CPA vs ACCA: Key Differences, Scope, and Course Comparison - Which is Better?

Last updated: 14th October 2026

CPA and ACCA are professional accountancy routes with different examination structures, accounting standards and career applications.

• CPA: A US state-issued licence with four exam sections, particularly relevant to US accounting and reporting roles.
• ACCA: A UK-based professional qualification with 13 exams, subject to exemptions, and a 36-month relevant work experience requirement for membership.
• Career scope: CPA may suit US-focused roles, while ACCA may suit international accounting, financial reporting and finance roles.
• Country requirements: Both qualifications have specific recognition and practice requirements. In India, company auditor appointments must meet Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013.

Compare eligibility, exam fees, study commitments and your target country's professional requirements before choosing.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a UK-based professional accountancy body. Its qualification covers accounting, financial reporting, audit, taxation, financial management and business strategy. It is designed for people who want to develop careers in accounting and finance across different markets.

You can generally begin the ACCA route after completing the required school-level education or an accepted equivalent qualification. Your existing qualifications determine your starting point and whether you qualify for exemptions.

The qualification includes 13 exams across three levels, an Ethics and Professional Skills module, and a practical experience requirement. To become an ACCA member, you need at least 36 months of relevant work experience and must achieve nine performance objectives signed off by an appropriate supervisor.

ACCA-qualified professionals may work in financial reporting, management accounting, audit, taxation, financial analysis and consulting. However, the qualification does not automatically grant the legal right to perform regulated audit work in every country.

For more information, read about a chartered certified accountant.

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a professional licence issued by a US state board of accountancy. The qualification and licensing route focus on accounting, auditing, taxation, reporting, business concepts and relevant US regulations.

The requirements for CPA examination eligibility and licensure depend on the state board. They may include education credits, an evaluation of qualifications earned outside the US, examinations, relevant experience and other licensing requirements. Therefore, the education and credit-hour requirements should be checked with the board where you intend to apply.

The CPA exam has four sections: three core sections and one discipline section chosen by the candidate. Each section is four hours long, and the Virginia Board of Accountancy requires a score of at least 75 on each section. Other boards may have different rules on examination credits and licensing.

CPAs may work in auditing, financial reporting, taxation, accounting advisory, internal controls and financial management. The licence is particularly relevant to roles in the US that require CPA status.

For more information, read about the Certified Public Accountant certification.

The main difference between CPA and ACCA is their professional scope. CPA is a US state-issued licence, whereas ACCA is an international professional accountancy qualification. Compare their eligibility, examinations, accounting standards and target markets before deciding.

Both qualifications can support accounting and finance careers, but the right to perform regulated work depends on the country’s licensing rules. Professionals must meet local regulatory requirements and employer criteria to practise in specific roles.

The following figures are indicative annual salary ranges from the existing comparison and should be validated against a reliable, current source before publication.

Actual pay varies by employer, location, experience, job responsibilities, industry and whether the role requires a local licence. These figures should not be treated as guaranteed salaries or a direct measure of which qualification is better.

CPA and ACCA differ in the accounting standards that shape their syllabuses. Understanding the standards used by your target employers can help you decide which qualification is more relevant to your intended role.

The accounting standards used by a company depend on its jurisdiction and reporting obligations. A qualification's syllabus does not replace the need to understand the standards that apply to a particular employer or assignment.

The CPA exam has four sections: three core sections that every candidate must pass and one discipline section selected from three options. Each section lasts four hours.

Under the Virginia Board of Accountancy's rules, you need a score of at least 75 on each section. A passing section credit lasts 30 months from the score release date, and the remaining sections must be passed within the applicable window.

These details are specific to the Virginia Board of Accountancy. Other state boards may set different examination-credit or licensing rules, so check the current requirements of the board you intend to apply to.

Education requirements also vary by state. For example, the Virginia route has specific requirements relating to a bachelor's degree or higher, accounting coursework and business coursework. Candidates with education earned outside the US should confirm how the board evaluates their qualifications

The ACCA qualification has three levels and 13 exams. Candidates must also complete the Ethics and Professional Skills module and meet the practical experience requirements for membership.

At the Strategic Professional level, candidates complete Strategic Business Leader and Strategic Business Reporting, then choose two Options exams from the available subjects.

To become an ACCA member, you need to complete the qualification requirements, the Ethics and Professional Skills module, at least 36 months of relevant work experience and nine performance objectives. A practical experience supervisor must sign off the relevant experience and objectives.

ACCA generally holds four exam sessions each year, in March, June, September and December. Candidates can enter up to four exams in one session and up to eight exams in a calendar year. Exemptions depend on previous qualifications, so check the current ACCA rules before planning your exam schedule.

