Complete guide on CPA Certification Cost! Find Out How to Get a CPA License for Indian Students

Calling yourself a Certified Public Accountant is a significant career milestone. It means you have arrived in this industry with a bang. Your qualification unlocks a higher level, leading to a lucrative salary, career advancement and immense job satisfaction. There is a catch, though. You know how they say, nothing this good comes easy? Well, the path to the US CPA certification has its fair share of challenges. There are financial commitments, such as exam fees, application costs and study material among the CPA certification cost. Then, there are also licensing costs to contend with.

Don’t worry, it is not as bad as it sounds. If you are fully informed on how to obtain a CPA license, you can arrange your finances accordingly – no unexpected and unpleasant surprises in store for you. Once you have the complete list of all the expenses that go into a CPA certification, you can budget wisely. It also helps if you enrol with a reputed coaching institution. The staff will help you throughout the challenging evaluation process.

Below is the cost breakdown for students and working professionals who understand the immense value a US CPA can add to their resume. So without any further ado, we dive straight into the details of the CPA certification cost.

Also Read- CPA Jobs in India vs Abroad : Is the Demand Really Growing in 2025?

How to get your CPA license — the complete cost breakdown

Let’s analyse the cost of preparing and taking the US CPA exams.

1. Application Fees:

$50 – $200 (Approximately Rs 4,000 to Rs 16,500). The exact cost will depend on which US state you apply to.

2. Exam Fees:

$250 – $300 (Approximately Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 for each exam)

3. Coaching Fees:

Rs 1 to Rs 1.5 lakhs.

4. Study Material:

Rs 70,000 to Rs 110,000 (included in the fees if you sign up with a coaching centre).

5. US CPA Licensing and Renewal Fees

Did you pass the exams? Excellent! You are almost there. There are a few steps left in learning how to become a licensed CPA professional. You have to pay a licensing fee which varies state by state. Below is a list of fees for select states.

US State	Licensing Fee
California	$250
New York	$150
Illinois	$120
Ohio	$100
Georgia	$95
Pennsylvania	$65
North Carolina	$75
Virginia	$75
Florida	$50
Texas	$50

6. CPA Renewal & Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Costs

Renewal fees: $50 to $500 (Approximately Rs 4,300 to Rs 43,000)

Every one to three years, you will have to renew your US CPA license.

CPE course fees: $20 to $50 per credit hour (Approximately Rs 1,700 to Rs 4,300)

You will also be required to complete over 40 hours of the CPE course every year.

7. Hidden CPA Certification Costs

Most Indian students miss out on specific fees as it is not listed with the main costs. These are:

International Testing Fee: $390 (Approximately Rs 33,600 per exam)

International students taking the CPA exams outside the US will pay this extra charge.

Ethics Exam Fee: $150 and $250

States like California or Texas will require you to pass an ethics exam, but all boards won’t ask this of you.

Credential Evaluation Fee:  $150 – $250 (₹12,000 – ₹20,750)

Indian students applying for the US CPA course pay an evaluation fee to get their academic transcripts officially verified through agencies such as NASBA, WES or NIES.

This process is for all out-of-state students.

There could be additional terms such as work experience verification fees in some states.

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

How to get a CPA license

If it is your life’s ambition to become a US CPA-certified professional, here is a step-by-step guide to achieving your dream.

1. Meet the Educational Requirements

Indian students need 120 to 150 credit hours of education. A B.Com degree only fulfils 120 credit hours. This could be acceptable in some US states like Montana or Georgia. They allow you to take the exam with a B.com degree, but you must complete the 150-hour requirement to get your license. Individuals with an M.com or MBA degree fit the criteria perfectly.

2. Apply to Evaluation Agencies

International students who have acquired degrees outside of the US must get their educational documents verified by an official agency. So all academic paperwork for your B.Com, M.Com, CA, or any other degree has to be approved before you can apply for the course. Check the CPA state board website to confirm which evaluation agency is required before applying. Also, the process can take six to eight weeks, so submit your papers in advance.

Documents needed:

1. Degree certificates and transcripts
2. Mark Sheets
3. Passport or official ID proof
4. If the papers are not in English, you have to provide translated documents.

3. Register for the CPA Exam

Once the evaluation is approved, You are closer to learning how to become a licensed CPA. Register for the exams through the NASBA website. You have to select your state and then apply for the exam. You will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) via email. This allows you to book your CPA exam sections. The NTS is only valid for certain months, depending on the state, so plan your exams accordingly. You don’t want to pay double fees due to poor time management.

The tests are conducted at Prometric testing centres. Log on to the website and pick your date and time for the exams.

Application Requirements:

• Your personal details
• The credential evaluation report by an official agency.
• Payment of the exam fees

4. Take the CPA Exam

The CPA exam consists of four exams, each one lasts for four hours.

The mandatory exams are:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

Three elective exams are (choose any one):

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

The US CPA exam follows a computer-based format with multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations. The passing mark is 75 out of 100 in each exam. Students must clear all sections within 18 months of taking the first exam.

5. Work Experience Requirement

Once you’ve passed the exams, the next step is to obtain your CPA license. First, you must have the work experience required. The CPA board requires all candidates to work for one to two years under a licensed CPA.

6. Apply for a CPA License

Once you have met the above requirements, you’ve completed the steps to get a CPA license. It’s time to become a certified CPA. Here’s how:

• Fill up the State Board application
• Provide work experience proof
• Submit CPA exam pass certificates
• Pay the licensing fee

7. Maintain Your CPA License

Hold on, it’s not over yet. While your certification is valid for life, you need Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits to keep your license active. The credit requirements vary from state to state. Some boards expect 40 CPE hours yearly, while others demand 120 hours every three years. You can earn credit by attending webinars, online courses, self-study courses, and writing articles.

