About CPA Credentials
What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Certified Public Accountants (CPA) are innovative and strategic thinkers who are well respected for their integrity and commitment to excellence. They are dedicated to each client and work to satisfy their business and financial needs. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) act as advisers to individuals, businesses, financial institutions, non-profit organizations and government agencies on a wide range of financial matters. Today, many individuals and businesses turn to CPAs for help with tax preparation, personal financial planning, auditing services, and advice on developing effective accounting systems.
CPAs are no longer just number crunchers and tax preparers. They are business and financial strategists who help chart the paths of businesses and individuals. Individuals turn to their CPAs for tax and financial planning services, investment advice, estate planning, and more.
Businesses are tapping CPAs to not only manage finances and taxes, but also to determine profitable new product lines, help diversify investments, and provide a variety of other consulting and business services.
In what respect is our CPA Program different from CPA Program offered by other professional bodies?
The CPA programme of The Association of International CPAs is different from CPA Programme offered by other professional bodies in terms that it is not country/continent/region specific. CPA programme of The Association of International CPAs is much comprehensive and functional in terms of learning outcome.
CPA programme focuses not just traditional accounting/tax/law concepts; it shows more concern on Forensic accounting, Internal Auditing, Information system auditing and specially the addition of Islamic Finance and research work article enhances value to CPA professional.
Already hold other certifications. Does this qualify me as a CPA as well?
No. The CPA is a unique credential with its own requirements and standards. Your other certifications will be counted for exemptions but will not automatically make you a CPA.
Who sets the standards for CPA certification?
The standards are set by The Association of International Certified Public Accountants’ Board of Regents, who are elected by CPA members and drawn from our most experienced members.
If I complete the Program of The Association, can I become a member of any other CPA Institute?
Yes, you can apply for Direct Membership or Exam Waiver or Exemptions to other professional bodies, including other CPA institutes. However, you will have to note that our CPA programme is not country/continent specific and it has its own code of ethics, structure and functions. Similarly the other CPA’s professional bodies have its own bye-laws, code of ethics, structure and functions. Every professional body has its own Exemption and/or minimum Credit Hours policy to award the CPA designation. It depends upon the respective body’s program structure and Academic Committees’ policies that how they rate one’s prior learning while granting the other body’s credentials. The same case is with ours, i.e., we allow direct membership, exam waiver or exemptions to those CPA or CA bodies which fulfill The Association minimum credit hours and quality standards requirement.
Can Chartered Accountants use the CPA designation after qualifying in
The Association examinations?
Yes, in fact, there are a number of Chartered Accountants who are currently pursuing the CPA Programme in the world. There are many Chartered Accountants to qualify as CPAs. There are absolutely no restrictions on Chartered Accountants to pursue the CPA Programme, to become a member on the Council of CPAs (after completing the necessary requirements of the CPA Programme) and to use the CPA designation.
Is the CPA from The Association acknowledged globally?
Yes. The CPA credential is acknowledged globally and preferred by employers. Becoming a CPA immediately sets you apart from the competition and launches you to the top of your profession.