CPA Course Duration: How Long It Really Takes in 2025

One big question crosses the mind of every CPA aspirant: “How long is this going to take me?” The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all timeline. The CPA course duration is unpredictable as it depends on many factors. Your academic background matters. Do you have enough semester credits? In which state are you applying? What are their specific requirements? Have you completed your work experience? Everyone will have different answers to all of the above questions.

Honestly, the CPA journey can take under a year to over four years. It all depends on you. But don’t worry, it’s not so bad. You need to evaluate your eligibility and understand the steps to get certified.

We’ll walk you through the entire timeline. This will help you map out your CPA game plan and understand the measures required to achieve your goal. Once the details are clear, you’ll be ready and confident to walk down your CPA path. It leads to a prestigious career, higher earning potential and a seat at the table with top financial decision-makers.

Understanding the timeline: A clear view of the CPA course duration

1. Meet the educational requirements — CPA course duration: 1 to 4 years

Before you can even think of sending in your application, you have to figure out if you qualify for the program. The rules are complicated and vary according to the US states, but here is a brief overview of your eligibility as per your existing education.

For the exam: You need 120 to 150 credits to take the exam (depending on your chosen US state)

For the CPA license: You need 150 credit hours, out of which:

• 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.

So where do you stand on the eligibility spectrum? Let’s find out.

1.  Undergraduates

If you are still studying for a degree, you’re not quite there yet. The CPA board requires a minimum qualification of a Bachelor’s degree and 120-150 credits to take the exam. It is advisable to complete your degree first.

2. Graduates

For every one year of your degree course, you get 30 credits. Graduates with 3-year degrees have 90 credits, and those with four-year degrees have 120. If you fall into the latter category, you can apply to states such as Colorado, Montana and Alaska.

However, most graduates in India have a three-year degree. So, if you have a gap of 30 credits, it can be closed with an additional one-year course. Remember, you also need to ensure that you have the relevant credits in accounting and business.

3. Master’s degree

If you are the proud holder of an M.Com degree, then congratulations! You most likely fit the eligibility requirements. Most people with a Master’s degree will have 120 to 150 credit hours. The catch is, do you have the 24+ credits needed in business and accounting, respectively? If not, then yes, you’ll need a one-year bridge course.

4. Professional certification holders

Do you have a CA, US CMA, ACCA or CMA India certification? Some US states recognise these courses as equivalent to an accounting degree. You will have to research which states accept Indian and international qualifications. It is best to get your certification evaluated by a reputed agency such as NASBA or WES.

Also Read: US CPA Subjects Explained

2. Select a state, (but don’t apply yet) — CPA course duration: 1 week

Allow us to narrow your options down for you. A few US states are ideal for Indian students, such as Alaska, Guam, Montana, Washington, New Hampshire, Colorado and Maine. It’s best to look each state up, analyse the eligibility conditions, and see which suits your qualifications. Wait, don’t send in your application just yet. Once you have selected your state, finish the next step first.

3. Register with an evaluation agency — CPA course duration: 4 to 6 weeks

Are you qualified to take the CPA exams? The US states are simply not going to take your word for it. They want a third-party agency to carry out the checks and ensure all your paperwork is valid and authentic. So first, pick an agency. There are many, such as NASBA, WES, ECE and SpanTran, but most US states prefer the first two.

Go online and fill out your educational details on the agency’s website. Your transcripts are sent directly to them via your college in a sealed envelope. This ensures no tampering occurs. Once you submit your documents, you wait. You will receive an email from the agency about your evaluation. It is for your perusal only. The agency will directly send your transcripts to the US State Board.

4. Apply to the state board — CPA course duration: 1 month

Once the evaluation agency sends your transcripts to the state board, you can submit an official application. Visit the website to fill out the form. You must list your education, professional background, passport details and proof of identification. The state will review your application as well as the agency’s evaluation. If approved, you will receive an NTS (notice to schedule) from them.

5. Exam preparation — CPA course duration: 6 to 9 months

Great news! You’re in! Now roll up your sleeves and get to work. It’s time to hit the books and get ready for the exams. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Create a realistic study plan at least six months in advance.
• Make sure you understand the concepts, don’t memorise.
• Consistently solve mock tests and practice papers to get exam-ready.
• Sign up with a reputed coaching institute if it is too overwhelming to self-study.
• Schedule your exam at a Prometric centre near you.

6. Take the exams — CPA course duration: 1 to 2 months

There are four exams. Each one lasts for 4 hours, with a 15-minute optional break. You can take them in any order but must complete all exams within 18 months of passing the first.

You get your score within 8 to 16 business days. Log in to the NASBA CPA candidate portal to check your results.

