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CA vs CPA: Which Course is
Right for You?
CA vs CPA: Full Form & Course Details
CA Full Form
(Chartered Accountant)
CPA Full Form
(Certified Public Accountant)
Both CA (Chartered Accountant) and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) are prestigious accounting qualifications in their own right, but can lead to very different career outcomes.
Understanding the key differences between the two will give you more clarity around the ‘CA vs CPA’ debate and allow 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.
70,000+Global Alumni
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70,000+Global Alumni
100+University Partners
600+Employer Collaborations
1,000+Students placed in the U.S.
70,000+Global Alumni
100+University Partners
600+Employer Collaborations
1,000+Students placed in the U.S.
CA vs CPA: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Governing Body | Global Recognition | Course Duration | Number of Exams | Internship | Pass Percentage | Avg. Salary (India) | Avg. Salary (USA) | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA (India) | ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) | Limited (India & some Gulf countries) | 4.5-6 years | 3 Levels (CA Foundation, Inter, Final) | 3-year Articleship (Mandatory) | ~5-15% (Final) | ₹8-12 LPA (1-3 years) | Not applicable | Sequential, rigid path |
| CPA (USA) | AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) & State Boards | Global (Especially USA, Canada, UAE) | 12-18 months | 4 Exams (FAR, AUD, REG, BAR) | 1-2 years of experience post-exam | ~50% for each section | ₹10-20 LPA (CPA India) | $70,000-$130,000+ | Modular, can fast-track |
Understanding CA
CA is one of India's most respected qualifications for finance and accounting professionals. It can be broken down into the following:
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. This 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 the final year
Pass Rates
Historically low (~10% in CA final)
Understanding CPA
The US CPA is a globally accepted accounting qualification, especially valued in Big 4s, MNCs, and global GCCs. The CPA course is broken down into:
FAR
Financial Accounting & Reporting
AUD
Auditing & Attestation
REG
Regulation (Taxation & Law)
BAR
Business Analysis & Reporting
There is no group system, so 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 the license.
CA vs CPA: Salary Comparison
When choosing between the two, CA or CPA salary prospects certainly play a critical role in the decision-making process. While both qualifications hold immense respect in the world of accounting, they often open doors to different career trajectories. This obviously means different levels of compensation.
Whether you're aiming to build your career in India, the U.S., or beyond, it's good to have a clear picture of CA vs CPA and understand how each credential can shape your financial future.
CPA professionals generally earn 30-40% higher salaries than CAs, especially in global/MNC settings.
| Country | India | Middle East | USA |
| CA Salary (INR) | ₹8-12 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+ |
Taking up CPA After CA
If you're a Chartered Accountant considering the CPA qualification, you're already ahead of the curve. Already possessing a deep grounding in accounting, taxation, and auditing gives you a significant advantage, making the transition to the CPA exam smoother, faster, and more strategic than for non-CA candidates.
When considering the CA vs CPA debate, this head start can be a game-changer that pushes your accounting career forward. To put it into perspective:
You already have a strong accounting base.
You meet 150 credit eligibility with CA + graduation.
Many Indian CAs clear all 4 CPA exams in 6-9 months.
You can build an international career with a CPA on top of a CA.
CA vs CPA: Who is it Best For?
The CA path would be ideal for:
Students focused on Indian taxation, auditing & compliance
Professionals looking to practice or start firms in India
Those comfortable with a longer & rigorous exam path
Anyone looking to serve Indian SMEs, startups, or local businesses
The CPA path would be ideal for:
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 the STEM OPT
CA vs CPA: How Miles Helps You Decide
At Miles, we’re committed to ensuring your path to success as an accountant. Here’s how we break it down for you to separate the two qualifications.
| Key Factors | CA | CPA |
| Global Recognition | Primarily in India | Globally recognized |
| Job Opportunities | Primarily in Indian companies/Indian CA firms | Opportunities with Big 4 and MNCs globally |
| Salary Potential | Generally lower globally | High salary potential globally |
| Exam Structure | 3 levels with 16 exams | 4 exams that can be completed throughout the year (Usually 12-18 months) |
| Career Growth & Flexibility | Limited flexibility in job locations. It can be a stepping stone for a CPA. | High flexibility with global career mobility |
At Miles, we help you leverage the global recognition of the CPA for career advancement and guide you in securing top-tier job opportunities with Big 4s and MNCs.
We’ve built an unmatched learning ecosystem around world-class mentorship, instruction, and lifelong support, while also providing you with the ultimate resource kit consisting of lectures, MCQs, mock exams, simulations, and more, making us more than just a regular training provider but a companion that helps you see your learning journey through.
Our expert guidance ensures that your career growth is maximized through strategic networking and global mobility options.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the full form of CA?
CA stands for Chartered Accountant. It is a professional certification for accountants in countries like India, focusing on areas including auditing, taxation, and financial management. It’s ideal for those looking to work at accounting firms in India.
2. What is the difference in salary for CA vs CPA professionals?
While both are top accounting qualifications, CPA professionals usually earn 30-40% more than their CA counterparts, considering multinational and global roles. In India, CAs earn ₹8-12 LPA on average, while CPAs earn ₹10-20 LPA. In the Middle East, CPA salaries range from ₹20-30 LPA, compared to ₹12-18 LPA for CAs. In the U.S., CPAs can earn $70,000–$130,000 or more. Your choice should align with your career goals and desired earning potential.
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