CPA is an accounting designation awarded by the AICPA in the USA, licensing its members to practice in USA and other partner countries based on MoUs. Similarly, CA is the highest accounting designation awarded by the ICAI in India. Since both the courses are the top accounting degree in their respective countries, naturally, the question that arises is which is a tougher course?
We at VGLD, believe in guiding you towards the best career choice. So, we have come up with a detailed comparison between CPA & CA.
Course details
Average duration – Based on mandatory practical training requirement and levels involved, CA course duration appears to be longer.
CPA
CA
7months – 1 year
5 years
Levels – CA course is designed to test candidates across different levels with increasing complexity.
CPA
CA
No levels
Three levels: CPT Intermediate Final
Work experience – CA course requires practical training before appearing for final level while you can have practical training anytime in CPA (before or after exam).
CPA
CA
Minimum 1 year experience in accounting or finance
Minimum 3 years of practical training under a CA firm or Industry
Eligibility – Even a 18-year old student can commence with CA course while a CPA course would typically require one to be around 21 years.
CPA
CA
120 CPE credits based on a graduation and/or post-graduation degree/courses
Passed Higher Secondary Examinations recognized by the Central Govt. of India
Practical Training/Experience – Both the courses require a candidate to undergo a few years of work experience to ensure candidates are full prepared to handle real-life challenges.
CPA
CA
2 years of work experience
3 years of practical training
Anytime – during or after exams
Post clearing Intermediate-level (at least 1 group)
Average cost (incl. course and tuition fees)
CPA
CA
Rs. 3,30,000
Rs. 2,00,000
Average cost of cpa and ca exam including course and tuition fees
Exam details
Exam mode – CPA course is advanced in its mode of conduct examinations.
CPA
CA
Online
Offline
Exam format – CPA exams test you on your practical application and there is no negative marking.
CPA
CA
MCQ + case studies
Practical + theories
Accounting Standards used – CPA course is based on the most advanced and used accounting standards in the world.
CPA
CA
US GAAP + IFRS
Ind AS (Indian GAAP)
Number of papers – Based on levels involved, CA course appears to be longer.
CPA
CA
4
20
Subjects
CPA
CA
Auditing & Attestation
Principles and Practice of Accounting
Business Environment & Concepts
Business Laws & Business Correspondence and Reporting
Financial Accounting & Reporting
Business Mathematics and Logical Reasoning & Statistics
Regulation
Business Economics & Business and Commercial Knowledge
Accounting
Corporate & Other Laws
Cost and Management Accounting
Taxation
Advanced Accounting
Auditing and Assurance
Enterprise Information Systems & Strategic Management
Financial Management & Economics for Finance
Financial Reporting
Strategic Financial Management
Advanced Auditing and Professional Ethics
Corporate and Economic Laws
Strategic Cost Management and Performance Evaluation
Elective Paper
Direct Tax Laws & International Taxation
Indirect Tax Laws
Frequency of examinations – CPA course allows students to self-pace their education based on their level of preparation with more options to schedule their exams.
CPA
CA
Quarterly
Half-yearly
Pass percentage
CPA
CA
Around 45%
Around 5%
Job Opportunities
CPA vs CA Salary Comparison – Post-qualification starting salaries in India for CPA’s tend to be higher than a CA.
CPA
CA
8-10 lakhs
6-7 lakhs
CPA vs CA Salary in india
Recognition – CPA is an internationally recognised degree with acceptance in most of the advanced countries like Canada, Hong Kong, Australia etc. Meanwhile, CA is recognised only in India and few Middle-East countries.
CPA
CA
8-10 lakhs
6-7 lakhs
Conclusion
Although, there is no straight-forward answer to the question of which is tougher of the two but we believe that this comparison will help you take an informed decision. Though, CPA tends to emerge stronger in many scenarios, one has to an informed decision based on their requirements and urgency.
For more information on the CPA course and its required skills, please feel free to Contact us at @ tel:+919700000038 or mail us at contact@vgldi.com