Understanding the limits of each qualification helps you avoid choosing a course based on assumptions.

CPA and ACCA can both lead to accounting and finance roles, but their scope depends on where you want to work and what the role requires. CPA is particularly relevant to US accounting and licensing routes. ACCA may be relevant to international financial reporting, accounting and finance roles across different markets.

In India, ACCA can support careers in international financial reporting, accounting, and finance, while CPA is relevant to roles involving US accounting standards and reporting. For appointment as a company auditor in India, a person must meet the eligibility requirements under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013, including the applicable Indian CA qualification requirements.

If your goal is a licensed accountant role in the US, the CPA route is generally the more relevant option because the licence is issued by a US state board. ACCA does not replace that licence.

Before applying, follow these steps:

1. Identify the state where you intend to seek licensure.
2. Review that board's education, examination, experience and application requirements.
3. Check how the board evaluates qualifications earned outside the US.
4. Confirm the applicable CPA exam rules and credit-validity period.
5. Review the requirements for obtaining the licence after passing the exam.

Some US accounting and finance roles may not require a CPA licence. In those cases, an employer may consider ACCA, CPA candidates or other relevant qualifications according to its hiring criteria. Read the job description carefully before choosing a route.

Section 141(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 states that a person is eligible for appointment as an auditor of a company only if they are a chartered accountant. It also sets out conditions for appointing a firm, including requirements concerning its partners.

The section does not identify CPA or ACCA as substitutes for the Indian chartered accountant qualification. Therefore, CPA or ACCA alone does not qualify a person for appointment as a company auditor in India.

If your career goal is to sign statutory company audit reports in India, review the applicable requirements of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the relevant law. CPA and ACCA can still be relevant to accounting, financial reporting, taxation and other roles that do not require appointment as an Indian company auditor.

The following definitions explain the main abbreviations used in this comparison.

Both ACCA and CPA offer distinct career opportunities in accounting, finance, auditing, and financial reporting. The right qualification for you depends on your career aspirations, preferred work location, and the professional skills you want to develop.

CPA is a suitable option if you want to build a career focused on the United States, particularly in areas such as US accounting standards, taxation, auditing, and financial reporting. ACCA is a suitable choice if you want to develop expertise in international accounting, financial management, business strategy, and reporting across different markets.

Both qualifications can support career progression in accounting and finance, depending on your experience, additional skills, and employers’ requirements. Before choosing, compare the eligibility criteria, examination structure, qualification costs, practical experience requirements, and recognition in your target country. Selecting a qualification that aligns with your long-term goals can help you build a focused career path.

Use your intended career goal to identify which requirements you should check first.

Employers set their own recruitment criteria, and regulated responsibilities may require additional qualifications or registration. Review the job description and applicable professional rules before choosing.

Keep the following points in mind while comparing CPA and ACCA:

• Choosing by salary alone: Pay varies by employer, city, experience, industry and role. Compare current job postings rather than relying on indicative ranges.
• Ignoring state board rules: CPA education, examination-credit and licence requirements can differ between US states.
• Overlooking country-specific deadlines: The Singapore pathways for eligible ACCA candidates have different cut-off dates and requirements.
• Assuming exams are the only requirement: ACCA membership requires relevant work experience, performance objectives and the Ethics and Professional Skills module.
• Ignoring exam limits: ACCA exam entries are subject to session and annual limits.
• Missing CPA credit deadlines: Check the applicable board's rules for the validity of passing scores and the period allowed to complete all sections.

The total cost of pursuing CPA or ACCA depends on examination fees, registration, study materials, coaching, and applicable membership charges. In India, ACCA can cost approximately Rs. 3 lakh–Rs. 6 lakh, including coaching, while the US CPA can cost approximately Rs. 2.5 lakh–Rs. 4.5 lakh, depending on the examination route, preparation provider, and licensing requirements. These are indicative estimates; exemptions, repeat attempts, and currency fluctuations can change the final amount. 

If you need funds to cover registration, examination fees, coaching, or study materials, you can explore a CA loan from Bajaj Finance, subject to eligibility and applicable terms. Before borrowing, assess the interest rate, processing fee, repayment tenure, and EMI to ensure the repayments fit your budget.

Check your eligibility for a CA loan with Bajaj Finance and explore financing options suited to your requirements.

Use these steps as a starting point. Confirm the current requirements with the relevant professional body before registering.

Both CPA and ACCA are professional qualifications that can support careers in accounting and finance. The choice ultimately depends on where you want to work and the type of roles you are aspiring for. Evaluate your career goals, consider the regions you aim to work in, and assess the industry demand before making your decision.

If you are a practising chartered accountant, read about the CA loan and professional loan from Bajaj Finance to see who can apply and what each covers.