CPA Certifications for Engineers, MBAs & Non-Commerce Backgrounds – Is It Possible?

It’s not a far-fetched claim to say that accountants run the world. They control the flow of money. They are responsible for economic stability. And they guide companies to make informed business decisions that lead to more profitable avenues. Point to a successful global company, and you’ll find a group of competent accountants operating behind the scenes. It’s also possible that these accountants hold US CPA certifications, one of the world’s most prestigious qualifications.

CPA professionals have a high level of expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. They get access to advanced career opportunities, using their credibility and skills to help large companies manage financial operations.

However, CPA qualifications are not easy accomplishments. They require specific prerequisites, contain complex concepts and put students through four rigorous exams. That doesn’t mean it is not achievable. Even engineers, MBA holders and candidates from a non-commerce background can apply for the course. While the process can be complicated, the proper preparation can help you successfully transition into a CPA professional.

Also Read- Complete guide on CPA Certification Cost!

What are the standard eligibility requirements for a CPA certification?

Educational Conditions

Before you apply for the CPA program, you must select a US state board first. International students have limited choices, but most Indians apply to states such as Colorado, Montana, Guam and Washington. Here is a brief overview of the educational conditions of CPAs.

To take the exam:

• You need 120 to 150 semester hours (depends on the state’s conditions).
• Work experience is optional at this stage.

To receive the license:

• You need a total of 150 semester hours for full licensure.
• Out of these 150 credits, you need:
  • 24 to 30 credit hours in accounting, including subjects like financial accounting, taxation and auditing.
  • 24 credit hours in business-related subjects like business law, finance and economics.
• You require work experience to receive the license.
• Some states have specific requirements such as an ethics exam and biometrics. Be sure to research your chosen state thoroughly as the criteria differs from state to state.

Work Experience

• Most states require students to complete the work experience under a licensed CPA.
• The duration varies from one to two years.
• You can complete this work experience before or after the exams.
• Always check the specific work requirements of the state you plan to apply for your license.
• Some states may have a verifier and supervisor conditions.
  • Verifier rule: you need your work experience verified by a licensed CPA, but you don’t have to work under one.
  • Supervisor rule: you have to work directly under the supervision of a licensed CPA.

 

Also Read- CPA Jobs in India vs Abroad : Is the Demand Really Growing?

How can engineers receive CPA certifications?

We know what you are thinking. Engineering and accounting are like oil and water — they don’t mix. However, we consider them two essential components of any successful business. So, can engineers switch streams and get into accounting by doing the CPA course? We wouldn’t be here if they couldn’t!

Eligibility requirements for engineers

First, the bad news. Engineers don’t have the necessary qualifications to meet the CPA requirements. While a four-year engineering program is worth 120 semester hours, you lack the required hours in accounting and business subjects.

Additional training/courses

Here are your options to gain the relevant credit hours you need for a CPA certifications.

• Some US-based and Indian universities offer accounting and business courses that will make up your deficit, such as:
  • University of North Alabama
  • Cal State University
  • Symbiosis
  • Amity University

• Accredited CPA providers such as Becker, Surgent and Gleim offer credit-eligible courses online.

• Coaching institutions such as Proschool also offer bridge programs to help students receive their accounting credits.

• Once you have completed the additional course or received adequate credits, submit your transcripts to an evaluation agency like WES or NIES. They will determine if your documents are in order and if you meet the eligibility standards.

• After that, you can formally apply to your chosen state board.

Experience requirements

• All US states require work experience before granting a CPA license.
• You can take the exam and then apply for a job. In some states you have to work with a licensed CPA. In others, you only need the CPA professional to verify your work experience.

 

Also Read- How to Become a US CPA in India?

How can MBAs receive CPA certifications?

Do the MBA and CPA qualifications work well together? Or is it an overkill? An MBA’s strategic mindset coupled with a CPA’s financial acumen will give you a unique advantage in the corporate world. So, let’s break it down to see how you can leverage your MBA degree to meet the CPA requirements and unlock powerful career opportunities.

Eligibility requirements

A two-year MBA post-graduate program grants you 60 credits. If you also have a three-year bachelor’s degree, you already have 90 credits. That is a total of 150 credits, which hails you over the finish line.

Hold on, we’re not there yet. Now, your field of specialisation matters. If you have a bachelor’s degree in commerce or an MBA in accounting or finance, it is possible to generate the credits needed in accounting and business. You can then directly submit your transcripts for evaluation.

However, if you hold an MBA in marketing, HR or any other field, you likely fulfil the credit hours for business but not accounting. If you have a non-commerce bachelors degree, you may be required to take additional courses for the accounting requirement.

Additional training/courses

• Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer courses from institutions such as:
  • University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
  • University of California
  • University of Illinois

• IGNOU, NIFA and Amity University offer short-term courses in accounting and finance that satisfy the CPA eligibility conditions.

• Proschool offers bridge courses that can help you meet the credits requirement.

• Fulfilled the credit requirement? Then, get your documents in order and submit your transcripts to an evaluation agency like WES or NIES. They will determine if you are ready to take the CPA course.