Also Read- All You Need to Know About CPA Eligibility in India

How long does it take to get your CPA license?

Here is a timeline for the CPA Certification, depending on your level of education. Please note that you also have to complete the work experience requirement. That time varies according to the state and is not counted in the time estimates given below.

B.Com Graduates:

Since the B.com degree adds up to 120 credit hours, you have to take additional courses to meet the 150-credit requirement.

Estimated time to complete exams: 1.5 to 2 years.

M.Com Graduates:

You already meet the 150 credit hour requirement, so you can proceed to get your documents verified and then apply for the exams.

Estimated time to complete exams: 1 to 1.5 years.

Working Professionals:

You also need to fulfil the credit hour requirements. If you have a B.com, you must earn the extra hours. If you have an M.Com or other degrees, you can take the course directly.

Estimated time to complete exams: 1 to 2 years.

Professional certification holders (CA, ACCA, US CMA, etc):

Your certification could fulfil the 150-credit hour requirement. If it doesn’t, you will need to take extra courses. There are also a few exemptions granted to professional certification holders.

Estimated time to complete exams: 6 months – 1 year.

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

Is the CPA Evaluation Process Difficult?

As an international candidate, you can’t just enrol for the US CPA program. First, you must ensure that you meet the educational requirements of 150 credit hours. B.com students fall short, with only 120 credits. However, M.Com and MBA students have 150 credit hours and can successfully submit their transcripts to credential evaluation agencies.

The evaluation process is long and time-consuming. You may have to wait for six to eight weeks. The committee is meticulous when it comes to checking your documents. So ensure all papers are filed accurately. This is a critical part of how to get your CPA license, so try to take the help of a reputed and professional evaluations expert.

Reasons for CPA Evaluation Rejection in India

• You don’t have the required 120 to 150 credits.
• Your university is not recognised by the credential evaluation agencies.
• Essential files, such as official transcripts, haven’t been submitted.
• The application was submitted to the wrong US state, leading to disqualification.
• Translation of non-English papers has not been shared.

 

Also Read- Best CPA Coaching in India: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in India

How To Get A CPA License With Proschool

From education evaluation to exam preparation, Proschool shows you how to become a licensed CPA. At one of India’s top coaching institutions, you receive a well-rounded CPA training program designed to help you clear the US CPA exam efficiently. The professors are experienced professionals with real-world expertise. They use active learning methods, practical training techniques and industry-based case studies to educate students effectively.

Proschool also ensures a smooth evaluation process for Indian students:

• They help the students pick the ideal state board for their qualification levels, such as B.Com, M.Com, MBA, ACCA, CA, etc.
• Organising and verifying all documents before submission.
• Recommending additional courses to meet the credit hour requirements.
• Being a part of the entire evaluation procedure with agencies such as NASBA, WES, or ECE.

Course highlights:

• Online classes are available on weekends to suit working professionals and full-time students.
• As a world-class institute, Proschool offers international learning resources, such as the globally renowned Becker LMS, full-length mock tests, practice questions, learning videos, and more.
• Students receive personalised mentorship to help them through the evaluation process and examination.
• Proschool helps students connect with top firms and MNCs through the online placement portal.
• Recruitment-based training is also available, including resume building and mock interviews.

Conclusion

Your CPA certification is a valuable asset to your career. It can take you to soaring heights and lead to global career opportunities in accounting and finance. But do your homework first. Understand the CPA certification cost, the licensing procedure and timelines. Once the process is straightforward, you can determine how to obtain a CPA license. It is worth your time and effort, as once you are fully certified, you can take your career to the next level.

FAQs

What is the CPA licence, and why do I need it?

A CPA license is a professional accounting certification set up by the State Board of Accountancy in the United States. When you are a CPA professional, you can:

• Sign internal audit reports and offer assurance services
• Work as a licensed CPA in public accounting firms
• Start your own CPA firm

Can I take the CPA course after finishing my B.com degree?

You’re a B.Com graduate wondering, “How do I get my CPA license?”

You will need an additional course to fulfil your 150 credit hour requirement. An M.Com, CA or ACCA certification can help you reach the desired 150 credit hours and

Which is better — the US CPA or CA course?

Both are exceptional, well-designed and comprehensive programs that lead to excellent career opportunities. However, the US CPA is ideal for professionals seeking global opportunities with MNCs, Big 4 firms and US-based companies. The CA is better suited for Indian corporations and local firms.

How much do CPA professionals earn in India?

Did you know that US CPA professionals earn 30 to 40 per cent more than non-certified accountants, especially in MNCs and Big 4 firms? While salaries depend on the company, location and job profile, here is a rough estimate.

Entry-level professionals: Rs 6 lakhs to Rs 12 lakhs

Mid-level professionals: Rs 12 lakhs to Rs 25 lakhs

Senior professionals: Rs 30 lakhs to Rs 70+ lakhs

What type of job can I get after I become a licensed CPA?

Entry-level positions: Audit Associate, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst

Mid-level positions: Senior Accountant, Tax Manager, Finance Manager

Senior positions: VP, Finance Director, CFO, Partner (Big 4)

Do coaching institutions for CPAs help with evaluations and placements?

It depends on the institute. Top coaching institutions like IMS Proschool assist with the evaluation process and provide placement support.