US CPA Course: Exam Structure, Syllabus, Costs, and Career Opportunities

The US CPA designation is astoundingly regarded as a gold standard, nurturing prestigious roles and global opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring accountant or a seasoned professional looking to enhance your credentials, understanding the course structure and syllabus is key to success. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the US CPA course, from its comprehensive syllabus to the career paths it unlocks.

To diversify your accounts knowledge more, read: USA CMA Course  

Introduction to the US CPA Course

​The US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Course is a comprehensive and multi-layered program aimed at preparing individuals for the CPA Exam, a vital step towards attaining CPA licensure in the United States.​ This course encompasses various educational requirements, including coursework in accounting and related fields, to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of the exam and the profession.

For individuals looking to enhance their qualifications further, the CPA Pathways Graduate Certificate offered by institutions such as the University of Illinois provides an advanced educational path. 

US CPA Course: Exam Pattern and Recent Changes

The CPA Exam pattern underwent monumental changes that became effective in January 2024. The newly formed exam structure strives to address the evolving skills required for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the modern and ever-changing accounting landscape.

New Structure & Core Subjects of the CPA Exam

The CPA Exam is now structured into 3 Core sections and 1 Discipline section. The Core sections include:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD): This section evaluates knowledge of auditing processes, including planning, risk assessment, and evidence collation/collection. 

• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): The FAR section adjudges candidates on financial reporting frameworks and relevant accounting standards and applies these frameworks in preparing financial statements.
• Taxation and Regulation (REG): This section assesses candidates’ depth and knowledge grasp of U.S. tax laws, ethics in tax practice, and business law.

As a candidate, you must select and pass one of the following Discipline sections:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): This section focuses on the analysis of business information, including insights into performance measures and investment alternatives.

• Information Systems and Controls (ISC): This Discipline emphasizes knowledge in IT auditing, data management, and the application of information systems in accounting.
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): It emphasizes tax compliance issues and planning strategies for individuals and entities.

Examination Format

Each section of the CPA Exam lasts four hours and includes both multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). In the recent changes, the written communication component which was previously assessed in the Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section, is no longer part of the exam. 

Recent Updates

Recent adjustments also indicate a strategic shift in focus towards technology and data analytics due to insights garnered from a practice analysis conducted by the AICPA and NASBA, which underlines skills gap and breakages in these areas for newly licensed CPAs. These insights have prompted the lauded restructuring of the CPA Exam to acclimatize it dynamically as per modern conditioning and real-world situations.

Eligibility for the US CPA Exam

Eligibility for the US CPA Exam is determined by a combination of educational, experiential, residency, and ethical requirements that vary by state.​ As a Candidate, you must understand these CPA Exam requirements to ensure they meet the necessary criteria before applying.

Educational Requirements

To sit for the CPA Exam, candidates typically must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher degrees from an accredited college or university. The educational requirements generally consist of:

• 150 Credit Hours: This usually means a four-year Bachelor’s degree and an additional year of coursework in Accounting or Business.
• Specific Coursework: Candidates must have a certain number of credits in accounting and business-related subjects.
• Evaluated Degrees: If candidates obtained their education internationally, their degrees must be evaluated by a recognized evaluation service to ensure they meet the U.S. 

Experience Requirements

States also require candidates to have credible work experience to be eligible for licensure. Generally, this includes:

• One to Two Years of Relevant Experience: Most states mandate candidates to complete 1-2 years of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
• Verification: Your experience must be verified by the supervising CPA, who must complete a form certifying the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Additional Considerations

It’s important for candidates to check their specific state’s requirements as they can significantly differ.

Cost of the CPA Course in the US

The cost of a US CPA course can vary significantly depending on the chosen course provider and the resources included. Below is a comprehensive overview of the CPA USA course fees.

The CPA USA course fees typically range between $1,000 and $4,000. Major CPA course providers may offer different pricing tiers which reflects the depth and style of their offerings.

