How to become a chartered accountant in USA is a question many aspiring finance professionals ask when planning their careers.
In the U.S., the equivalent credential to a Chartered Accountant (CA) is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a highly respected certification that opens doors to high-paying jobs in accounting, finance, and business leadership.
If you’re looking for a rewarding career with stability and growth, becoming a CPA is one of the best choices you can make.
But let’s be honest—becoming a CPA isn’t easy.
It requires years of education, passing a tough exam, and gaining real-world experience.
However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
CPAs earn higher salaries, have more job opportunities, and enjoy greater job security than non-certified accountants.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, making sure you have a clear roadmap to success.
Let’s get started!
How to become a Chartered Accountant in USA?
If you’re wondering how to become a chartered accountant in USA, you’re in the right place.
While many countries have the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, in the United States, the equivalent certification is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
This credential is highly respected and can unlock many career opportunities in accounting, finance, and business leadership.
As a career advisor, I’ll walk you through every step of the process, from education to certification, ensuring you have all the information to successfully achieve your CPA goals.
What Is a CPA and Why Is It Important?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed professional responsible for auditing financial records, preparing tax returns, and offering financial consulting services.
CPAs play a critical role in businesses, government agencies, and accounting firms.
Why Should You Become a CPA?
High Demand: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031.
Higher Salary: CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-certified accountants. The average CPA salary in the U.S. is around $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
Career Growth: CPAs have more job security and can advance to executive roles like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Financial Controller.
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How to become a Chartered Accountant in USA?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a Chartered Accountant in the USA:
Step 1: Obtain the Required Education
Step 2: Gain Relevant Work Experience
Step 3: Apply for the CPA Exam
Step 4: Pass the CPA Ethics Exam (If Required)
Step 5: Apply for the CPA License
Step 6: Maintain Your CPA License
1. Step 1: Obtain the Required Education
To qualify for CPA certification, you must meet specific education requirements.
Educational Requirements for CPA License:
How to Meet the 150-Hour Requirement?
Pursue a Master’s in Accounting or Business Administration (MBA)
Take additional courses at a university or community college
Enroll in CPA prep programs that offer extra credits
Pro Tip:
Some states allow work experience to substitute for education. Always check with your State Board of Accountancy.
2. Step 2: Gain Relevant Work Experience
Before you can become a licensed CPA, most states require you to complete 1-2 years of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA.
Best Ways to Gain Experience:
Internships at CPA firms like Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, or EY
Entry-level accounting jobs at corporate firms
Government or nonprofit accounting roles
3. Step 3: Apply for the CPA Exam
The CPA Exam is a rigorous four-part test administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
CPA Exam Structure:
CPA Exam Pass Rate:
The average CPA exam pass rate is around 45-55%.
Some sections, like FAR, have lower pass rates (40-50%), making preparation crucial.
Pro Tip:
Invest in CPA prep courses like Becker, Gleim, or Surgent to improve your chances of passing.
4. Step 4: Pass the CPA Ethics Exam (If Required)
Some states require candidates to pass an Ethics Exam before obtaining their CPA license.
The AICPA Ethics Exam is an open-book exam and has a 90% pass rate.
It covers professional conduct, ethical responsibilities, and integrity in accounting.
5. Step 5: Apply for the CPA License
After passing the CPA Exam and completing your work experience, you must apply for licensure through your State Board of Accountancy.
CPA Licensing Fees:
Pro Tip:
Some employers reimburse CPA exam fees, so check with your company!
6. Step 6: Maintain Your CPA License
Once you become a CPA, you must fulfill Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements to keep your license active.
CPE Requirements:
40 hours per year (varies by state)
Topics include tax updates, ethics, auditing standards
Alternative Pathways to Becoming a CPA:
With a decline in accounting graduates, some states are exploring new ways to qualify for CPA licensure.
Experience-Based CPA Pathway: Some states may allow 5+ years of work experience instead of the 150-hour rule.
Online CPA Programs: Universities like University of Illinois and Penn State offer online master’s programs that help meet CPA requirements.
Chartered Accountant (CA) vs. CPA: Key Differences:
Here are some of the key differences between CA and CPA:
Pro Tip:
If you are a CA from another country, you may qualify for the International Qualification Exam (IQEX) to become a CPA in the USA faster.
The Demand for CPAs in the USA:
Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about why becoming a CPA is worth it.
The demand for CPAs has been rising steadily, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accounting jobs are expected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, which means thousands of job openings each year.
Key Stats on CPA Job Growth:
There are more than 1.4 million accountants working in the U.S.
Over 60% of CPAs work in public accounting firms, while others are in corporate finance, government, or consulting.
The highest-paying states for CPAs are New York, California, and Texas, with salaries exceeding $120,000 per year for experienced professionals.
If you want a stable, well-paying job with career growth, becoming a CPA is a smart investment.
How to become a Chartered Accountant in the USA for Beginners?
If you are a beginner and want to become a Chartered Account here is step-by-step guide that you can follow:
Step 1: Choosing the Right Accounting Degree
Step 2: Meeting the CPA Exam Requirements
Step 3: How to Pass the CPA Exam
Step 4: Completing the Work Experience Requirement
Step 5: Applying for Your CPA License
Step 6: Maintaining Your CPA License
Also Read: How to become a Junior Accountant?
Step 1: Choosing the Right Accounting Degree
To start your CPA journey, you need the right education. But what degree should you get?
Best Degrees for CPA Aspirants:
Important Tip:
Many students complete their bachelor’s in accounting and then take a one-year master’s program to fulfill the 150-credit hour rule.
Step 2: Meeting the CPA Exam Requirements
Each state has slightly different CPA requirements, so it’s important to check with your State Board of Accountancy.
