How to Pass the CPA Exam: An International Guide

About the CPA

The US CPA designation is one of the most sought-after qualifications in the accounting profession. In 2012, international candidates represented 9.2% of total candidate pool, and the percentage will likely increase with the availability of non-US exam sites in Japan, Middle East and South America. Do you want to start your own CPA journey? Here is a summary of the process.

International candidates should be aware that the US CPA license is granted by one of the US states and jurisdictions and not by a centralized governmental agency as in most countries. It is also not a “program” in which you can enroll in order to learn about what is tested in the exam: you are required to fulfill the educational requirements on your own to get qualified.

Each state or jurisdiction has slightly different educational requirements, but in general you should have completed at least a 4-year bachelor degree and 150 credit hours of studies. Most states also ask for a minimum number of accounting and business courses.

Because of these specific rules, candidates graduated from non-US universities, non-accounting majors and those who do not have 150 credit hours of studies may have difficulty getting qualified for the exam. The good news is that there are a few states that allow you to take the exam in these situations, and I cover the details in my book.

Once you pick a jurisdiction and have your exam application approved by the state board, the process becomes much easier. You can schedule your exam online on any weekday during the testing window, which is the first and second month of any quarter. You can register in one state and physically sit for the exam in another. You can also study at your own pace at the comfort of your home using self-study review materials.

Getting the CPA designation is no easy task for domestic and international candidates alike, but qualifying for and passing the CPA exam is definitely doable with the right steps. In 2012, more than 8,500 non-US candidates from 101 countries took part in the Uniform CPA Examination. If they can do it, so can you.

“Ms. Ng provides aspiring CPAs a great service with this book. Intended for accountants educated outside the United States, this resource helps users navigate the daunting U.S. certification and examination process from beginning to end. It is easy to follow with information that is both honest and inspiring.”
—Susan Bedil, Executive Director International Education Research Foundation, USA

“This work will contribute significantly to AICPA’s stated goal of expanding its international recognition and influence. It will achieve this by filling the existing vacuum of authoritative and concise guidance for international AICPA students like myself.

“Stephanie has combined concise and commonsense advice, first, to understand the incredibly varied, individual state rules surrounding the ‘3 Es’—education, exam, and experience; and second, in the form of a well-presented guide, to master the mechanics of the uniform AICPA exam.

“She is to be commended in spotting this market need and addressing it so professionally!”
—Roy N. Lawton, FCMA, CGMA, and AICPA student

“Here is the book for which we have been waiting . . . the best guidance to help accounting professionals get ready and pass the CPA exam. Stephanie, the owner of the website IPassTheCPAExam combines all of her knowledge on becoming a CPA, includes readers’ experience and Wiley CPA Review content, bringing you to the journey of the CPA exam: WHAT is a CPA? WHY do you want to become a CPA? WHEN should you schedule an exam? WHERE do you go for the exam? HOW do you get qualified?

“The CPA exam is one of the most challenging professional examinations in the world. Passing the exam is a huge achievement for any accounting professional. As a CPA candidate who passed all the exams in my first attempt and just got a promotion based on my credential, I greatly recommend that you read this book, as you will find all the answers to your concerns and get all the support you need: the CPA exam is passable! It’s time to go for it!”
—Yan Tan, a successful CPA exam candidate who passed four sections on the first try with scores of 80, 91, 91, 89