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CA vs CPA
Which Accounting Course is Right for You?
CA Full Form
Chartered Accountant
CPA Full Form
Certified Public Accountant
Both CA (Chartered Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are prestigious accounting qualifications, but they lead to very different career outcomes.
Understanding the key differences between CA vs CPA will enable you to make an informed decision based on your career aspirations, location preferences, and the type of opportunities you want to pursue in the accounting and finance sectors.
CA vs CPA — Quick Comparison Table
To be eligible for the US CPA exam, most state boards require
| Feature | CA (India) | CPA (USA) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) | AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) & State Boards |
| Global Recognition | Limited (India & some Gulf countries) | Global (especially USA, Canada, UAE) |
| Course Duration | 4.5–6 years | 12–18 months |
| Number of Exams | 3 Levels (CA Foundation, Inter, Final) | 4 Exams (FAR, AUD, REG, BAR) |
| Internship | 3-year Articleship (Mandatory) | 1–2 years of experience post-exam |
| Pass Percentage | ~5–15% (Final) | ~50% per section |
| Avg Salary (India) | ₹7–10 LPA (Fresher) | ₹10–15 LPA (CPA India) |
| Avg Salary (USA) | Not applicable | $70,000–$130,000+ |
| Flexibility | Sequential, rigid path | Modular, can fast-track |
Understanding the CA Course in India
The CA course is one of India's most respected qualifications for finance and accounting professionals. It includes
CA Foundation
Entry-level exam post-12th Subjects: Accounting, Economics, Quantitative Aptitude, Business Law
CA Intermediate (CA Inter)
8 subjects divided into 2 groups. Focuses on accounting, taxation, audit, and law
CA Final
The final stage, again, 2 groups with 8 subjects. Covers advanced topics: FR, SFM, DT, IDT, Audit, Risk, Law, etc.
Course Duration:
Typically 4.5 to 6 years
CA Articleship:
A mandatory 3-year internship before or during Final
Pass Rates:
Historically Low (~10% in CA Final)
Understanding the US CPA Course
The US CPA is a globally accepted accounting qualification, especially valued in Big 4s, MNCs, and global GCCs. The CPA exams are
FAR
Financial Accounting & Reporting
AUD
Auditing & Attestation
REG
Regulation (Taxation & Law)
BAR
Business Analysis & Reporting
No group system – You can take exams
one by one, anytime during the year
Course Duration - 12–18 months
Exam Pass Rate - ~50% per paper
Experience - 1–2 years of relevant work for a license
CA vs CPA – Salary Comparison
When deciding between becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) or a Certified Public Accountant
(CPA), one of the most important factors to consider is the potential salary.
Both credentials are highly respected in the accounting field, but they often lead to different
career paths with varying earning potential.
In this section, we’ll compare the salary expectations for CA vs CPA, helping you understand how these certifications can impact your financial future. Whether you're seeking opportunities in India, the U.S., or globally, this comparison will offer valuable insights into the earning potential of each qualification.
| Country | India | Middle East | USA |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Salary (INR) | ₹7–10 LPA (avg) | ₹12–18 LPA equiv. | Not applicable |
| CPA Salary (INR/USD) | ₹10–20 LPA (avg) | ₹20–30 LPA (CPA preferred) | $70,000– $130,000+ |
CPA professionals often earn 30–40% higher salaries than CAs in global/MNC settings
Can You Do CPA After CA?
CAs have a big head start when pursuing a CPA
When considering CA vs CPA, Chartered Accountants (CAs) have a significant advantage when pursuing a CPA after CA.
The strong foundation you already have in accounting principles, taxation, and auditing makes transitioning to the CPA
exam smoother and faster compared to those without a similar background.
You already have a strong accounting
base
You meet 150 credit eligibility with CA +
graduation
Many Indian CAs clear all 4 CPA exams in
9–12 months
You can build an international career
with a CPA on top of a CA
Who Should Choose CA?
Students focused on Indian taxation, auditing & compliance
Professionals looking to practice or start firms in India
Comfortable with a long & rigorous exam path
Want to serve Indian SMEs, startups, or local businesses
Who Should Choose CPA?
Professionals aiming to work at Big 4s, MNCs, or U.S.-based firms
Those wanting faster ROI and global recognition
CAs, MBAs, and B.Com graduates looking for international exposure
Candidates interested in working in the U.S. via STEM OPT
How Miles Helps You DecideBetween CA vs CPA
Whether you’re doing CPA after CA or choosing between CA and CPA, we’ve got your back
Profile evaluation & career
guidance
Bridge courses for CPA
eligibility
CPA Masterclasses by Varun
Jain, the world’s favorite CPA
instructor
Why choose Miles
80%+ CPAs in India are Miles Alumni. 70,000+ Global Alumni. Stadiums in 9 cities across India
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Learn from the World's
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Harvard B - School Alumnus
With 100M+ YouTube views, Varun has empowered 70K+ students to become the flag-bearers of Indian accounting talent globally.
Accounting
Auditing
Taxation
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Accountant
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Accountant
Dr. Roger Mayer
Accountant
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Career Coach
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The Miles Resources –
Your ultimate CPA Tool Kit!
The Ultimate Platform access that
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Video Lectures
MCQs
Simulations
Mock Exams
Sunday Live Classes
One-on-one Mentoring
Books
End to End License Support
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The Books: Your CPA
Bible by McGraw Hill
AUD | Auditing and Attestation
FAR | Financial Accounting & Reporting
REG | Regulation
BAR | Business Analysis & Reporting
5
End-to-End License
Support
One-on-one guidance by Gameplan Team for CPA eligibility, state board selection, evaluation, NTS, Prometric scheduling and the CPA license
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Free Masterclass
Subscription after CPA
Free CPEs on Miles Masterclass by global faculty for 3 years after license (worth $1,200)
Are you
Ready to
become a
CPA?
CPA isn’t just a certification. It’s your
gateway to global careers, premium
salaries, and leadership roles.
Your journey to CPA
begins here!
FAQs
1. What is the full form of CA?
The CA full form is Chartered Accountant. It is a professional certification for accountants in countries such as India, the UK, and Australia, focusing on areas including auditing, taxation, and financial management.
2. Can I pursue a CPA after completing CA?
Yes, you can pursue CPA after CA. CAs have an advantage due to their solid foundation in accounting, enabling them to clear the CPA exams faster, often in 9–12 months.
3. What is the difference in salary between CA and CPA?
While CA salary varies by country, CPAs typically earn more in global markets, especially in the U.S., due to the broader recognition of the certification. CAs tend to have higher salaries within their home countries, particularly in India.
4. How can I check my CA result?
You can check your CA result on the official website of the respective CA institute. Results are usually published a few months after the exams, and candidates can view their scores online by entering their details.
5. Which certification is better: CA vs CPA?
The choice between CA vs CPA depends on your career goals and geographic preference. CA is ideal for working in India or countries like the UK, while CPA is more beneficial for pursuing international career opportunities, particularly in the U.S.
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