Accountancy Information: CPA and CMA

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCOUNTING (CPA AND CMA) EXAMINATION CANDIDATES

To ensure that your evaluation is processed quickly, you must submit an application and all academic documents, as required. The following information applies to foreign-educated candidates who plan to take CPA and/or CMA examinations in the United States.

On the WES website you will find a list of all the state accountancy boards that accept WES evaluations. as well as helpful links regarding the CPA and CMA examinations.

We strongly advise that you verify all requirements, including those related to academic credential evaluation, with the state accountancy board to which you will be submitting your application.

Which type of evaluation should I request?

For CPA examinations, the CPA Board Evaluation (designed specifically for accounting boards) is required. The evaluation identifies business and accounting courses and indicates their level.

The Colorado Board of Accountancy, Maine Board of Accountancy, and Washington State Board of Accountancy require that copies of international transcripts be included with your credential evaluation report. Please select both the CPA Supplemental Package and WES' International Credential Evaluation Package (ICAP) to comply with this requirement.

For the CMA examination, a document-by-document evaluation is sufficient.

In both cases, it is important that on the WES application form, you select "professional licensing/certification" as the primary purpose for the evaluation and indicate the state CPA board(s) to which your report should be sent. WES maintains the addresses of all the U.S. State boards.
What if I want to take both the CPA and CMA examinations?

Select the CPA Board Evaluation, which will be accepted for both examinations.
What documents should I submit?

The WES application form and the "Required Documents" section of our website provide instructions on the documents required for each country. Please read and follow those instructions carefully.

For a CPA Board Evaluation, you should submit your formal, university-issued degree/diploma certificate with transcripts or marksheets listing all subjects studied, the examinations taken and grades earned. All academic records must be issued on official university stationery and bear the signature and seal of the authorized university official.

You should carefully review the detailed requirements for your country of education, which are provided in the "Required Documents" section of our web site. Furthermore, each U.S. State board of accounting has its own specific requirements that you must follow. It is extremely important that you check with the state board about its requirements.

WES maintains a list of all U.S. accountancy boards that accept WES evaluations and links to other sites that offer information on the CPA and CMA examinations.
What if my documents are not in English?

WES requires that all foreign language documents be submitted together with precise translations in English done by a professional translator. However, WES does not accept translations alone, so make sure that you submit the original-language documents with the translations.
My university-issued documents are in English.

If your documents were issued in English by the university or school that you attended, you need submit only the English-language documents.
How long does it take to obtain the evaluation?

WES will prepare and mail the evaluation within seven (7) business days of the receipt of a complete application, all required documents and fees. However, if additional research or correspondence is required, the evaluation will take longer. As international correspondence takes time we recommend that you begin the process as early as possible and allow up to four (4) weeks for the exchange of correspondence with your academic institution(s).
What if I need faster service?

You can also choose one of our rush services and your evaluation will be completed within three (3) business days from the date of receipt of the application, full documentation and fee. One day service is also available. See the WES application for details.
How do I make certain that the application is completed within 7 or 3 days?

To ensure timely service, read and follow instructions carefully and submit all academic documents, translations, and fees as required. Since collecting documents can take time, contact your university as early as possible to begin preparing your documents.
Can I use the WES evaluation for another purpose?

Yes. A WES evaluation can be used for any purpose, including education, employment or any other purpose where you must demonstrate the US equivalency of your academic credentials.

Where do I submit the application?

Applications and all documents should be sent to World Education Services at one of the following addresses:

BY MAIL
World Education Services
P.O. Box 5087
Bowling Green Station
New York, NY 10274-5087

BY FAX: 212-739-6120

BY COURIER
World Education Services
64 Beaver St, #146
New York, NY 10004