However, here’s a general checklist:
Must-have CPA Exam Requirements:
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
150 credit hours of coursework
Completion of specific accounting and business courses
Some states may require U.S. residency or citizenship
Pro Tip:
You can check your state’s specific requirements on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website: www.nasba.org
Step 3: How to Pass the CPA Exam
The CPA Exam is known for being one of the toughest professional exams. But don’t worry—I’ll break it down so you know exactly what to expect.
CPA Exam Breakdown:
Study Tips for CPA Success:
Use CPA review courses like Becker, Wiley, or Gleim.
Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the test format.
Study consistently for at least 3-6 months before taking the exam.
Don’t take multiple sections at once—focus on one at a time.
Step 4: Completing the Work Experience Requirement
Most states require 1-2 years of relevant work experience before you can become a licensed CPA.
But where should you gain this experience?
Best Places to Get CPA Work Experience:
Public accounting firms (Big 4: Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY)
Corporate finance departments
Government agencies like the IRS or SEC
Nonprofit organizations
Real-World Example:
Many CPA candidates start their careers as staff accountants at a Big 4 accounting firm, where they gain valuable auditing experience before taking on leadership roles.
Step 5: Applying for Your CPA License
Once you’ve passed the CPA Exam and completed your work experience, it’s time to apply for your CPA license.
Each state has slightly different requirements, but generally, you’ll need to:
Submit an application to your State Board of Accountancy
Pay licensing fees (usually $50 – $500, depending on the state)
Provide proof of education, exam scores, and work experience
Important Note:
Some states require you to pass the AICPA Ethics Exam before granting your license.
Step 6: Maintaining Your CPA License
Becoming a CPA is just the beginning!
To keep your license active, you must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every year.
CPE Requirements (Varies by State):
40 hours per year of professional training
Ethics courses may be required
Training can be completed through seminars, webinars, or self-study
Pro Tip:
Many companies pay for CPE training, so check with your employer before enrolling in paid courses.
CPA vs. Other Accounting Certifications:
Not sure if CPA is right for you?
Let’s compare CPA with other accounting certifications:
Comparison of CPA, CMA, and CFA:
Final Verdict:
If you want to work in public accounting, auditing, or taxation, CPA is the best choice.
Final Thoughts:
Is CPA the Right Career for You?
Becoming a CPA in the USA is a challenging yet rewarding process. It requires dedication, time, and investment, but the career benefits, job security, and salary growth make it worth it.
Becoming a CPA is challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding careers in finance.
If you’re looking for:
High salary and job security
Opportunities for career advancement
Global recognition and credibility.
… then a CPA career is worth pursuing!
Who Should Consider a CPA Career?
Accounting and finance graduates who want to boost their career
Auditors, tax professionals, or financial analysts
Anyone looking for a high-paying, stable job in finance
If you’re serious about advancing in accounting, start your CPA journey today!
Next Steps:
Research your State Board of Accountancy requirements.
Enroll in a CPA review course for exam prep.
Gain work experience through internships or entry-level jobs.
Good luck on your CPA journey!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The equivalent designation of a Chartered Accountant (CA) in the USA is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The CPA is regulated by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and various State Boards of Accountancy.
To become a CPA, you must have:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance (or a related field).
- 150 semester hours of coursework (which may require additional courses beyond a typical bachelor’s degree).
Yes, but you must complete the required accounting and business courses. Many candidates take additional courses at universities or community colleges to meet the educational requirements.
It typically takes 5-6 years, including:
- 4 years for a bachelor’s degree
- 1 year for additional coursework (if needed)
- 6-12 months to pass the CPA exam and complete work experience
Here are the expenses, and how much it costs to become a CPA:
- CPA Exam Fees: $1,000 – $1,500
- Application Fees: $100 – $200
- License Fees: $50 – $500 (varies by state)
- CPA Review Courses: $1,500 – $3,000
The CPA Exam has a pass rate of around 45-55%, making it one of the toughest professional exams.
The CPA Exam has four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
The FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) section is considered the hardest, with a pass rate of around 40-50% due to its complex financial accounting topics.
Yes, most states require 1-2 years of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA before you can get your license.
With a CPA license, you can work as:
- Auditor (at firms like Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC)
- Tax Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
No, passing the CPA Exam is mandatory to become a CPA in the USA.
You can retake the failed section, but you must pass all four sections within an 18-month period.
No, there is no age limit. As long as you meet the education, exam, and experience requirements, you can become a CPA.
Yes! International students can apply for the CPA Exam, but they must meet state-specific requirements. Some states require candidates to be U.S. residents.
The CPA license is primarily recognized in the USA, but some countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK have agreements that allow U.S. CPAs to work there with additional qualifications.
Yes! If you’re a CA from India, Canada, or the UK, you may qualify for the International Qualification Exam (IQEX) instead of taking the full CPA Exam.
Here are the key differences between CPA and an MBA:
CPA:
- Focus: Accounting, auditing, and taxation
- Exam: CPA Exam (4 sections)
- Best For: Accountants, auditors, tax professionals
MBA:
- Focus: Business strategy, management, and leadership
- Exam: Business strategy, management, and leadership
- Best For: Business strategy, management, and leadership
The average CPA salary is $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
Most states require CPAs to complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) per year to keep their license active.
Check out these official resources:
Hey, I am Sachin Ramdurg. I run and manage futuredecider.com website that helps students, graduates, and professionals, to find and decide on their future career with ultimate future career advices and future career guides. I have an overall 12+ years of career guidance experience in multiple domains which has helped multiple students, graduates, and professionals to find the best career path for their future.