The Road to becoming a CA

Step 1: The Common Proficiency Test (CPT)
The first checkpoint on the road to becoming a CA is the CPT. This test is an aptitude checker designed along the lines of tests deployed by engineering, medical and other professional institutes. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) introduced this test to identify students with an aptitude for Chartered Accountancy. This will eliminate the decades-old incidence of students re-appearing for exams and will improve the passing percentage. After passing the Class 10 Examination, students can register with the ICAI for the CPT Course. Once registered, and after appearing for or passing the Class 12 Examination, students can take the CPT.

Step 2: The Professional Competence Examination (PCE)
The next checkpoint is the PCE. The student is eligible to get to this level after passing the CPT as well as the Class 12 Examination. The student would have to achieve the following in order to be eligible to take the PCE:

• A 15-month apprenticeship as an Articled Assistant or an Audit Assistant, or partly as an Articled Assistant and partly as an Audit Assistant
• 100 hours of IT training on completion of 3 months of Articled Training

Step 3: Final CA Examination
The last stretch on the road to a qualification in Chartered Accountancy is the Final Examination. After clearing the PCE, the student must:

• Register for the Final Course with the Board of Studies.
• Undergo the General Management and Communication Skills (GMCS) Training Course while studying for the Final Course.
• Complete 3 ½ years of Articled Training.
• Appear for the Final Examination on completion of Training.
• Enroll for Membership in the ICAI after, passing the Final Examination.

The Road to becoming a CA**