Ibrahim Gardner
International students in the USA can become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) by meeting the eligibility requirements of one of the 55 US jurisdiction Boards of Accountancy and passing the four-part CPA Exam. The CPA Exam is open to all international candidates and is offered in various countries, including the USA, England, Germany, and Brazil. To be eligible, international students must meet specific educational requirements, such as having a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 120-150 semester hours from an accredited institution, and may need to take additional exams, such as the International Qualification Examination (IQEX) or an ethics exam. Most jurisdictions require coursework in business law, accounting, finance, taxation, and auditing. While the path to becoming a CPA as an international student may be complex, it is a valuable credential that opens up numerous opportunities in the field of accounting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CPA Exam | Consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) |
| International Qualification Examination (IQEX) | A three-hour exam similar to the Regulation portion of the US CPA Examination |
| Uniform CPA Examination | Offered at Prometric test centers in England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Bahrain, Brazil, Kuwait, Japan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Requirements | 120-150 semester hours of coursework from an accredited institution, including courses in business law, accounting, finance, taxation, and auditing |
| Residency | Residency requirements vary by state, with some states requiring candidates to reside in their jurisdiction or conduct significant business for at least six months |
| Social Security Number | Some states require a Social Security Number or citizenship, while international candidates are exempt from this requirement in certain states |
| Work Experience | Most states require work experience, typically under a licensed CPA for one to two years |
| Academic Credentials | International candidates' academic credentials must be evaluated and translated to ensure they meet US standards |
| Language | Proficiency in English is required to take the CPA Exam |
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What You'll Learn
Educational requirements
International students aspiring to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States must meet specific educational requirements. The educational prerequisites for the CPA qualification vary across different U.S. jurisdictions, so it is essential to refer to the requirements of the specific state board of your chosen jurisdiction. Here is a comprehensive overview of the educational requirements for international students seeking to become CPAs in the United States:
Firstly, international candidates must possess a bachelor's degree. The majority of state boards require a minimum of 150 semester hours or credit hours of education, which equates to five years of tertiary education. This typically includes a certain number of hours specifically dedicated to accounting and business courses. Some states, however, mandate only 120 semester hours, allowing candidates to sit for the exam upon completing their bachelor's degree.
Secondly, international students must have their educational credentials evaluated to ensure their qualifications meet the standards set by the chosen state board of Accountancy in the U.S. This evaluation can be conducted by approved agencies, such as the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), World Education Services (WES), or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The evaluation process ensures that international candidates' academic credentials are equivalent to those of an accredited U.S. institution.
Additionally, international students whose academic documents are not in English must have them translated. This translation process is necessary to ensure that their educational certificates are accepted by the state board. It is recommended to use certified translation services to guarantee the accuracy and acceptance of the translated documents.
Furthermore, international candidates should be aware that some states have specific requirements regarding the type of acceptable degrees and the fields of study. For example, most jurisdictions require students to complete coursework in business law, accounting, finance, taxation, and auditing. Therefore, it is essential for international students to thoroughly research the specific educational requirements of their chosen jurisdiction to ensure they meet the necessary standards.
Lastly, international students should initiate the application process well in advance, typically four to six months before their planned exam date. This buffer period allows sufficient time for the evaluation of educational credentials, approval of exam applications, travel arrangements, and obtaining a U.S. visa if necessary.
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Exam application approval
International students can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the US, but they must meet the eligibility requirements of one of the 54 or 55 US jurisdictions. These include the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is not yet ready to accept CPA applicants.
The CPA exam is offered only in English, so international students must be fluent in English. The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). To qualify for the exam, international students must have their academic credentials evaluated by a third-party service to ensure they meet the standards required by the state board of Accountancy in the US. Organisations like NASBA or World Education Services (WES) are used for this purpose. If an international student's academic documents are not in English, they must be translated by a certified translation company.
International students must also meet the educational requirements of their chosen jurisdiction. Most states require a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 120 or 150 semester hours of coursework from an accredited institution, with courses in business law, accounting, finance, taxation, and auditing.
Once an international student's education has been deemed qualified, they will receive their Notice to Schedule, which will allow them to register for their CPA exam at a Prometric centre.
The exam application approval process for international students is the same as for domestic students. However, international students must also sign the International Consent Agreement, which requires them to obtain a license from a state board of accountancy within three years of passing the exam.
