ACCA vs CPA (USA): What should be preffered in USA

ACCA vs CPA (USA): A Comparison

Should you go for ACCA vs CPA? Does it make sense to get both? Let’s take a look.

ACCA vs CPA: Organization Structure

US CPA The CPA license is granted by each of the 55 states or jurisdiction in the United States. There is no centralized body and each state has slightly different CPA exam and licensing requirements. International candidates are often confused and frustrated by the complicated application process. ACCA ACCA is based in the United Kingdom. It operates as a single entity with much simpler application process. Although it is a statutory accounting body in the UK, international candidates generally consider the certification as a global brand.

ACCA vs CPA: Application & Qualification

This is probably the biggest difference when it comes to CPA vs ACCA. US CPA Candidates must have a minimum of a 4-year bachelor degree and preferably a master’s degree in order to fulfill the 150 credit hours, equivalent to 5 years in higher education. Once you are approved for the exam, you will sit for the exam but you are on your own in terms of how to get prepared. Most candidates choose to take review courses to help in the studies. ACCA The entry level is much lower – you are qualified as long as you have 3 GCSEs and 2 A Levels in 5 separate subjects including Math and English. In other words, most high school graduates can qualify. If you have a bachelor degree in relevant subjects, you can apply for exemption on part or all of the papers at the Fundamental Level. Unlike the US CPA, once candidates are registered, ACCA takes an active role in preparing you for the exam by providing study guides, paper exam papers. They also run a database of ACCA Approved Learning Partners.

ACCA vs CPA: Exam Content And Format

US CPA There are 4 parts of the exam: Financial Accounting & Reporting, Audit & Attestation, Regulation and Business Environment & Concepts. The exam is 100% computerized consisting of multiple choice questions, task-based simulations (i.e. intense case studies) and written communications. Grading is mostly computerized. You can choose to take the 4 parts one at a time, 2 at a time or even 4 at the same time. You can sit for the exam any time (Monday to Saturday) during the first 2 months of each quarter and at any prometric centers throughout the US as well as in Japan, Brazil and 4 Middle Eastern countries. ACCA There are 14 papers divided into Fundamental Level (9 papers) and Professional Level (5 papers). Candidates can apply to waive part or all of papers at the Fundamental Level. Some but not all papers are computerized.  The exam is offered in June and December each year in more than 170 countries throughout the world.

ACCA vs CPA: Time Required To Pass

US CPA Most candidates aim to pass the CPA exam within a year. Some who have the time and commitment can study all materials within 6 months, take all 4 parts of the exam in one go and pass. ACCA Given the number of papers and the fact the exams are held only twice a year, candidates generally need 3 to 4 years to complete all papers and become an ACCA member.

Reciprocity and Exemptions

US CPA AICPA (the US accounting body) has reciprocal agreement with 7 accounting bodies in the world. Their members can choose to take a simplified version of the exam known as IQEX. ACCA is not among these 7 accounting bodies. ACCA ACCA is much more “generous” in this regard — exemptions are granted to AICPA members for 8 papers (see below) as well as Foundations of Accountancy. You can check out the exemptions from the link here.
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