The CPA exam fees typically include:

• Application Fees: It varies from state to state, but usually between $90 and $150.
• Examination Fees: Around $1,300 – $1,500 for all four sections
• Per Section Fees: Each exam section costs about $344.80, summing to $1,379.20 if passed on the first attempt.
• Retake Fees: Retaking the exam costs $50 and $200 per section.

Apart from the course cost, you must also be aware of: Cost of studying in the USA

Career Opportunities and Average Salaries with a US CPA Certification

The US CPA course certification opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various sectors, along with offering higher average salaries compared to non-certified accountants.

Career Opportunities

CPAs can pursue diverse roles in multiple sectors, such as public accounting, corporate finance, government, and nonprofit organizations. Some common job titles include:

Job Role	Average Annual Pay
Staff Accountant	$59,858
Auditor	$51,607
Tax Accountant	$75,025
Financial Analyst	$79,247
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)	$447,737
Government Accountant	$75,000
Forensic Accountant	$95,000

The employment opportunities for CPAs are expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which makes it a robust option. The aging workforce, particularly the retirement of baby boomers, combined with a growing need for financial expertise in various sectors, amplifies this demand.

Top Recruiters after Completing CPA Course in the USA

The demand for CPAs is increasing, and various recruitment firms specialize in connecting accounting professionals with top employers. Below is an overview of notable recruiters and firms known for their strong recruitment programs for CPAs.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC):	As a prestigious global accounting firm, PwC offers extensive career development and mentorship opportunities.
Deloitte:	Deloitte is recognized for its strong focus on career advancement and training initiatives.
Ernst & Young (EY):	EY has made substantial improvements in its recruitment processes and training programs, consistently ranking as a top firm for CPAs.
KPMG:	KPMG supports a diverse and dynamic work environment that values sustainable practices and corporate social responsibility.
Grant Thornton:	This firm is known for embracing innovation and technology providing a collaborative work culture.

Summary

In this blog, we provide a comprehensive overview of the US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) course and its revised 2024 exam structure. You’ll learn about the three core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and the optional Discipline sections (BAR, ISC, TCP), along with eligibility criteria, exam format, and associated costs. We also cover recent updates focused on technology and data analytics skills, which are increasingly vital in the modern accounting landscape. Additionally, this blog highlights the diverse career opportunities and average salaries available to CPAs and lists top recruiters such as PwC, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG. The US CPA certification remains a highly sought-after qualification for professionals looking to advance their careers in accounting and finance.

FAQs

Ques 1: What is the US CPA Course?

Answer 1: The US CPA Course is a comprehensive program designed to prepare candidates for the CPA Exam, a critical step toward earning CPA licensure in the United States. It includes educational requirements and focuses on accounting, auditing, and tax-related topics.

Ques 2: What is the revised structure of the CPA Exam in 2024?

Answer 2: The CPA Exam now has three Core sections—Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG)—along with one Discipline section chosen by the candidate: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).

Ques 3:  What are the eligibility requirements for the US CPA Exam?

Answer 3: Eligibility varies by state but generally includes:

• • A Bachelor’s degree with 150 credit hours of education.

• • Coursework in accounting and related fields.

• • One to two years of relevant work experience.

Ques 4: How much does the CPA Exam cost?

Answer 4: The total cost includes:

• • Application fees: $90–$150 (varies by state).

• • Exam fees: Around $1,300–$1,500 for all four sections.

• • Retake fees: $50–$200 per section.

Ques 5: What are the career opportunities for CPAs?

Answer 5: CPAs can pursue roles such as Staff Accountant, Auditor, Tax Accountant, Financial Analyst, CFO, Government Accountant, or Forensic Accountant, with salaries ranging from $51,000 to $447,000 annually, depending on the role and experience.

Ques 6: Which companies recruit CPAs?

Answer 6: Top recruiters include PwC, Deloitte, Ernst & Young (EY), KPMG, and Grant Thornton, among others. These firms offer opportunities for career growth and skill development.

Ques 7: How long does it take to complete the CPA Course?

Answer 7: The CPA Course, including exam preparation and licensure requirements, typically takes 1–2 years to complete, depending on the candidate’s pace and state requirements.