In today’s global finance and accounting industry, professional certifications play a vital role in shaping successful international careers.
Among the most popular credentials — ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), CPA (Certified Public Accountant), and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) — stand out as the top three courses for commerce and finance aspirants.

But the common question remains:
👉 Which course offers better global recognition, higher salaries, and stronger career growth opportunities?

This blog provides a complete ACCA vs CPA vs CMA comparison  covering course duration, eligibility, exam pattern, global recognition, job opportunities, and salary scope  to help you choose the right certification for your goals.

Overview: ACCA vs CPA vs CMA

Feature	ACCA (UK)	CPA (US)	CMA (US)
Full Form	Association of Chartered Certified Accountants	Certified Public Accountant	Certified Management Accountant
Origin	United Kingdom	United States	United States
Governing Body	ACCA Global	AICPA (American Institute of CPAs)	IMA (Institute of Management Accountants)
Duration	2–3 years	12- 18 months	6-9 months
Exam Mode	Online (CBT)	Online (CBT)	Online (CBT)
No. of Papers	13 Papers	4 Papers	2 Papers
Work Experience	3 years (for Membership)	1–2 years (under CPA License)	2 years in Management Accounting
Global Recognition	180+ countries	120+ countries	100+ countries
Career Focus	Accounting, Audit, Finance, Taxation	Public Accounting, Auditing, Tax, Compliance	Management Accounting, FP&A, Cost Control

For additional comparison insights, explore ACCA vs CPA USA.

Eligibility Criteria ACCA , CPA & CMA

ACCA Eligibility

Can start after 12th Commerce with 65% in Accounts and English.
Graduates from any background can apply.
To know more about entry routes, check ACCA course eligibility requirements.

CPA Eligibility

Requires 150 credit hours (Master’s level equivalent).
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Commerce, or Finance is mandatory.
Some US states also need specific courses in business or ethics.
You can also read How to become a CPA in India.

CMA Eligibility

Must have a Bachelor’s degree, IMA membership, and 2 years of work experience in management accounting.
Also explore CMA vs CIA Certification for related pathways.

Read More 

CMA USA - Top 12 AI-Powered Changes in CMA USA Finance Careers

Which is Better: CMA India or Other Global CMA Courses?

Top 7 Cities in India Offering the Highest CMA USA Salary Per Month

Exam Structure Comparison

Aspect	ACCA	CPA	CMA
Total Papers	13	4	2
Exam Levels	Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, Strategic Professional	One Level (4 Sections)	Two Parts
Duration	2–3 years	12–18 months	6–9 months
Pass %	45–50%	50–55%	55–60%
Exam Frequency	March, June, Sept, Dec	Continuous Testing	Jan-Feb, May-Jun, Sep-Oct

For ACCA timelines, refer to Updated ACCA Exam Dates 2026.

Global Recognition & Career Scope

ACCA (UK)

Recognized in 180+ countries including the UK, UAE, Singapore, and Canada.
Ideal for careers in financial analysis, audit, and taxation.
Also accepted for equivalent designations like CA (Canada).

CPA (US)

Highly respected in the US, Middle East, and global MNCs.
CPA professionals work across auditing, taxation, consulting, and compliance roles.

CMA (US)

Globally valued for management accounting, FP&A, budgeting, and cost control.
Learn more: [Top Companies Hiring CMA USA Freshers].

Career Opportunities After ACCA, CPA & CMA

• ACCA: Roles in Big 4s, consulting, and financial institutions.
  
  

• CPA: Careers in auditing, US taxation, and multinational corporations.
  
  

• CMA: Roles in FP&A, cost management, and corporate finance.
  
  

👉 For more, explore [Top 10 Finance Courses After BCom].

Latest Updates

• Success Stories: CA Professionals Journey to becoming a CPA
• The Best CPA Comprehensive Guide
• US CPA Eligibility in India - Step-by-Step Guide
• CPA Canada Requirements - How to pursue CPA Canada after BCom

Average Salary Comparison (India & Abroad)

(Updated 2026 Figures)

Region	ACCA Salary	CPA Salary	CMA Salary
India	₹9–11 LPA	₹9.5–10 LPA (Avg: ₹9,59,027/year)	₹7–9 LPA
USA	$60,000–$90,000	$75,000–$90,000+ (Mid-career)	$65,000–$100,000
UAE	AED 120k–180k	AED 150k–200k	AED 130k–180k
UK	£35k–£60k	£45k–£70k	£40k–£65k

Difficulty Level

• CPA: Most challenging due to advanced US-GAAP and auditing standards.
  
  

• ACCA: Structured progression across 3 levels — beginner-friendly.
  
  

• CMA: Shortest duration and ideal for working professionals.

Latest Updates
Read More

• ACCA Course Eligibility Requirements And More About ACCA Qualification

• A Master Guide to the Best ACCA Courses Online

• ACCA Exam Subjects List: A Complete Course Details

• The Best Training Institute in India to Pursue ACCA: Find Out!

Which Course Is Best for You?

✅ Choose ACCA for a global accounting career.
If you want full clarity on ACCA, read Why Do ACCA After CA.

✅ Choose CPA if you plan to work or settle in the US.
Also explore How to Become a CPA in India.

✅ Choose CMA USA for leadership roles in corporate finance.
Understand CMA’s value through CMA Benefits.

Bonus Tip: A dual qualification (CPA + CMA) enhances versatility and global career growth.
For comparison, see CMA vs CPA vs ACCA.

Read More 

• Your CMA Resume Tips: Expert Tips for CMA Success
• How to overcome failure in the USA CMA Exam and remain positive?
• Responsibilities of Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) Professionals 

Why These Courses Are Popular in India

Why These Courses Are Popular in India

• High ROI with international exposure.
  
  

• Flexible exam schedules for students and working professionals.
  
  

• Increasing demand from Big 4s, MNCs, and fintechs for globally certified professionals.

 Explore more: Top Finance Careers in India.

Future Scope (2026 & Beyond)

With globalization, ACCA, CPA, and CMA USA professionals are highly valued in Big 4 firms, global MNCs, and emerging fintech sectors.
India’s finance landscape continues to reward professionals holding international certifications.

Read More

• Diploma in IFRS: ACCA Global Comprehensive Guide
• ACCA vs MBA: Choosing the Right Path in Accounting and Finance
• Best ACCA Books and Study Materials: A Students’ Guide                    

Conclusion

Choosing between ACCA, CPA, and CMA USA depends on your career goals — each opens global doors, delivers high ROI, and enhances your financial expertise.
If comparing coaching options, see Top Institutes for ACCA Coaching.

For personalized guidance and training support:

👉 Join NorthStar Academy — India’s leading institute for global accounting courses.
💬 WhatsApp “Hi” to +91 8147470505 for expert mentorship on ACCA, CPA, and CMA with placement assistance.

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