When we refer to the “AICPA exam” here, we are referring to the U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) was founded in 1887 and is the world’s largest accounting organization. The U.S. CPA exam follows U.S. accounting standards and is known as “the most demanding in the world.” Holders of the U.S. CPA certification are eligible for exemptions from eight ACCA exams and enjoy the same professional privileges as accountants in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Hong Kong, and the Caribbean. Level of difficulty in acquiring the AICPA Certificate
2026 Exam Reform: The New “3+1” Model
The 2026 “3+1” exam requires three “core” exams (Auditing, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Tax) to ensure all candidates master the fundamental knowledge of accounting, auditing, and tax practice. Candidates must also pass two of the remaining three exams. Each exam lasts four hours and includes both multiple-choice questions and task-based questions.
The Four Core Requirements for Obtaining the AICPA License
To apply for AICPA certification (licensing), candidates must meet requirements in four areas: education, examinations, experience, and ethics. Completing the coursework and obtaining the license requires a minimum of 150 credit hours, including 24–30 credits in accounting and 24 credits in business. Licensing also requires passing all exams, at least one year of relevant work experience certified by the AICPA, and passing the AICPA Ethics Exam.
Value of Certification: Salary Premium and Career Prospects
AICPA certification offers significant economic benefits; the starting salary for entry-level positions at the Big Four in 2024 is $83,000 (approximately 600,000 RMB), representing a 42% advantage over standard finance roles. The average compensation for AICPA holders in the U.S. is around $119,000, while those in China earn approximately 34% more than their counterparts in standard finance positions, with most roles offering annual salaries exceeding 400,000 RMB. The career progression path at the Big Four is well-defined: Auditor (Certified) — Senior Auditor (2 years) — Manager (annual salary of over 1 million RMB). The median base annual salary in China is approximately 450,000 RMB.
Eligibility Requirements and Exam Exemptions
As of 2026, a bachelor’s degree or higher is still required. Guam and California do not recognize associate degrees. Candidates without an accounting background may still apply, provided they meet the credit requirements. Certified professionals are exempt from eight exams administered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Hong Kong. Mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications have been signed with Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland, and reciprocal recognition agreements have been established with South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, and Israel.
Exam Difficulty
The average pass rate is 50%, significantly higher than the approximately 20% pass rate for China’s CPA exam. For Chinese candidates, the greatest challenges lie in taking the exam in English and understanding the differences between Chinese and U.S. accounting standards as well as the U.S. tax system.