7. Complete work experience — CPA course duration: 1 to 2 years

To get your CPA license, you need to complete the work experience requirement. Now, the exact conditions vary from state to state. Some require you to work under a licensed CPA, others will expect a CPA professional to verify your employment to the CPA board. In some cases, states will accept relevant work experience gained before the exams. Ensure you check the state’s exact specifications before you start working.

8. Take the Ethics exam (if needed) — CPA course duration: 1 to 3 weeks

15 states require students to take the AICPA professional ethics exam, including Washington and Colorado. So if you apply to these states, you better be ready.

It is an open-book exam with a passing score of 90 per cent. If you take the test online, you’ll get your results immediately. If you take the exam offline, you have a 2 to 3 wait for the results.

9. Apply for CPA License — CPA course duration: 1 to 2 months

Exams cleared? Check. Work experience completed? Check. Ethics tests? Done. We are finally at the finish line. It is time to reap the rewards of your hard work. Just submit the following documents to the board and you’ll be an official CPA professional.

1. Proof of passing exam scores
2. Ethics exam results (if required)
3. Work experience verification (supervised or verified by a licensed CPA)
4. Educational transcripts
5. Application form and fee

10. Maintain Your license with CPE

Oh sorry, did you think it was over? Nope. There is one more thing left. Just because you are a licensed CPA, doesn’t mean your learning stops. You’ll need to complete the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirement every year or every few years, depending on your state’s rules. These short courses can be taken online, offline or through webinars. You can choose the topics that match your career goals, such as taxation, data analytics, finance or leadership.

Also Read: Top Benefits of Earning Your CPA Certification

Why should you sign up for Proschool’s CPA course?

Proschool’s CPA course is designed for those serious about making a mark in accounting. As one of India’s top coaching institutions, it offers a comprehensive curriculum, covering everything from the fundamentals to advanced topics. The expert instructors are industry gurus who use active learning methods and innovative techniques to help you prepare for the exams. Within six to nine months, you’ll be ready to earn your CPA, and not long after that, you can take your accounting career to the next level.

• Proschool offers flexible study options, allowing you to balance your current commitments.
• Students study the CPA syllabus on the interactive Becker LMS platform, one of the best international learning portals.
• The expert counsellors help students with the eligibility process, ensuring they fulfil the credit criteria, complete the transcript evaluation and select the right state.
• 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.
• Recruitment training is given through mock interviews, resume building and soft skills development.
• 100 per cent placement support is also given to certified students.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. The US CPA course duration from start to finish. While the timeline can vary depending on your pace and state requirements, most students complete the course within 18 to 24 months. The entire process can be a bit complex, but it is a commitment that leads to an exciting, lucrative career. So stay focused and keep your eye on your goal. Before you know it, you will be a certified CPA professional.

Take a closer look at Proschool’s CPA course here.

FAQs

I have a bachelor’s degree. Can I take the US CPA course?

If you have a four-year degree, you have 120 credit hours. You are eligible to sit for the exams. You will still need 30 more credits to qualify for the licensure. Three-year degree holders will need 60 credits. Either way, there are enough bridge courses to help you close the credit gap.

What is the CPA course duration?

Many factors affect the duration. If you fall short of 30 credits, you’ll need to make it up with a year-long course. You also have to complete your work experience which could last one to two years. The time factor also depends on your pace of learning and how well-informed you are about the overall CPA procedure. If you want to complete the entire program quickly, opt for a coaching class like Proschool. They have the facilities and resources to help you manage your time.

If I fail, how soon can I retake the exams?

Wait 24 hours after receiving your results before reapplying for the exam. You can schedule your retake for the next available testing window.

How do I apply for my CPA license?

If all the state conditions are met, you can upload all the necessary paperwork as proof on the website’s licensing portal. The CPA board will review your documents, and if they pass muster, you can pay the application fee. You’ll receive your official license and can begin working as a practising CPA.

Do I have to complete my work experience requirement after taking the CPA exams?

Some states allow you to start your work experience before passing the CPA exams, but you cannot apply for your license until the experience is verified, the exams are passed, and all other conditions are met. Other states will expect you to complete it within a set period (often within one to three years) to meet the licensure requirements.

Do I need to take an ethics exam to become a CPA?

You only take this exam if your state requires it. Check the official website to check their terms.

How do I decide which CPA state board is best for me?

Some state boards have more flexible requirements for international candidates, including those from India. You’ll want to choose a state that makes it easier for international candidates to meet eligibility criteria. Most Indians prefer to apply to Montana, Guam, Washington, Alaska, New Hampshire and Colorado.