What is the difference between a CPA and a Chartered Accountant?

CPAs have met licensing requirements for the state in which they practice accounting. State licensing requirements vary but typically include 150 hours of education (30 hours beyond the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree in accounting). Licensing requirements also always include some documented experience and achieving a passing score on the Uniform CPA Examination.

A Chartered Accountant is a title that is an internationally recognized professional designation and is generally equivalent to the CPA designation. The designation is a combination of academic and professional training.