18 February 2010
CPA are just like Chartered Accountants of India who can have their practices and act as auditors for the companies. It is conducted by AICPA,US. For Details of Course check the site > www.aicpa.org
Brief Details > a)4 online Papers amixture of Objective type and Essay Writing. b) Papers are to be given only in USA. You have to visit USA for giving teh exams. C) Regitration for CPA is done under the State Accounting Bodies. Check the elgibility requirements of the respective state in order to determine your eligibility for the Course.
CFA refers to the Chartered Financial Analyst provided by the CFA Institute, US. They have worldwise presence and serve companies by analysis and studies on financial market, portfolio managment and equity. For details refer > www.cfainstitute.org
Brief Details > a) 3 Levels of papers to be cleared in Sequential Order. b) Have worldwide exam centres and papers can be given at any exam centre. c) Level 1 Exams conducted every year in June & Dec and Level 2 & 3 Exams conducted every June only.
It all depends upon your interest and circumstances. The point that I think should be considered while making Decisons are > 1. For CPA you have to Go to USA for Exams. For CFA u can give the exams in India or any near by country. 2. Exams for CPA can be given ay time after you think u prepared for the exams. Expect in the month of March,June, September, December. For details check on the website. So the time duration of CPA depends upon ur study and hard work. For CFA, Exams can be given only in June so minimum of 3 Years are required to complete CFA. 3. Also check and compare your qualification eligibility requirements for Both the Courses. 4. Your ineterst matters a lot. For CPA more emphasis is on accounts, law and audit based knowledge which an auditor requires. For CFA more emphasis is on finance market, equity and portfolio management need for analysis purpose.
Just anaylyse ur suitability in view of some of above points and check the websites in details for the course and fees structure.