Are you an accounting professional in Pakistan looking to boost your career with global recognition? The US CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification opens doors to international opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement that few other qualifications can match. Pakistani students and professionals can now pursue this prestigious American credential right from home, and this guide will show you exactly how.
The CPA qualification from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is recognized worldwide as the gold standard in accounting. Whether you’re in Lahore, Karachi, or Islamabad, getting your US CPA certification is more accessible than ever before. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about becoming a CPA from Pakistan.
What is CPA and Why Does It Matter?
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is one of the most respected accounting certifications globally. Governed by AICPA and administered through NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy), the CPA designation represents expertise in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management.
Unlike local qualifications, the US CPA certification carries weight in multinational corporations, Big Four accounting firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, and KPMG), and international financial institutions. For Pakistani professionals, this means access to better job opportunities both locally and abroad.
Key Benefits of CPA for Pakistani Professionals
Getting your CPA certification in Pakistan brings several advantages:
- Global Recognition: The CPA credential is respected in over 130 countries, making it perfect for international career opportunities
- Higher Earning Potential: CPA holders in Pakistan earn 40-60% more than non-certified accountants on average
- Career Flexibility: Work in auditing, taxation, financial consulting, corporate accounting, or even start your own practice
- Faster Career Growth: CPAs often reach senior positions 2-3 years faster than their peers
- Big Four Access: Leading accounting firms actively recruit CPA-qualified professionals
- Work from Anywhere: Many international companies hire CPAs for remote positions
CPA vs CA vs ACCA in Pakistan: Which One Should You Choose?
This is one of the most common questions Pakistani accounting students ask. Let’s break down the comparison:
CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
- Duration: 12-18 months typically
- Recognition: USA and international markets
- Exam Structure: 4 sections (FAR, AUD, REG, BEC)
- Best For: Those seeking US market access and global opportunities
CA (Chartered Accountant – ICAP)
- Duration: 4-5 years
- Recognition: Strong in Pakistan and Commonwealth countries
- Best For: Local practice and traditional accounting roles in Pakistan
ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Recognition: UK and global (especially Commonwealth)
- Best For: UK-focused careers and broader business roles
For Pakistani professionals already holding ACCA or CA qualifications, adding a US CPA can significantly enhance career prospects. Many accountants pursue CPA after ACCA or CA to gain US market access.
US CPA Eligibility Requirements for Pakistani Students
Can you do US CPA from Pakistan? Absolutely! Here’s what you need:
Educational Requirements
The 150 credit hours requirement is the main hurdle for Pakistani candidates. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You need a 4-year bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or related field
- Credit Hour Equivalency: Your Pakistani degree must equal 150 semester hours (typically 120 hours for a standard 4-year degree)
- Accounting Credits: At least 24 credit hours in accounting subjects
- Business Credits: At least 24 credit hours in business-related subjects
Important Note: Most Pakistani bachelor’s degrees (B.Com, BBA) only provide 120 credit hours. You’ll need to complete 30 additional credit hours through online courses or additional education.
Solutions for Meeting the 150 Credit Hour Requirement
Pakistani students have several options:
- Take additional online courses from NASBA-approved providers
- Complete a master’s degree (MBA, M.Com)
- Enroll in specialized CPA preparation programs that include credit hours
- Use platforms like Coursera, UoPeople, or other accredited online universities
NASBA Credential Evaluation
All Pakistani candidates must get their educational credentials evaluated by NASBA’s International Evaluation Services (NIES). This process:
- Costs approximately $200-$350
- Takes 4-6 weeks
- Verifies your degree equivalency
- Determines if you meet the 150-hour requirement
How to Apply for CPA Exam from Pakistan: Step-by-Step Process
Getting your US CPA certification from Pakistan involves several clear steps. Here’s your complete roadmap:
Step 1: Choose Your State Board
Not all US states allow international candidates to take the CPA exam. International-friendly states include:
- Montana (Most popular for Pakistanis – no SSN required)
- Alaska (International-friendly requirements)
- California (Accepts international candidates but has stricter rules)
- Illinois (Good option for those with sufficient credits)
Montana and Alaska are considered the easiest for Pakistani candidates because they don’t require a Social Security Number (SSN) and have more flexible work experience requirements.
