CPA Guide for Indian Professionals and Students

Introduction

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is among the most highly regarded credentials in the accounting field. It is a rewarding career path that opens doors to high-paying global opportunities, employment security, and professional growth. Achieving this certification by clearing the CPA exam on your first attempt demands careful planning, a structured approach, systematic preparation, and expert guidance.

In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through a step-by-step process for earning your U.S. CPA certification. It covers everything from eligibility requirements to exam scheduling and the best CPA exam prep courses. If you are to sit for the CPA exam in 2025, this guide will walk you through the most important steps to becoming a CPA and passing the exam on the first attempt. 

Step 1: Find Out about CPA Eligibility Requirements

You need to meet your state board's eligibility requirements to take the CPA exam. These typically are: 

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or related field. 
• At least 120 to 150 hours of semester work, varying by state. 
• Some states have requirements for a certain number of hours in accounting-specific courses. 
• Requirements for work experience (usually 1-2 years as an employee of a licensed CPA, varying by state). 

Check your state's CPA requirements on the NASBA website. 

Step 2: Apply for the CPA Exam

After you have the eligibility requirements fulfilled, do the following to apply: 

• Submit your application to the state board. 
• Pay application and exam fees. 
• Obtain the Notice to Schedule (NTS). 
• Schedule your exam sections through Prometric.

Exam Fees (Estimated for 2025) 

• Application Fee: (4,360 – 17,440) INR 
• Exam Fees per Section: (21,800 – 26,160) INR 
• Ethics Exam (if required): (13,080 – 17,440) INR 
• CPA Licensing Fee: (4,360 – 26,160) INR 

Step 3: Understand the CPA Exam Structure

The CPA exam consists of four sections:   

Core sections: 

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – Focuses on ethics, professional responsibilities, assessing risk, obtaining evidence, and forming conclusions.  
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – Covers financial reporting frameworks, balance sheet accounts, and select transactions. 
• Regulation (REG) – Addresses ethics in tax practice, business law, and federal taxation for individuals and ethics.

Discipline Sections (choose one): 

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Emphasize business analysis, technical accounting, and state and local government reporting.  
• Information System and Controls (ISC): Centers on information systems management, data security, and system controls.  
• Tax compliance and Planning (TCP): Focuses on tax compliance and planning for individuals and entities, including property transaction.  

There are MCQs, task-based simulations (TBS), and written communication tasks in each section. You must score 75 or above in each section to pass. 

Step 4: Choose the Best CPA Exam Prep Course

A CPA review course with a systematic structure is the secret to success. Some of the best options for 2025 are listed below: 

Best CPA Review Courses: 

• MYCPE ONE Academy (Most Affordable) 
• Becker CPA Review  
• Surgent CPA Review  
• Gleim CPA Review  
• Wiley CPAexcel  

Choose a course that best fits your learning style, budget, and time. 

Step 5: Create a Realistic Study Plan

Recommended Study Time per Section: 

• AUD: 80-100 hours 
• BEC: 70-90 hours 
• FAR: 100-120 hours 
• REG: 80-100 hours 

CPA Study Plan (3-Month Strategy) 

• Week 1-4: Complete 25% of your CPA review material. 
• Week 5-8: Complete another 50% and start practicing with practice exams. 
• Week 9-12: Practice weak spots, complete full-length mock exams, and practice time management. 

Make use of flashcards, progress trackers, and adaptive quizzes to enhance your preparation. 

Step 6: Master Time Management and Exam Strategies

Time Management Tips 

• Split study sessions into blocks of 2-3 hours. 
• Utilize the Pomodoro method (25 minutes study, 5 minutes break). 
• Take quizzes for weekly progress.

Exam-Day Advice: 

• Get there 30 minutes prior at the Prometric facility.

Use your time judiciously: 

• MCQs: 50% of your time 
• Task-Based Simulations: 40% of your time 
• Written Communications (BEC only): 10% of your time

Do not leave any questions blank. 

Step 7: Be Disciplined and Motivated

Studying for the CPA exam is intimidating. Motivate yourself by: 

• Participating in CPA study groups on Facebook and Reddit. 
• Rewarding oneself with milestones (treats for the completion of chapters or sections). 
• Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction skills to avoid burnout.

Step 8: Become CPA Licensure

Upon completion of all four sections, apply for your CPA licensure: 

• Obtain required work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. 
• Pass the Ethics Exam (where your state demands it). 
• Submit your license application and fees to your state board.

After you have been awarded your CPA license, maintain it by taking Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits (usually 40 hours a year). 

Conclusion

It is challenging to pass the CPA exam the first time, but you can do it through a solid strategy, the top CPA review course, and hard work studying. Start studying today and set yourself up for a rewarding career as a CPA! 

Require professional CPA exam guidance?  Get the best CPA courses from MYCPE ONE Academy. 

Vaibhav Jain

Vice President - MYCPE ONE Academy

Vaibhav is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting. As the head of MYCPE ONE Exam Prep, he has trained over 5,000 students and 8,000 professionals. Connect with him on LinkedIn.