Do You Need A Master’s Degree To Become A CPA?

The immediate answer would be no. AICPA board doesn’t require the test takes to have a master’s degree in accounting. According to the certification board guidelines, there are other channels by which can fulfill the credit requirements for CPA exam eligibility. As per Indian education standards, the bachelor’s degree credits after converting to US standards add up to 90. The remaining 30 credits can be fulfilled by some extended university hours or specialization, or a bridge course to build up the credits.

This doesn’t make the masters in accounting any less valuable. The reason behind the mention is to prove the fact that a master is not mandated to become a CPA. If you are in the university pursuing a master’s, it’s ideal to start a CPA course preparation as you are completing higher education. It’s good you enroll with a CPA training institute, get your credentials verified as you receive the coveted degree. 

CPA Bridge Course

The situation alters when you are a working professional and at the same time, you are preparing for CPA. A full-length course gets difficult to manage. Here, you need to have a second thought about how you will get a clean cheque on the eligibility report in order to sit for the CPA exam. If you are going to enroll with a CPA training institute make sure that they can arrange a bridge course to adjust your CPA exam eligibility score. 

You can enroll for such online bridge courses on the Miles Website at CPA Bridge Course.

CPA with CA

In terms of the Indian context, many professionals who opt for CPA certification are Chartered Accountants (CA) or already have experience in working at accounting or Big 4 firms. US CPA credential adds up to the credibility mileage for the professionals and many are found to have to take inter-departmental transfers with the promotion in the same organization. The reason behind the popularity of pursuing CPA certification is due to the extra credits the individual gets on completing their CA and experience years.

 As per mandates presented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) board, India, CA would be treated as Post Graduate degree from March 2021 onwards. If you are a CA with university graduation and thinking to get your CPA done, you can move forward and give diversity to your career. 

At Miles CPA/CMA review, more than 50% of India’s CPA test-takers are CAs which makes it a gold standard for accountants who want to establish themselves in the public accounting sectors. All the more with credibility, the CPA exam structure is well-fortified with industry-first practices in accounting, which presents an international edge to the current practices and can forecast a bright future at USIs in the Indian corporate segment. 

State-wise Variation 

Though we consider a few standards while suggesting US CPA eligibility criteria, we have to keep in mind all 55 state boards of the US might have slight variations in requirements to allow you for the CPA exams. The rules are even more strict for those applying for the CPA license after clearing the parts. It's highly advised to keep a sharp eye on the requirements, whether they have mentioned a master’s requirement to meet the eligibility, as the protocols keep changing the time on time.  

CPA Licence requirements 

Considering that you enrolled for a master’s course and you have cleared your CPA exams and you have a job with decent pay. Would your master’s degree add value to your career?

Absolutely yes. Having only a CPA certification does allow you to have the full liberty to use your CPA powers. Without a license you lose your signing authority, you are deprived to hold partnerships with US CPA accounting firms, most importantly you don't have the authority to use the coveted acronym ‘CPA’ to your name. The foremost thing to get the CPA license is to fulfill the eligibility to record yourself as a CPA with the AICPA board. The validity lasts for 3 years after you have cleared the CPA exam. This makes the master’s in accounting count as you can well-enjoy the credit benefits of having a higher education degree. 

Degree of Choice 

The immediate thought that follows after this is - which field to get the master’s degree at - accounting, business, finance, or management?

Any of the above options hold true. In Indian standards, each year of university education is considered 30 credits in equivalence to the US education system. This chart is sure of great help if you are planning for a master’s with or after CPA. 

• Using 1 year = 30 credits,

• B.Com = 3 years x 30 credits = 90 credits

• B.Com + M.Com/MBA = 90 credits + 60 credits = 150 credits

• B.Com + CA/CS/CWA = 90 credits + 60 credits = 150 credits

• CA/CS/CWA recognized by few states as 2 years of US education