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CPA EXAM

Become a US CPA and Build a Global Accounting Career

Master the CPA exam with Miles! Explore the updated CPA syllabus, core subjects, and exam scheduling. Earn your CPA certification and become an AI-Ready finance leader for top MNC and Big 4 roles globally!

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The Gold Standard:
Understanding the US CPA Exam

The US CPA exam is the undisputed gold standard in accounting and finance, recognized by global employers. Designed for ambitious professionals, the American credential equips you with executive-level expertise in auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and business advisory.

Understanding the CPA exam pattern is the first step to your success. The CPA exam is governed by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and follows a highly modular structure. Candidates have the flexibility to book their CPA exam dates year-round. Once you clear the 4 sections of the CPA exam and complete your verified work experience, you earn your active CPA license, unlocking elite leadership opportunities worldwide.

Core Subject Breakdown & Guidelines

The official CPA syllabus is structured into two distinct categories under the CPA Evolution model: three core mandatory sections and one specialized discipline track.

Here is the exact breakdown of the CPA course subjects:

Core Section (Mandatory)
CPA FAR Masterclass by Varun Jain, integrated with CAIRA

Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)

Covers U.S. GAAP standards, financial statements, revenue recognition, leases, consolidations, and non-profit accounting.

CPA AUD Masterclass by Varun Jain, integrated with CAIRA

Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

Covers audit procedures, internal controls, ethics, professional responsibilities, and government auditing.

CPA REG Masterclass by Varun Jain, integrated with CAIRA

Taxation & Regulation (REG)

Covers U.S. federal taxation for individuals and entities, business law, ethics, and IRS tax procedures.

Discipline Section (Choose One)

Discipline

BAR (Business Analysis & Reporting)

Advanced data analytics, technical accounting, and financial management.

ISC (Information Systems and Controls)

Enterprise IT governance, cybersecurity, data security, and system internal controls.

TCP (Tax Compliance and Planning)

Advanced corporate tax planning, wealth management, and multijurisdictional taxation.

Mastering these CPA course subjects ensures comprehensive financial expertise. At Miles Education, we integrate AI automation training directly into your learning so you understand how to deploy digital workflows for these exact core technical areas.

Overview: CPA Exam & CPA Course Details

From reviewing the updated CPA course syllabus to planning your daily study schedule, here is what you need to know about the CPA USA course details:

4 Exam Sections

Comprehensive evaluation covering auditing, accounting standards, taxation, and business strategy.

12–18 Months Completion

The US CPA exam is modular, allowing you to prepare and sit for one section at a time throughout the year.

Global Employability

Passing the CPA exam positions you for high-impact roles across Big 4 firms and multinational GCCs.

Video Masterclass Previews
with Varun Jain

AUD: In the Shadows of Truth | Varun Jain, World’s Top Instructor

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Schedule, Duration &
Testing Format

How long does it take to clear the CPA exam? Because the US CPA exam features continuous testing, candidates can customize their preparation timeline according to their work schedules.

1

4 Sections of the CPA Exam

6–12 months

Flexible computer-based testing (CBT)

2

Verified Work Experience

12–24 months

Practical accounting experience for licensure

3

Total Pathway Duration

12–18 months

Completion plus licensing requirements

NOTE: Each test section is a 4-hour assessment. When mapping your finances, consider the overall CPA exam cost, which includes evaluation fees, state board applications, and testing center fees.

CPA Exam: Continuous
Testing & Flexibility

Year-Round Scheduling

There are no rigid testing windows; book your slots at any available Prometric location globally.

Prometric Centers in India

You can take the CPA exam in major Indian metros without needing international travel.

Flexible Pacing

Candidates must wait 24 to 48 hours for score release before re-booking a section, though most candidates take each section 1 to 2 months apart.

Ideal Study Plan for
Working Professionals

Dedicating 15–20 hours per week allows working professionals to complete the full CPA course syllabus and clear every CPA exam section within 10 to 12 months.

Month
Study & Testing Activity
Months 1–2
Comprehensive preparation for FAR
Month 3
Sit for the FAR section
Months 4–5
Comprehensive preparation for AUD
Month 6
Sit for the AUD section
Months 7–8
Comprehensive preparation for REG
Month 9
Sit for the REG section
Month 10
Comprehensive preparation for BAR / Discipline
Month 11
Sit for the final Discipline section

Why Choose Miles
Education
for Your
Preparation?

80%+ CPAs in India are Miles Alumni | 70,000+ Global Alumni | Spread Across 9 Cities in India

Complete Subject Coverage

In-depth training across all core accounting and advisory CPA subjects.

Up-to-Date Course Materials

Study materials aligned with the latest AICPA guidelines and the modern CPA syllabus.

AI-Ready Accounting (CAIRA)

Practical training on AI agents, automation, and data analytics alongside your primary accounting curriculum.

End-to-End Gameplan Support

Comprehensive assistance covering transcript evaluation, state board selection, Prometric scheduling, and final licensing.

Miles Education provides an integrated learning environment built specifically for the global accounting credential:

Miles Education CPA graduates celebrating at convocation

Talk to an Expert

FAQs

What is tested on the U.S. examination?

The rigorous assessment tests candidate competency across technical accounting, auditing, regulatory compliance, and business analysis. Candidates must clear three mandatory core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and one discipline track (BAR, TCP, or ISC).

What is the total CPA exam cost in India?

The overall CPA exam cost and preparation investment is distributed across three stages:
  • Phase I (Training & Review): ₹99,000 paid to Miles Education
  • Phase II (Credential Evaluation & 1st Exam Fee): ~$1,300 (~₹1,11,800) paid to U.S. agencies
  • Phase III (Remaining 3 Exam Fees): ~$2,700 (~₹2,32,000) paid to the State Board

Who develops and updates the CPA subjects?

The AICPA develops and updates all CPA subjects in conjunction with NASBA and state accountancy boards to ensure test content aligns with evolving industry standards.