Step 2: Get Your Credentials Evaluated
Submit your educational documents to NASBA for evaluation:
- Visit the NASBA website and create an account
- Upload your degree transcripts, certificates, and mark sheets
- Pay the evaluation fee ($200-$350)
- Wait 4-6 weeks for the evaluation report
Documents Needed:
- Bachelor’s degree certificate
- Complete transcripts from all institutions
- Course descriptions and syllabi
- Official translations (if documents aren’t in English)
Step 3: Complete Additional Credit Hours (If Needed)
If you’re short on credit hours, enroll in online courses to meet the 150-hour requirement. Popular options for Pakistani students include:
- Straighterline courses
- UMass Lowell online courses
- Community college online programs
- ICT Business School’s US CPA preparation program (includes credit hour courses)
Step 4: Apply to Your Chosen State Board
Once your evaluation is complete and you meet the requirements:
- Complete the state board application form
- Pay application fees ($100-$200 depending on state)
- Submit required documents
- Wait for approval (typically 2-4 weeks)
Step 5: Register for the CPA Exam
After state board approval, you’ll receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS). This allows you to:
- Register for exam sections through Prometric
- Pay exam fees ($224.99 per section)
- Schedule your exam at an international testing center
Step 6: Schedule Your Exam
Pakistani candidates typically take the CPA exam in:
- Dubai, UAE (Most convenient and popular option)
- Bahrain
- Abu Dhabi
- Other Middle East Prometric centers
The CPA exam cannot be taken in Pakistan as there are no approved testing centers here. Plan your travel to the nearest international location.
CPA Exam Structure and Syllabus 2025
The Uniform CPA Examination consists of four sections. You must pass all four within an 18-month rolling window.
FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Focus: Financial statements, accounting principles, transactions
- Difficulty Level: High (considered the toughest section)
- Passing Score: 75
AUD (Auditing and Attestation)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Focus: Audit procedures, ethics, professional responsibilities
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to High
- Passing Score: 75
REG (Regulation)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Focus: US taxation, business law, ethics
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (challenging for non-US candidates)
- Passing Score: 75
BEC (Business Environment and Concepts)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Focus: Corporate governance, economics, financial management, IT
- Difficulty Level: Moderate (easier than others)
- Passing Score: 75
Exam Format: The CPA exam now includes Task-Based Simulations (TBS), Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), and Written Communication Tasks (only in BEC).
CPA Exam Cost in Pakistan: Complete Breakdown
Planning your budget is crucial. Here’s what you’ll spend:
Initial Costs
- NASBA Credential Evaluation: $200-$350
- State Board Application Fee: $100-$200
- CPA Exam Fees (all 4 sections): $900 (approximately $224.99 × 4)
- International Testing Surcharge: $375-$400
Additional Costs
- CPA Review Course: $1,500-$3,000 (Becker, Wiley, Roger CPA Review)
- Study Materials: $200-$500
- Travel to Exam Center (Dubai/Bahrain): $500-$1,000 per trip
- Accommodation: $200-$400 per exam trip
Total Estimated Cost: $4,000-$7,000 USD (PKR 1,100,000 – 1,900,000 approximately)
This might seem expensive, but consider it an investment. CPA holders in Pakistan earn significantly higher salaries, often recovering this cost within the first year of certification.
Best CPA Preparation Institutes and Resources in Pakistan
Top CPA Coaching Centers
1. ICT Business School – Islamabad
ICT Business School stands out as one of Pakistan’s premier institutes for CPA preparation. Located in Islamabad, they offer:
- Comprehensive CPA exam preparation courses
- Experienced faculty with international credentials
- Flexible online and in-person classes
- Study material and mock exams
- Credit hour assistance programs
- Career counseling and placement support
Why Choose ICT Business School – Institute of ACCA and CAs Islamabad offers specialized programs designed specifically for Pakistani students pursuing international certifications.
2. Other Notable Institutes
- CPA Training Centers in Lahore: Several coaching institutes offer CPA preparation
- CPA Courses in Karachi: Multiple training centers provide study support
- Online CPA Coaching: International platforms like Becker, Wiley, and Roger CPA Review
Self-Study Resources
Many Pakistani students successfully pass the CPA exam through self-study:
- Becker CPA Review: Industry-leading review course
- Wiley CPAexcel: Comprehensive study platform
- Roger CPA Review: Engaging video lectures
- Free Resources: AICPA sample questions, YouTube tutorials, CPA forums
Study Timeline
Most successful candidates follow this timeline:
- Total Study Time: 300-400 hours across all sections
- Per Section: 75-100 hours of focused study
- Duration: 6-18 months to complete all four sections
- Study Schedule: 15-20 hours per week for working professionals
CPA Work Experience Requirements
After passing all four exam sections, you need work experience to get licensed:
General Requirements
- Duration: 1-2 years (varies by state)
- Type: Public accounting, industry, government, or academia
- Supervision: Must be verified by a licensed CPA
- Areas: Accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting
For Pakistani Candidates
Good news! Many states allow international work experience. You can fulfill this requirement while working in Pakistan if:
- Your supervisor is a CPA, CA, ACCA, or equivalent
- Your work involves accounting, auditing, taxation, or financial consulting
- You can document your experience properly
Big Four firms, multinational corporations, and established accounting firms in Pakistan can provide qualifying experience.
