From CA to CPA: A Guide for Internationally Trained Accountants

If you trained as a Chartered Accountant (CA) or hold another international accounting qualification, the US CPA can expand where and how you work — particularly with US-based firms and multinationals. Here’s how the pathway generally works.

Why pursue the US CPA

The US CPA is the recognized license for public accounting in the United States and is widely respected internationally. For internationally trained accountants, it can open roles with US firms, multinational employers, and cross-border practices.

The general pathway

1. Choose a state board. Requirements vary by jurisdiction (see CPA requirements by state); some are more accommodating to international candidates than others.
2. Get your education evaluated. A credential evaluation service assesses your foreign education against the state’s requirements, including the 150-hour rule.
3. Sit the Uniform CPA Exam. The same three Core sections plus one Discipline that domestic candidates take (see the CPA exam guide). International testing locations are available in many countries.
4. Meet the experience requirement. Supervised experience, which some boards allow to be satisfied internationally under a US CPA’s supervision.

Mutual recognition

Some international accounting bodies have Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with US authorities that can streamline the path for qualifying members. Whether one applies to you depends on your specific qualification and the state board — verify directly before relying on it.

CA vs CPA at a glance

A Chartered Accountant qualification and the US CPA both certify deep accounting expertise; they differ in jurisdiction, governing body, and exam structure. Pursuing the CPA doesn’t erase your CA — for many professionals, holding both signals genuine cross-border capability.

Credential evaluation and international pathways change. Confirm specifics with your chosen state board, NASBA, and AICPA before committing.