Any candidate looking to make a career in finance and/or accounting would be spoilt for choices on offer in form of US CPA and CMA course. However, it can get quite confusing for anyone to choose the most appropriate one. The decision becomes critical when it is about your career and future of your family.
We at VGLD are here to guide you in taking the best decision for your future! We will start with taking a quick look at high-level differences followed by a detailed discussion.
US CPA VS US CMA Quick Overview
Below are the key differences between these three courses to give a high-level overview to help facilitate some quick decision-making.
Nature
US CPA
US CMA
Number of papers
4
2
Course duration
1.5 years
0.5-1 years
Frequency of exams
Quarterly
Three times a year
But do not take a decision in haste. We at VGLD, would rather suggest you to go to below detailed differences before taking a final decision.
Detailed Differences
In addition to above highlighted differences, we will now closely look at each of the key differentiators between these courses so that one can make an informed decision.
Papers – In order to obtain a full-fledged degree (required to practice profession), a candidate must clear requirements in all the below-mentioned levels. –
Assuming no exemptions are available, a candidate must pass the below sets of papers to be eligible for a full accreditation. These papers are carefully curated to test one’s academic & application skills in fields like accounting, taxation, law, audit etc.
US CPA
US CMA
Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics
Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)
Strategic Financial Management
Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
Regulation (REG)
Eligibility – Each of these courses do not limit the intake of students from other streams like science, arts, and others. In fact, a basic graduation in any field gives you a good playing field.
US CPA
US CMA
120 credits for qualification
Bachelor’s degree or Professional Certification
150 credits for license
Practical Training/Experience – Each of these courses require a candidate to undergo few years of work experience/practical training to ensure that the candidates are fully-prepared to handle real-world pressure and challenges.
US CPA
US CMA
2 years of work experience
2 years of work experience
Anytime – during or after exams
Prior to or within seven years of passing the examination
Frequency of examinations – With most students now opting to study and work simultaneously, an increased frequency in number of available terms adds to the flexibility and ease. Both CPA & US CMA score in this section by offering students the option to appear in an exam over 3 times in a calendar year as per their order of choice.
US CPA
US CMA
Quarterly
Thrice a year
Testing windows Jan-MarApr-JuneJuly-SepOct-Dec
Testing windows: Jan-FebMay-JuneSep-Oct
Format of examinations – Both these courses offer a similar pattern of testing students.
US CPA
US CMA
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Short-task based simulations
Essays
Written communication
50:50 weightage to MCQ & other questions
75% MCQs and 25% essay
Career Paths – Both the courses provide you with opportunities of reaching at top of the ladder. Depending on the career choice, one should pay careful consideration to this as it goes a long way in your career
US CPA
US CMA
Assurance Services
Chief Financial Controller
Foreign Accounting
Financial Manager
Business and Management Consulting
Financial & Planning Analyst
Internal and External Auditing
Cost Accountant
Consulting Services
Chief Financial Officer
Tax and Financial Planning
Risk Manager
Advisory services like tax, transaction (M&A) etc.
Management Accountant
To know more details, please feel free to contact VGLD @9700000038 or mail us at
contact@vgldi.com