US accounting, tax and finance work is moving to India faster than ever, through global capability centres (GCCs), Big Four delivery centres and hundreds of outsourcing firms. Three US credentials open these doors: the CPA, the CMA and the EA. They lead to very different careers. This guide explains each one simply, so you can pick the right one the first time.
The short answer
- Want audit, financial reporting or a path to the top of accounting? Choose the US CPA.
- Want to work in FP&A, costing, budgeting or business finance? Choose the US CMA.
- Want to specialise in US tax, with the lowest cost and no degree requirement? Choose the EA.
Side-by-side comparison
| US CPA | US CMA | Enrolled Agent (EA) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awarded by | US state boards of accountancy (exam by AICPA/NASBA) | Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) | US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) |
| Focus | Audit, US GAAP reporting, tax, business law | Planning, budgeting, cost management, analysis, strategy | US federal tax for individuals and businesses, and representing taxpayers before the IRS |
| Exam | 4 sections of 4 hours each | 2 parts | 3 parts of 3.5 hours each |
| Degree needed? | Yes, usually 120 US credits to sit the exam | Bachelor's degree (or an approved certification) | No |
| Work experience | 1 to 2 years, depending on state and pathway | 2 years in management accounting or financial management | None |
| Exam centres for Indian candidates | Prometric centres in India | Prometric centres in India, in three testing windows a year | Remote online exam only; international testing is currently paused (see below) |
| Typical study time | 12 to 18 months | 12 to 18 months | 6 to 12 months |
| Relative cost | Highest | Medium | Lowest |
US CPA: the gold standard for accounting
The Certified Public Accountant is the best-known accounting credential in the world, and the only one that lets you sign US audit reports.
The exam
Since 2024 the exam follows a "Core + Discipline" model. Everyone takes three Core sections, AUD (Auditing and Attestation), FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) and REG (Taxation and Regulation), and then chooses one Discipline: BAR (Business Analysis and Reporting), ISC (Information Systems and Controls) or TCP (Tax Compliance and Planning). Each section is four hours and needs a score of 75 to pass. Core sections can be taken year-round; Discipline sections are offered in set windows each quarter.
In most states, once you pass your first section you have 30 months to pass the rest (this was 18 months until recently).
Eligibility for Indian candidates
This is where most Indian candidates need planning. US state boards count education in "credit hours":
- Most states need about 120 credits to sit the exam.
- A three-year Indian B.Com is usually evaluated at about 90 credits, so on its own it often falls short.
- Candidates commonly close the gap with an M.Com, an MBA or other qualifications. Each state board and evaluation agency decides what counts, so get your transcripts evaluated before you commit.
For the full licence, the traditional rule was 150 credits plus one year of experience. Many states have now added an alternative pathway: a bachelor's degree with 120 credits plus two years of experience. This is good news for Indian graduates, but the rules differ by state, so choose your state carefully.
Cost
Expect credential evaluation and state application fees, an exam fee of roughly USD 260 to 370 per section depending on the state, and an extra international testing fee for sitting the exam in India. All in, including the official fees and a review course, many Indian candidates spend several lakh rupees.
Careers
US GAAP reporting, audit and assurance, technical accounting, SOX and IT controls (with the ISC discipline), and tax (with TCP), at Big Four firms, GCCs and multinationals.
US CMA: for business finance and FP&A
The Certified Management Accountant focuses on the inside of a business: planning, budgeting, cost control, performance analysis and decision-making.
The exam
- Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics
- Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
Each part has multiple-choice questions plus a written section. From 2026, the two essays in each part have been replaced by case-based questions, but the syllabus itself has not changed. The pass mark is 360 out of 500, and the exam is offered in three windows a year: January–February, May–June and September–October.
Eligibility
- IMA membership
- A bachelor's degree (or an approved professional certification)
- Two continuous years of experience in management accounting or financial management, which you can complete after passing the exam
Cost
Fees are paid to the IMA: annual membership, a one-time CMA entrance fee (USD 300 for professionals, USD 225 for students) and an exam fee per part (USD 545 for professionals, USD 407 for students). Students get a meaningful discount, so it pays to start while still studying.
Careers
FP&A analyst, cost and management accountant, business finance partner, finance manager, and eventually controller or CFO roles, in GCCs, consulting and industry.
Enrolled Agent: the US tax specialist
The Enrolled Agent is the highest credential the IRS itself awards. An EA can represent any taxpayer before the IRS on any tax matter, including audits, collections and appeals. It is the fastest and cheapest of the three.
The exam
The Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) has three parts: Individuals, Businesses, and Representation, Practices and Procedures. Each has 100 multiple-choice questions over 3.5 hours. Passed parts stay valid for three years.
Eligibility and cost
- No degree or work experience is required.
- Obtain a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) from the IRS.
- The exam fee is USD 317 per part. After passing, you apply for enrolment on Form 23 (USD 140) and clear a background check.
- To keep the credential, you complete 72 hours of continuing education every three years.
Important 2026 update for Indian candidates
In March 2026 the IRS moved the exam from Prometric to a new provider, PSI. Under the new arrangement, candidates outside the US can only take the exam online with a remote proctor; there are no longer test centres abroad. The IRS has delayed international scheduling and testing and has not yet announced a start date. It has also said that, for international candidates, the three-year validity of parts already passed will be extended until testing resumes.
What this means for you: you can still prepare now, and many students use this time to build a strong foundation. Just check the IRS website for the restart date before you plan exam dates.
Careers
US individual and business tax preparation and review, tax representation, and tax roles at US outsourcing firms, CPA firms with India teams, and tax technology companies. EA is also a strong stepping stone to the CPA, especially the REG section and the TCP discipline.
Which one is right for you?
| Your situation | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| B.Com student or fresh graduate who wants to start earning quickly in US tax | EA first, then consider the CPA |
| Interested in audit, reporting or Big Four careers | US CPA |
| Working in finance or costing and want to move into FP&A or management | US CMA |
| Already a CA wanting a global edge | US CPA for audit and reporting roles; CMA for business finance roles |
| Want the lowest cost and no degree requirement | EA |
Talk to us before you enrol
The right credential depends on your degree, your experience and the job you want. Finzglobe guides students through CPA, CMA and EA choices, eligibility checks and career planning, and connects qualified candidates with finance roles through our jobs portal.
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Information as of October 2026. Exam rules, fees and state requirements change; please confirm with the AICPA/NASBA, your state board, the IMA or the IRS before registering.