CPA Career Opportunities and Salary in Pakistan
Job Roles for CPAs
With a US CPA certification, Pakistani professionals can pursue:
- Financial Controller: Managing company finances and reporting
- Audit Manager: Leading audit teams in Big Four or local firms
- Tax Consultant: Specializing in international taxation
- CFO/Finance Director: Senior leadership roles
- Financial Analyst: Investment banking and corporate finance
- Risk Management: Internal audit and compliance roles
Salary Expectations
CPA salary in Pakistan varies by experience and employer:
- Entry Level (0-2 years): PKR 80,000 – 150,000 per month
- Mid-Level (3-5 years): PKR 200,000 – 400,000 per month
- Senior Level (6+ years): PKR 500,000 – 1,000,000+ per month
- Big Four Firms: 30-50% higher than local market average
- International Remote Jobs: $3,000 – $8,000 per month (USD)
These figures are significantly higher than non-certified accountants in similar roles.
International Opportunities
CPAs from Pakistan are in demand for:
- Remote accounting positions with US companies
- Middle East opportunities (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar)
- Canadian and Australian immigration pathways
- European multinational corporations
- International consulting firms
Is CPA Worth It for Pakistani Professionals?
Let’s be honest about the investment:
Yes, if you want to:
- Work with international clients or companies
- Earn significantly higher salaries
- Access Big Four and multinational opportunities
- Work remotely for US companies
- Migrate or work abroad eventually
- Stand out in Pakistan’s competitive job market
Maybe reconsider if:
- You plan to only practice locally in Pakistan (CA might be more relevant)
- You cannot invest $5,000-$7,000 currently
- You don’t have time for 6-18 months of intensive study
- Your career goals are purely domestic
For most ambitious accounting professionals in Pakistan, the CPA is absolutely worth it. The return on investment is clear through higher salaries, better opportunities, and international mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I take the CPA exam in Pakistan?
No, Pakistan does not have approved Prometric testing centers for the CPA exam. Pakistani candidates must travel to nearby international locations like Dubai, Bahrain, or Abu Dhabi to take the exam. However, you can prepare for the exam entirely from Pakistan through online courses and local coaching institutes.
Is a Pakistani bachelor’s degree enough for CPA eligibility?
Most Pakistani bachelor’s degrees (B.Com, BBA) provide approximately 120 credit hours, but you need 150 semester hours for CPA eligibility. You’ll need to complete an additional 30 credit hours through online courses, a master’s degree, or supplementary education programs. NASBA’s credential evaluation will confirm your exact standing.
How long does it take to become a CPA from Pakistan?
The complete journey typically takes 12-24 months. This includes 2-3 months for credential evaluation and application, 6-18 months to pass all four exam sections, and additional time for work experience requirements. With dedicated study (20+ hours per week), many Pakistani candidates complete all exams within 12-15 months.
Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to take the CPA exam?
No, several US states don’t require an SSN for international candidates. Montana and Alaska are the most popular choices for Pakistani students because they welcome international candidates without SSN requirements. You can apply, take the exam, and get licensed in these states without ever visiting the USA.
What is the CPA exam passing rate?
The global passing rate for each CPA exam section ranges from 45-55%. Pakistani candidates often perform well due to strong educational backgrounds in accounting. With proper preparation using quality review courses, first-time pass rates can reach 70-80%. Plan for 75-100 hours of study per section for best results.
Is CPA better than ACCA or CA in Pakistan?
Each qualification serves different purposes. CA (ICAP) is best for local practice in Pakistan. ACCA offers broader business knowledge and UK market access. CPA provides the strongest pathway to US opportunities and international recognition. Many professionals hold multiple qualifications – for example, ACCA + CPA or CA + CPA – to maximize career options both locally and internationally.
Start Your CPA Journey Today
Getting your US CPA certification from Pakistan is a clear path to international career success. While the journey requires investment in time and money, the returns are substantial – higher salaries, global opportunities, and professional recognition that lasts a lifetime.
The key is to start with proper preparation and guidance. Whether you choose self-study or enroll in a structured program, make sure you understand the requirements, budget adequately, and commit to consistent study.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
ICT Business School in Islamabad offers comprehensive US CPA preparation programs designed specifically for Pakistani students. With experienced faculty, proven study methods, and complete support through the application process, they help you achieve your CPA goals efficiently.
Explore Advanced ACCA and CA Courses at ICT Business School and discover how their expert guidance can fast-track your journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Book a seat at Advanced ACCA and CA courses offered by ICT Business School today and invest in your international accounting career. The global opportunities await – your CPA journey starts now!
