Does the CPA provide stronger education than the other similar certificates as it it encompasses accountancy, finance, audit...(i.e CIA, ACCA, CFA..)?

CPA designation is the widely recognized; it is also arguably the most prestigious. This is partly because of its longest history, and the fact that CPA exam covers many types of work including financial accounting, management accounting, corporate finance and strategic planning, audit, general business and US taxation. It is generally perceived to be The Accounting Certification of choice. Also, CPA is the only qualification that has a statutory right to do something special that is, signing audit reports and issuing audit opinions. Because of this, CPAs are most regulated.

The CPA designation in the US is granted by each of the US states instead of by a federal government agency. The prerequisites, rules and regulation of each state are quite different.

There is a general guideline known as the “3E” that most state boards follow these days. It requires 5 years of higher education, minimum number of accounting and business credit hours, passing of a uniform exam and verified relevant experience. This education requirement is the highest among all finance and accounting certification.