• After that, you can formally apply to your chosen state board.

Experience requirements

• All US states require work experience before granting a CPA license.
• You can take the exam and then apply for a job under the supervision of a licensed CPA.

How can students from non-commerce backgrounds receive CPA certifications?

Can an arts, science or IT graduate become a CPA professional? How many hoops do they have to jump through to make that happen? If you’re thinking along these lines, then don’t worry. There are ways for students from non-commerce backgrounds to qualify for the US CPA course. Let’s delve in.

Eligibility requirements

A three-year bachelor’s degree in arts, science or computer applications is worth 90 credit hours. A four-year program will get you 120 hours. However, most non-commerce degrees (IT, science, arts, etc.) don’t include accounting or business coursework. So you’ll need additional courses to fill those gaps.

Additional training/courses

• To get the necessary CPA credits, here are some US colleges that offer online courses (and accepted by NASBA):
  • University of North Alabama (UNA)
  • Cal State University (CSU)
  • Liberty University Online

• Online learning platforms such as StraighterLine and Portage Learning offer Self-paced courses that count for credit hours.

• Some of the CPA training providers such as Proschool also offer bridge courses in accounting and business.

Experience requirements

• All US states require work experience before granting a CPA license.
• You can take the exam and then apply for a job. Check with your state’s rules if you have to work under the supervision of a licensed CPA, or just receive an official verification from one.

 

Also Read- How to Get a Job in Big 4 Accounting Firms After CPA?

Significant pointers to consider about the US CPA certifications

1. The CPA syllabus and exam structure

The new and updated CPA syllabus has a new format.

Core Subjects (All mandatory):

AUD – Auditing and Attestation

FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting

REG – Regulation

Discipline (choose any one):

BAR – Business Analysis and Reporting

ISC – Information Systems and Controls

TCP – Tax Compliance and Planning

The exam structure is as follows:

• Exams are held at Prometric centres (available in cities across India)
• Passing score: 75 out of 99 (single exam)
• Each paper is 4 hours long, with a 15-minute, optional break after the 3rd testlet.
• There is a mix of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations.

2. Credit requirement

We have established you need 150 credit hours to be eligible for the CPA certifications. Once you acquire these credits, you need an evaluation agency such as WES and NASBA to ensure all documents are authentic and valid. Each state accepts different agencies to verify the transcripts, so check before you submit your papers for evaluation. You must ensure your college sends all the required educational information directly to the agency. Once your total number of credit hours is verified, you can make an official application to the state board.

3. How to get the CPA license

Your CPA license is the pot of gold at the end of a long and laborious journey. To acquire it, you need to complete three significant steps. First, meet the educational credit requirement. Next, pass all four sections of the CPA examination. And finally, complete the work experience as dictated by your chosen state. After this, you can apply to your state board for your license. Note that some states may require you to take an ethics exam or submit your biometrics for background verification.

4. Total course fees

The cost depends on your chosen state board, as some states charge higher fees. If you also opt for coaching classes, the approximate fees are between Rs 3.5 lakhs and Rs 4 lakhs.

5. Time commitment

Getting your CPA certifications can be a lengthy process, and the duration largely depends on your current level of education. If you fall short of the required credits, you may need to take a course. Then there is the evaluation process, studying for the exams, work experience, license application and ethics exam (if applicable). So, you must commit to the time it takes to accomplish all the above steps.

Also Read- What is CPA License & can A CPA practice in India?

Career scope after CPA

Engineers + CPA Job Profiles

Job Profile	Responsibilities	Approx. Annual Salary
Business Analyst	Analyse financial data to provide insights that support business decisions	Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs
IT Compliance Officer	Ensure systems comply with all accounting and financial reporting regulations.	Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
Risk Manager	Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks within the company.	Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs
Forensic Accountant	Investigate fraud and financial crimes using accounting and tech skills.	Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 22 lakhs

MBA + CPA Job Profiles

Job Profile	Responsibilities	Approx. Annual Salary
Strategic Consultant	Advise companies on financial strategy, M&A deals and restructuring.	Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 30 lakhs
Financial Planner	Help people or businesses plan investments and tax strategies.	Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
Finance Manager	Oversee financial planning, reporting and analysis.	Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs

Non-Commerce Grads + CPA

Job Profile	Responsibilities	Approx. Annual Salary
Tax Advisor	Ensure compliance with international or corporate taxation laws and regulations.	Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs
Internal Auditor	Evaluate and improve internal controls and risk management.	Rs 10 lakhs to Rs 18 lakhs
Corporate Accountant	Handle financial reporting, compliance and budgeting in a company.	Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 20 lakhs

Challenges of pursuing the CPA certification

1. CPA exam difficulty

The CPA course consists of four sections, three core subjects and one optional. You have to give four exams that last four hours and contain a mix of MCQs and essay questions. You must learn complex concepts and accounting standards such as US GAAP and international tax laws. The task-based simulation questions are intense and require real-world application. They test your ability to analyse real-life scenarios and produce professional-level responses. You need to think critically and manage your time well. After all, if you want to be a world-class accountant, you have to prove you are up to the task.

