Finance & Accounting
US CPA (AICPA)
Certified Public Accountant (US)
Quick facts
| Provider | AICPA & CIMA (NASBA) |
|---|---|
| Exam code | CPA |
| Level | advanced |
| Format | Three Core sections plus one Discipline section |
| Questions | Multiple-choice and task-based simulations per section |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Passing score | 75 (on a 0–99 scale) per section |
| Exam fee | $350 (per section, plus state and registration fees) |
| Validity | License maintained through state CPE |
| Languages | EN |
Overview
The US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is the licence for public accounting in the United States. Under the current CPA Evolution model, candidates take three Core sections (Auditing, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation) plus one Discipline section of their choice.
It is a licence, not just a certification, so eligibility is governed by individual US state boards, usually including 150 credit hours of education and an experience requirement. It is high effort and high value for careers in US accounting, audit and assurance.
Who it is for
- Accountants and auditors working in or with the US system
- Finance professionals who need a US public-accounting licence
- International candidates targeting US accounting careers
Who it is not for
- Non-US-focused accountants — ACCA may travel better internationally.
- Those without the required accounting credits — eligibility is state-specific.
- Anyone wanting a single-exam credential — CPA is four sections plus licensing.
Exam structure
| AUD — Auditing and Attestation | Core |
|---|---|
| FAR — Financial Accounting and Reporting | Core |
| REG — Taxation and Regulation | Core |
| Discipline (BAR, ISC or TCP) | Choose one specialism |
Realistic study time
- Accounting graduate 300-400 hours across all four sections
- Per section ~80-120 hours each
Bars show relative effort, not a guarantee. Your time depends on background and study method.
What it really costs
| Exam sections | ~US$350 x4 — four sections |
|---|---|
| State application and registration | Varies by state |
| Review course (optional) | US$1,000-3,000 |
| License renewal | State CPE requirements |
Fees change and vary by region. Confirm the current amount on the official site before you register.
Is it worth it?
For careers in US accounting, audit and assurance, the CPA is essentially the licence to practise and is well worth it. It is less relevant if your career is in investment analysis (where the CFA fits) or outside the US system, where local qualifications or ACCA may matter more.
What to do next
CPA is the US public-accounting license. Compare ACCA vs CPA and CFA vs CPA to confirm it fits your geography and goals.
FAQ
- CPA or CFA?
- Different careers. CPA is for accounting, audit and tax; CFA is for investment analysis and portfolio management. Choose by the work you want to do.
- Can international candidates take the US CPA?
- Yes, but eligibility is set by individual state boards and usually requires 150 credit hours and specific coursework. Check your chosen state's rules early.
- How hard is the CPA exam?
- Demanding. Section pass rates are often around half, and most candidates study for a year or more across the four sections.
Related exams
- ACCA Qualification— ACCA
- CMA (IMA)— IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
- CFA Level I (CFA Institute)— CFA Institute