Are you one of the aspiring accountants dreaming of becoming a Certified Public Accountant abroad?
If so, you are part of the growing community of professionals striving for internationally recognized credentials.
Inspired by successful CPAs who started abroad and now thrive in licensed practice, more professionals are inspired and following their footsteps each year. But with a degree earned overseas, the process can feel overwhelming—especially when faced with different licensing requirements across states or countries.
Still, many have made it through — and their journey offers valuable guidance. One common factor stands out across their experiences: a proper CPA education evaluation. Whether they graduated from institutions in other parts of the world, having their academic credentials professionally reviewed was the first step toward gaining international recognition.
From International Degrees to CPA Dreams: What you need to know
While there’s a number of countries that offer unified national licensing, becoming a licensed CPA —especially in the U.S— follows a state-by-state framework. This means meeting a combination of education, examination, and experience standards.
Before applying, applicants must research which state board they are planning to apply to, what academic prerequisites are required, and whether their degree structure aligns with local standards.
For example, to earn a CPA license in California, a requirement of 150 semester units with 24 units in accounting, 24 units in business-related subjects, 20 units in accounting study, and 10 units in ethics is needed plus a year of general accounting experience is also necessary.
This often makes the process complex — especially the education components, which must be carefully evaluated and aligned with U.S. standards for international applicants. That’s why the CPA education evaluation is a critical step for applicants with foreign degrees. Accredited credential evaluation agencies determine whether your academic qualifications meet the U.S. standard, ensuring a smoother transition in the workforce.
Start Early with Credential Evaluation
One of the top pieces of advice shared by successful internationally educated CPAs is to start the CPA education evaluation as early as possible. This one critical step will avoid delays, missing credits, or unexpected course gaps that can stall your CPA journey for months.
Having your education credentials evaluated can take weeks or longer—especially if documents are delayed or incomplete. So, it is important to gather all necessary documents, such as diplomas, transcripts, course description, and certified translations, in advance.
A clear communication and timely coordination with a credential evaluation agency will give you the opportunity to resolve any issues and ensure that your qualification is properly recognized in the U.S. CPA standards. Above all, beginning early provides comfort, confidence and knowledge on the application.
Turning Academic Gaps into Career Opportunities
Let’s face it— the process of CPA licensing for foreign applicants is not easy. Encountering a few bumps along the way is unavoidable since the education systems between countries often differ in structure, content, and credit requirements. Many countries don’t include U.S. Taxation in their coursework which often leads to gaps when applying for CPA licensure in the US.
Fortunately, successful international applicants have addressed these gaps by enrolling in accredited online programs or enroll in a university extension course. These options give applicants the opportunity to complete the necessary credits at their own pace.
It is also essential to thoroughly research the specific CPA requirement of the state where you intend to apply. This helps identify any additional steps needed and also serve as an opportunity for applicants to deepen their understanding of U.S. CPA standards.
With so much to do, how do successful internationally educated CPAs keep it all under control?
What’s their secret?
The CPA education evaluation involves a lot of paper work in the process. Staying organized is the underrated key behind every successful application. From gathering documents, application to credential evaluation agency, licensing and board updates, keeping track of it can make a difference. Staying organized isn’t just helpful but also essential for a smooth and delay-free process.
International applicants are also encouraged to stay informed on CPA requirements, as they evolve frequently. Staying up to date or even joining CPA forums can be a game-changer in navigating the licensure process. And above all, be ready to be very patient. Processing times, evaluation reviews, and unexpected requests may take longer than expected. Just remember that once it is completed, it opens the door for professional recognition.
Final Thoughts
Success begins with information, organization, and a willingness to begin. A CPA education evaluation is a powerful first step in opening doors to a global opportunity for international applicants. When preparation meets purpose, opportunity follows.
