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CPA Overview

What is CPA
Full Form ?

The CPA full form is Certified Public Accountant, a globally recognized accounting qualification that represents the pinnacle of credibility and trust in the accounting profession.

What is CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional qualified to handle financial reporting, audits, taxation, compliance, and advisory services.
While the term CPA is used in several countries, the most prestigious and globally portable CPA credential is the US CPA certification , issued by state boards of accountancy in the United States and governed by the AICPA, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
While the term CPA is used in several countries, the most prestigious and internationally recognized CPA qualification is the US CPA. This credential is granted by individual State Boards of Accountancy in the United States and is governed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The US CPA certification is widely respected for its rigorous eligibility criteria, comprehensive exam structure, and professional code of conduct. It is considered highly portable and opens doors to career opportunities across global markets. Due to its strong emphasis on ethical practice, technical competence, and global relevance, many aspiring accountants worldwide pursue the US CPA license to boost their career prospects and establish credibility in the field.

CPA Meaning & Significance

The CPA Full Form & CPA meaning goes beyond the full form it signifies

Trust and accountability in
financial reporting
Compliance with global accounting
and auditing standards
The ability to lead financial
decision-making in businesses,
governments, and nonprofits
Whether you're in the U.S., India, or anywhere else in the world, becoming a CPA opens doors to
high-paying, global career opportunities.
In today’s increasingly complex and interconnected financial world, the role of a CPA is more critical than ever. CPAs are not just number crunchers they are strategic advisors, ethical guardians, and financial leaders who help organizations navigate regulatory requirements and optimize performance. Their in-depth knowledge of international financial reporting standards (IFRS), U.S. GAAP, and tax laws equips them to operate across borders and industries with confidence. Earning the CPA designation demonstrates a strong commitment to lifelong learning, professional excellence, and ethical conduct, making it a valuable credential for anyone looking to build a respected and rewarding career in accounting and finance.

CPA Course Overview

Offered by

U.S. State Boards of Accountancy
(via AICPA guidelines)

Exams

4 sections-
FAR, AUD, REG, BAR

Eligibility

120–50 credit hours
in accounting/business

Duration

12–18
months

Mode

Online + Computer-Based Testing
(India included)

License

Issued by
U.S. State Boards

CPA Certification vs CPA License

CPA Certification

Confirms that you’ve passed
all 4 CPA exams

CPA License

Granted by a U.S. state board, after meeting
education, ethics, and experience requirements
At Miles, we support candidates through the full process from evaluation to certification to licensing.

AICPA-The Body Behind the CPA

The AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) is the world’s largest member association for
accountants. It develops the CPA exam, sets professional standards, and governs the CPA profession in the U.S.

Being a CPA means aligning with AICPA’s global standards a hallmark of quality in accounting.

CPA Across the World

While CPA always stands for Certified Public Accountant, different countries have their own
licensing bodies. Here’s how they compare:

US CPA (CPA USA)

Issued by

U.S. State Boards, under AICPA/NASBA

Global Acceptance

Widely recognized in India, Canada, Middle East, Australia, etc.

Test Centers

Conveniently Available Across India.

Best for

Working in or with U.S.-based firms, Big 4s, MNCs, and GCCs
Most trusted CPA qualification worldwide

CPA Canada

Issued by

CPA Canada
(unified body)

Global Acceptance

National and Canadian
GAAP/Tax

Relevance in India

Limited unless working with
Canadian clients

CPA Australia

Issued by

CPA Australia

Global Acceptance

Australian GAAP and
business law

Relevance in India

Recognized but less preferred than US CPA by Indian employers

CPA in India
Why US CPA is the Top Choice

In India, the US CPA is highly valued by

Big 4s and top CPA firms (KPMG, Deloitte, EY, PwC, Grant Thornton, BDO, etc.)

MNCs and GCCs (Global Capability Centers)

Finance & compliance roles in Indian companies working with U.S. markets

Is CPA Right for You?

If you're a

B.Com / M.Com / BBA / MBA / CA / ACCA

student or graduate
Finance/accounting professional aiming for global roles
Looking to work in India or abroad (especially the U.S. or the Middle East)
Interested in taxation, audit, advisory, or controllership
Then the US CPA certification could be your best career move. The CPA full form stands for much more than just a title; it represents
the highest standards of competence, integrity, and professionalism in the accounting industry. 
Your CPA Journey Starts Here
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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
Favourite CPA Instructor

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Varun Jain, CPA, CMA

Harvard B - School Alumnus

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With 100M+ YouTube views, Varun has empowered 70K+ students to become the flag-bearers of Indian accounting talent globally.

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Accounting
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Auditing
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Taxation
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Business
2

100+ Global Educators
& Industry Experts

Jason Cherubini-photo

Jason Cherubini

Academic Entrepreneur

Jamar Dennard-photo

Jamar Dennard

Attorney

Gary Cokins-photo

Gary Cokins

Author Entrepreneur

Dr. Mfon Akpan-photo

Dr. Mfon Akpan

Accountant

Dr. Floran Woods-photo

Dr. Floran Woods

Accountant

Dr. Mick Carroll-photo

Dr. Mick Carroll

Accountant

Dr. Roger Mayer-photo

Dr. Roger Mayer

Accountant

Sherrika Sanders-photo

Sherrika Sanders

Career Coach

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Know More

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The Miles Resources –
Your ultimate CPA Tool Kit!

Miles Resources Laptop

The Ultimate Platform access that
will be with you from start to end

Video Lectures

MCQs

Simulations

Mock Exams

Sunday Live Classes

One-on-one Mentoring

Books

End to End License Support

4

The Books: Your CPA
Bible by McGraw Hill

AUD | Auditing and Attestation

FAR | Financial Accounting & Reporting

REG | Regulation

BAR | Business Analysis & Reporting

CPA Books
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
6

Free Masterclass
Subscription after CPA

Free CPEs on Miles Masterclass by global faculty for 3 years after license (worth $1,200)

Masterclass Laptop
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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.

Want a High-Paying Career in
Accounting?

FAQs

1. What is the full form of CPA?

The full form of CPA is Certified Public Accountant. It is a prestigious accounting designation that signifies expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.

2. Who can pursue the CPA qualification?

Anyone with a background in accounting, finance, or business typically with a bachelor's degree in these fieldscan pursue the CPA. International candidates, including those from India, can also become CPAs by meeting the eligibility criteria set by U.S. State Boards.

3. Where is the CPA full form recognized globally?

The CPA qualification, especially the U.S. CPA, is globally recognized and respected in countries like the United States, Canada, India, Middle Eastern nations, Australia, and more. It opens doors to international career opportunities across industries.

4. When should one start preparing for the CPA exams?

It's ideal to start CPA preparation during or soon after your undergraduate degree, especially if you meet the credit hour requirements. Early planning helps align your education, experience, and licensing goals efficiently. align your educational and licensing path efficiently.

5. Why is the CPA full form important in the accounting profession?

The CPA designation represents the highest standard of competence and ethics in the accounting profession. It signifies trust, accountability, and the ability to lead financial decision-making, making it highly valuable for career advancement. CPA is a more relevant and globally portable certification.

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