation & CA

Most of us who know about US CPA know that this course makes you the CA of the US. The Certified Public Accounting course is a well-known course offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Those who want to practise Chartered Accountancy in the US often prefer choosing this course post-graduation. Compared to Indian Chartered Accountancy, the US CPA is a shorter course with just four papers that can be completed within 1.5 to 2 years.

However, for completing the Indian CA, you need a set learning period of 5 to 6 years, which includes your articleship training of at least 3 years. The US CPA course is a globally recognised course that, on completion, gives you the chance to work in the US jurisdictions like Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. 

The US CPA duration, as mentioned earlier, takes a maximum of 1.5 to 2 years until completion. But you must remember that this duration does not include the mandatory work experience. To clarify all your doubts regarding the exact duration of the CFA course, exemptions and the best time to pursue this course, here’s a detailed article to guide you through.

The US CPA Course Duration

Most students who are planning to pursue US CPA often wonder when the best time is to take up this course. The minimum eligibility for US CPA is a graduation degree or 120 college credit hours. While there are no exemptions for US CPA, you can choose any commerce or accounting course and post your 12th grade and then complement it with a US CPA degree.

Here’s a Breakdown of the US CPA Course duration. 

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US CPA Course After 12th, Graduation or CA

Most students who are planning to pursue US CPA often wonder when the best time is to take up this course. The minimum eligibility for US CPA is a graduation degree or 120 college credit hours. While there are no exemptions for US CPA, you can choose any commerce or accounting course and post your 12th grade and then complement it with a US CPA degree.

Those who have already completed their Chartered Accountancy course or are working as Chartered Accountants in India but wish to work in the US can also choose to pursue US CPA. Since the salary of a US CPA professional is way higher than that of a CA, most accounting students prefer taking the combination of CA + US CPA.

This ensures that the accounting professional benefits enormously by learning about many accounting concepts, principles, and practices as they open up a variety of opportunities in India and the United States. 

Benefits of US CPA Certification

• A wide range of global opportunities await you on completion of your US CPA
• You could get a chance to work in some of the best US-based MNCs in India
• If you plan to work in the US, you can choose to work in cities like Hawaii, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. 
• As mentioned above, your earning potential drastically increases after pursuing the US CPA course. Whether you choose to work in a US-based MNC in India or in the States, be assured of a high salary packa

US CPA vs US CMA

If you’re stuck between US-based professional accounting courses, you should certainly consider the two most prestigious ones, and by that, we mean US CPA and US CMA. However, to finally understand your calling, you need to know these courses in a better way. Here’s a quick differentiation of the two accounting courses based on some important factors. Take a look, weigh your options, and choose the right course that suits you best.

We hope that with this detailed overview of the US CPA course duration and eligibility, your decisions are further simplified. To know more about this course, we suggest you check out our Certified Public Accountant (CPA) course. You could also simply get in touch with us by clicking on the WhatsApp or calling icon on the left-hand side of this article.

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FAQs on US CPA Course Duration

How long does it usually take to complete the US CPA course?

On average, candidates take 12–24 months to complete the US CPA course, depending on study hours and exam preparation.

Can I finish the US CPA in just 6 months?

Yes, it’s possible in 6 months with full-time preparation, but most students prefer spreading it out for better results.

Can I clear the entire US CPA course within 1 year?

Yes, many candidates complete all CPA exams in one year with a disciplined study plan and consistent effort.

How long does the CPA take if I am already a CA?

CA-qualified candidates may take 6–12 months, as prior accounting knowledge helps speed up US CPA exam preparation.

Is the US CPA course harder compared to CA?

Both are tough, but CPA is shorter in duration, while CA is considered more rigorous with a longer completion timeline.

How many attempts are allowed for the US CPA exams?

There’s no official attempt limit; candidates can reappear until they clear, provided it’s within the exam credit window.

Satyamedh Nandedkar, a seasoned finance professional, holds ACCA, CA, US CMA & CS credentials. With 10+ years of experience, he’s a master ACCA tutor, IFRS trainer, adept in global financial standards, and a trusted advisor in navigating complex financial landscapes.