Both the CPA and ACCA lead to careers in accounting, audit and tax, and both are respected worldwide. The structural difference is important: the CPA is a licence granted by a US state, while ACCA is membership of a global professional body. That shapes where each one counts most.
CPA vs ACCA side by side
| US CPA | ACCA | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | US state licence to practise public accounting | Membership of a global professional accountancy body |
| Exams | AUD, FAR, REG + one of BAR, ISC or TCP | 13 exams; 11 from September 2027 |
| Education | 150 credit hours, or a bachelor's plus extra experience in many states | Entry from school-leaver level; degrees bring exemptions |
| Experience | 1–2 years, depending on state and route | 36 months |
| Official exam fees | About $1,000–$2,000 (more if testing abroad) | About £2,500–£3,500 in the UK |
| Time to finish | Often 1–2 years for the exam | Often 3–4 years part-time |
| Strongest in | United States, US-linked multinationals | UK, Ireland, Europe, Gulf, South Asia, Africa, Southeast Asia |
Which one to choose
- Choose the CPA if you plan to work in the US, especially in audit or public accounting, or for a US-headquartered multinational.
- Choose ACCA if you plan to build your career in the UK, Europe, the Gulf, Asia or Africa.
- Choose ACCA if you do not have a degree yet. It accepts students from an earlier stage, while the CPA requires degree-level education.
- Consider both, in sequence, if you are likely to move between the US and other markets during your career.
The ten-year location question
Most comparisons stop at "CPA for the US, ACCA for elsewhere". The more useful question is where you expect to be in ten years, because qualifications are hard to switch mid-career. If there is a realistic chance of moving to the US, the CPA keeps that door open. If you expect to stay outside the US, ACCA's broader recognition and exemptions usually make it the more efficient route.
For candidates outside the US
Many international candidates take the CPA to work for US multinationals at home. That works, but check three things first: which state will accept your degree, the $390 per section international testing surcharge, and how you will meet the experience requirement. Our CPA requirements guide covers each step.
Compare costs in the CPA cost calculator and the ACCA cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is CPA or ACCA better?
Neither is better overall. The CPA is essential for public accounting and audit in the US. ACCA is more widely recognised across the UK, Europe, the Gulf, Asia and Africa. Choose by where you plan to work.
Is CPA harder than ACCA?
The CPA has fewer exams, but each section is long and covers a lot of material. ACCA has more exams over a longer period. Many candidates find the CPA faster to finish but more intense.
Can an ACCA member become a CPA?
Yes. ACCA members can sit the CPA exam if they meet a US state's education requirements, often after a credential evaluation. ACCA membership does not exempt you from CPA sections.
Is ACCA recognised in the USA?
ACCA is respected by many US employers, particularly multinationals, but it is not a licence to practise public accounting in the US. Signing audit opinions requires a state CPA licence.
Which is cheaper, CPA or ACCA?
Official CPA exam fees are typically about $1,000–$2,000, plus a review course. ACCA fees are about £2,500–£3,500 in the UK, spread over several years. Total cost depends heavily on review courses and tuition.