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Travel arrangements
International students aspiring to become CPAs in the United States must start the application process early, allowing ample time for travel arrangements and obtaining a U.S. visa. Here are some crucial travel arrangement tips for international students:
University Resources:
Most universities in the U.S. provide valuable information for international students on their websites or through their Office of International Studies. These resources often include details about nearby airports, local transportation options like shuttle or taxi services, and even temporary housing suggestions. Contacting the office directly can be helpful if you need more specific recommendations or guidance.
Planning Your Itinerary:
It is advisable to plan your travel itinerary before arriving in the U.S. to ensure proper budgeting and take advantage of cost-saving opportunities. Purchasing travel tickets in advance can often result in lower prices. Many students choose to explore different parts of the country during academic breaks, such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Spring Break.
Student Travel Resources:
Various online student travel resources offer great deals on airfares, accommodations, and more. Youth hostels provide an excellent opportunity to meet fellow international travellers while typically costing less than hotels. Motels, located near major highways, also tend to be more affordable alternatives. Additionally, accommodations outside of city centres are generally more budget-friendly.
Visa Requirements:
International students intending to take the CPA Exam in the U.S. must obtain a U.S. visa. The specific type of visa will depend on individual circumstances, but a B-1/B-2 visitor visa is often suitable for those travelling to the U.S. solely for the exam.
Overall, international students aiming to become CPAs in the U.S. should allow sufficient time for travel arrangements and visa procurement while also leveraging the wealth of resources available to make their journey smoother and more cost-effective.
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Work experience
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA as an international student, you must meet the requirements of one of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. These requirements vary across states, so it is essential to research the specific mandates of your chosen jurisdiction.
All jurisdictions mandate work experience for licensure. While the specifics may differ, most states require two years of professional accounting or tax preparation experience. Some states may only require some accounting experience, and in certain states, interns need to have their work experience supervised by a licensed CPA from their home state.
To apply for the CPA Exam, you must first choose a state or territory in the U.S. where you intend to take the examination and meet the requirements. You can then contact the Board of Accountancy to request an application packet and submit your application.
It is important to note that most Boards of Accountancy require individuals with foreign credits to have their academic credentials evaluated. This can be done through foreign transcript evaluation services, and you may need to have your original documents or certified copies in a stamped, sealed envelope.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can proceed with preparing for and taking the CPA Exam. The CPA Exam is comprised of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Alternatively, you can take the International Qualification Examination (IQEX), which is equivalent to the REG section of the CPA Exam.
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CPA license application
International students can become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA, but they must meet certain requirements. The process can be complex, but it is possible to navigate. The first step is to ensure that you meet the educational requirements. Most states require 150 semester hours to take the CPA Exam, although some will allow you to sit for the exam with fewer credits if you have a bachelor's degree. International candidates must have their academic credentials evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation agency. This process can take anywhere from a few days to eight weeks. After the evaluation, candidates will likely need to take additional courses to make up for any credit hours they are lacking.
The CPA Exam is the same worldwide, and candidates can expect the same types of questions and scoring standards. The exam consists of four parts: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Candidates can take the exam in the United States or at one of the international CPA Exam testing centers. To be eligible, candidates must meet the requirements of one of the 55 U.S. jurisdictions. Some states require applicants to hold a Social Security Number or Citizenship, but international candidates are exempt from this requirement in certain states. Most states allow international candidates to be licensed, but some have residency requirements, which may include residing in the jurisdiction or conducting significant business for at least six months.
Once a candidate has passed the CPA Exam, they can apply for licensure. The application process varies slightly between states, but most Boards of Accountancy require individuals with foreign credits to have their academic credentials evaluated. Candidates will need to pay an application processing fee and may need to submit additional documentation, such as experience forms or evidence of refugee status. Some states, such as North Carolina, provide an online application process, while others may require a paper application.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, international students in the USA can work as CPAs as long as they meet the eligibility requirements of one of the 55 US jurisdiction Boards of Accountancy.
The eligibility requirements to become a CPA as an international student include:
- Passing the four-part CPA Exam
- Fulfilling work experience requirements
- Passing an ethics exam (if required)
- Holding a bachelor's degree with around 150 semester hours in accounting and business-related courses
- Proficiency in English
The CPA Exam is a standardized test that consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Business Environment and Concepts (BEC). The exam is offered in English and is the same worldwide, including the international version.
Yes, international students can consider the International Qualification Examination (IQEX), which covers similar topics to the Regulation portion of the US CPA Examination. Out of the 55 jurisdictions, 48 accept IQEX candidates for CPA certification.
Some challenges that international students may encounter include having their academic credentials evaluated, meeting the 150-hour rule, and providing certified translations of their academic documents if they are not in English.
