Garrett Gleim sends CPA candidates bimonthly emails concerning different aspects of the CPA exam. Candidates can see the most recent email and all the archives here on the CPA Candidate Forum.
As addressed in my last email, the recent AICPA announcement that the U.S. CPA Exam will now be offered in five countries, in addition to the 55 U.S. jurisdictions that currently administer the exam, continues to have the international accounting community abuzz.
The U.S. CPA exam is being offered internationally for the first time as a direct result of the rapidly escalating international demand for U.S. CPA licensure. More than 10,000 candidates traveled to the U.S. last year to take the exam, a notable 22% increase from 2009. The countries of the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Japan were selected as the first to offer the international exam.
Registration for the international exam began on May 1, with applications made through certain U.S. state boards of accountancy offering eligibility for international candidates. The exam initially is being offered during a 1-month window per calendar-year quarter, with the first exam for all five new countries scheduled during the month of August.
The 38 jurisdictions selected through which candidates can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination in an international location can be found on the NASBA website. Prospective candidates must select the U.S. jurisdiction (i.e., a state board of accountancy) to which they will apply, contact the board of accountancy (or its designee) in that jurisdiction to obtain application materials, and submit the completed applications and required fees as instructed. Once deemed qualified, candidates may schedule the examination. After receiving the Notice to Schedule, candidates may then register to take the examination in an international location through the NASBA website.
International candidates should keep in mind that certain jurisdictions have specific rules and requirements to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination as well as qualifying for CPA licensure after passing the exam. Before applying in any jurisdiction to take the CPA Examination in an international location, be sure to read the jurisdiction’s Information for Applicants on the NASBA website.
The international exam will be offered only in English, will have the same licensure requirements, and is the same as the U.S. exam currently administered by the AICPA, NASBA, and Prometric. Future testing months during which the exam will be administered in the Middle East and Japan include November 2011 and February 2012. In addition to passing the Uniform CPA Examination, international candidates must meet educational and experience requirements as mandated by U.S. state boards of accountancy that have the legal authority to award the U.S. CPA license.
International testing in the new locations is open to citizens and long-term residents of the countries in which the exam is being administered. In addition, citizens of Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are allowed to take the exam in any of the designated Middle East locations. U.S. citizens who live in either the Middle East or Japan are also eligible to take the exam at one of the new locations.
We cannot overstate the importance of this breakthrough decision. In that respect, Gleim promises the same commitment to our new international candidates that has made us the industry leader for more than 30 years. Rest assured, our goal will continue to be producing the most effective and extensive, yet easy to use, materials available for all CPA candidates, both here and abroad.
Do you have any questions or comments about this week’s Hot Topics article or the CPA Exam? Email me at hottopics@gleim.com. Gleim Personal Counselors are available to help you develop a manageable study schedule and help you pass the CPA exam. Contact them at 800.874.5346, ext 498 or personalcounselor@gleim.com. Take advantage of the opportunity to get help from our extraordinary team!
