CPA

Why should international accountants earn a US CPA license?

July 25, 2025

6 min read

Content Marketing Specialist

If you’re an accountant outside the United States, you’ve likely heard of the US Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. The highest level of professional certification for public accountants in the US, the CPA license ensures more job opportunities, responsibilities, and career advancement.

But as an international accountant, can you become a CPA? And is it worth doing?

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Should international accountants pursue US CPA licensure?

Although a US credential, many consider the US CPA license to be the highest accounting designation not only in the United States, but across the globe.

As a US CPA, you’ll be a member of the AICPA—the largest accounting body in the world. You’ll unlock more opportunities, increase your earning potential¹, improve your job security, and enjoy the freedom to pursue a wider range of career paths.

These are just a few of the opportunities that make earning a US CPA license extremely beneficial to your career.

International CPAs hired for jobs with global companies

Many US companies and firms have offices, transactions, and partnerships all over the world. Earning your CPA license gives you the expertise and authorization to hold advanced positions within these firms and organizations. With a CPA license that spans both accounting best practices and US tax and reporting standards, you’re trusted to manage US accounting practices both in-country and overseas to ensure accuracy, legal compliance, and sound international business decisions.

For example, the Big 4 firms alone span over 150 countries. No matter where you live, there is a Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and/or EY office location close by; having an active CPA license makes your resume exponentially more competitive for one of these Big 4 jobs.

Need for qualified CPA talent in the US

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting and auditing profession in the US is predicted to grow 6% over the next decade.² That’s not only faster growth than the national average, but the number of CPAs is also predicted to decline by 30% over that same time frame.³

Many US firms and companies are therefore looking to open their talent search more broadly, hiring international CPAs who demonstrate aptitude to work in the US financial system.⁴

CPAs hired for firms abroad

Many international firms need US-qualified staff to serve clients who are based in the United States.

Business in general is increasingly global, and accounting and finance responsibilities are not the exception. This means that many US companies outsource accounting tasks and seek firms that offer US-compliant services. It’s therefore not uncommon for firms worldwide to represent US clients and, if you earn a CPA license, you demonstrate the ability to take on this responsibility.

While the US CPA can be challenging to earn and maintain, it signals to US companies and clients that they can trust you with their accounting. And that’s a powerful career advantage—one that’s arguably more beneficial than any amount of work references, interview charm, or even prior experience.

How to become an international CPA

Even if you do not live in the US, you can become a CPA! The process (even for US nationals and residents) is not a fast and simple one. But the benefits are worth it.

Plan your journey to avoid complications and smoothly reach CPA licensure.

Choosing a state to earn your international CPA license

Each state or CPA jurisdiction grants CPA licenses. Although the CPA Exam is a national standard and the same for all candidates across the country, the experience, education, and other requirements for CPA licensure differ by jurisdiction, as determined by the State Board of Accountancy.

As an international CPA candidate, it’s important to know that many states require you to be a resident and/or have a US social security number to earn your license in that jurisdiction.

Before you apply to take the CPA Exam through a US State Board of Accountancy, make sure to verify state CPA requirements for that jurisdiction to ensure that there is no residency requirement that may ultimately get in the way of your ability to reach licensure.

Can you take the CPA Exam abroad?

All CPA candidates must take and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This four-Section exam covers the expertise and skillsets needed to practice public accounting at a trusted, professional level. You must apply to sit for the CPA Exam through a US State Board of Accountancy, presumably, the one with which you’ll also apply for licensure.

The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), in partnership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Prometric testing centers, offers international administration of the CPA Exam in select countries.

The international countries where you can sit for the CPA Exam are:

Bahrain
Bermuda
Brazil
Egypt
England
Germany
India
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Nepal
Philippines
Republic of Korea
Saudi Arabia
Scotland
United Arab Emirates

Most states participate in this program and allow you to apply for the CPA Exam in that state’s jurisdiction, then sitting for the CPA Exam abroad. The jurisdictions that DO NOT participate in this program, however, are:

Alabama
Idaho
North Carolina
Virgin Islands

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Challenges of becoming an international CPA

Finding the right CPA jurisdiction

As an international CPA candidate, it can be tricky to know through which State Board of Accountancy you should choose to apply for the CPA Exam and CPA license. You need to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA Exam in that jurisdiction, plus meet the CPA requirements to meet full licensure.

But don’t worry! It’s not as hard as it seems. These are the main things to ensure when you're finding a good state for international CPA licensure:

Exclude jurisdictions that do NOT participate in the international CPA Exam program.
Choose a jurisdiction that does NOT require residency or a US social security number.
Check the education and experience requirements for BOTH the CPA Exam and licensure. For some states, the education requirements are the same, but others have additional education requirements that you must complete after sitting for the CPA Exam. It’s also important to understand that many states are in the process of updating legislation, removing the 150-hour credit requirement in favor of alternative pathway options.

Passing the CPA Exam (in English!)

Once you find the right jurisdiction for you and apply for the CPA Exam through the State Board of Accountancy, you’ll get a Notice to Schedule (NTS). You can choose the testing location that’s closest to you and schedule your CPA Exam.

The four Sections of the CPA Exam are extremely comprehensive and passing requires study and dedication. So, even if English is your first language, the exam is difficult. Since it’s only offered in English, this can prove to be an even greater obstacle for international CPA candidates who may not feel as comfortable with the language. But if you put in the time and study through a trusted CPA Exam Review, you can most definitely pass!

Expand your career by earning a US CPA license

The CPA license makes all the difference in your career growth—in the US and around the globe.

Your journey to earning the US CPA starts whenever you’re ready. But you don’t have to go it alone! Becker and its global partners are here to help you at every step along the way, from preparing for the CPA Exam to earning your continuing professional education (CPE) credits, and everything in between.

Learn all about the US CPA license career paths, passing the CPA Exam, and planning your growth as a CPA in our FREE downloadable CPA Exam Guide. And get even more guidance from a Becker global partner to start your CPA journey abroad!