2. Credit requirements

Let’s go over this again. You need 120 credits to take the US CPA exam (in some states). You need 150 credits to apply for licensure. Most Indian degrees only offer 90 to 120 credits, and if you are from a non-commerce background, you will also lack the necessary credits in accounting and business. There are additional courses available online and offline to make up the gap. It helps to sign on with a reputed institution like Proschool to understand your current educational status and learn how to fulfil the CPA requirements.

3. Understanding the state-specific requirements

Every US state has its own set of rules for the CPA certifications. Check the requirements of the states thoroughly before you make a decision. In some cases, the conditions may be impossible to fulfil. One state may ask for citizenship, while another will demand a social security number. Don’t be surprised if some states have mandatory subjects not taught anywhere in the world except in the US. A handful of states have simple requirements, such as Guam, Montana, Washington and Colorado. Once you select your state, you can pick your evaluation agency. All states have their preferred choice of agencies, so choose accordingly. NASBA and WES are two popular agencies approved by most states.

4. Lack of guidance (especially for non-commerce backgrounds)

If you are not from a commerce background, navigating the complex terrain of the CPA eligibility landscape is challenging. Understanding credit hour conversions to fulfil accounting coursework requirements can be overwhelming. But don’t worry. Engineers, science graduates and MBA holders can access the relevant information. Coaching institutes like Proschool have designated counsellors who can provide an easy-to-follow roadmap for students, helping them understand the nuances of state-specific requirements and achieve the relevant credits needed to apply for the CPA certifications.

5. Transitioning between careers

Switching to an accounting career from an engineering or noncommercial background is quite a feat. You adjust to a new professional language, understand complex concepts and train yourself to adapt to this new analytical and compliance-driven mindset. You must also work under a licensed CPA to fulfil the CPA requirement. It can be a challenge when you have to explain your transition during job interviews. It’s not as bad as it sounds, though. Yes, there are some complications and hurdles in your path, but nothing you can’t overcome with proper research and professional guidance.

Master the CPA course with Proschool.

The process of earning your CPA certifications is complicated. That’s why you need the support of one of India’s top coaching institutions. Proschool has a large arsenal of resources that help you through every stage of the CPA process. The institute has patterned with Becker and collaborated with US colleges to help non-commerce graduates get the required accounting and business credit hours. Once you qualify for the exams, you can study under experienced instructors who use active learning methods and real-world applications to teach the course. There are many more reasons to enrol with Proschool. Here are a few of them:

• Proschool has one of the best international learning portals with an interactive Becker LMS platform.
• Expert counsellors help you understand the credit system and recommend courses to fulfil the requirements.
• They also assist with transcript evaluation and state selection.
• Students who clear their exams receive guidance on fulfilling the mandatory work experience.
• Additional learning resources include mock tests, practice papers and other board-approved study materials.
• There is also placement support given to students for CPA-related jobs.

Conclusion

It takes a lot of courage to embark on a new journey. The risks may be high, but the rewards are often greater. If you are from an engineering, MBA or non-commerce background, the CPA certifications is still well within your grasp. Once you achieve this respected accounting designation, you reap benefits such as professional growth, global opportunities and the pride of mastering a new domain.

Interested in learning more about the CPA? Click here.

FAQs

How do I apply for the US CPA certification with a non-commerce background?

Let’s start simple. First, understand the credit requirements. Depending on your education, you can calculate your semester hours. If you fall short of the required 150 credits (and at least 24 accounting and 24 business credits), you can opt for accounting courses to earn the credits you need. It takes clever planning to ensure your eligibility is up to code. If you have an engineering, science, arts or non-finance MBA background, you can work with Proschool’s counsellors to understand your application process.

How long does it take to become a CPA?

It usually takes 18 to 24 months from the time you start studying to clear all four exam sections. After that, you need relevant work experience for one to two years. Once you have fulfilled all the conditions, you can apply for the CPA certifications.

Do I need work experience to become a CPA?

Yes, All US states mandate one to two years of work experience under a licensed CPA. You decide if you want to complete the work requirement before or after you’ve taken the exams.

Can I apply for a CPA in any state, or are there specific state requirements?

Each US state has its own set of CPA eligibility regulations, and some can be quite difficult for Indian students to meet. It is best to apply through states with the simplest rules, such as Colorado, Alaska, Montana, Guam and Washington.

What are the benefits of becoming a CPA?

CPA professionals are respected worldwide as trusted experts in accounting, finance, and regulatory compliance. Their deep knowledge, ethical standards, and strategic insight make them invaluable across industries. They have the advantage of being the first choice for several high-paying job profiles which lead to quicker promotions in upper management positions.

How much do CPA professionals earn in India?

Exact figures will depend on the type of industry, company size, location and your negotiation skills.

Entry level: Rs 8 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs

Mid-level: Rs 15 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs

Senior level: Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 50 lakhs