The US CPA certification has entered into a new era of growth in the Middle East. In the fourth quarter of 2011 compared to the prior quarter, there was a 44% increase in the number of US CPA exam sections tested in the UAE. There was also a 64% increase in US CPA candidates in the Middle East during that same period.
Both of these increases are largely due to the fact that the US CPA exam is now being offered in the Middle East region, whereas previously candidates had to travel to the US to take the exam. Today 82% of candidates have opted to sit for the exam at one of the four new testing centers in the region: UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon. The CPA exams at local test centres are identical to the exams in the US, and it is much more cost effective for exam takers as they no longer have to travel to the U.S.to take the exam.
The added convenience is attracting promising professionals to the US CPA certification. Both US CPA exam testing and candidates are expected to continue to grow, as CPAs are in high demand, enjoy lucrative career prospects, and serve as assets to international firms. Successfully passing this rigorous exam remains a challenge, so the assistance of Becker Professional Education remains vital. Becker is the global leader in education for the accounting profession, and Morgan International is Becker’s sole licensee in the Middle East. Rita Haidar, Engagement Auditor (Assurance and Advisory Business Services) at Ernst & Young has experienced the Becker and Morgan difference first hand. “After hearing all the stories about how difficult the CPA Exam was, I came to realise that I couldn’t do it alone. The comprehensive study materials from Becker and the instruction provided by Morgan enabled me to pass the exams on my first attempt while working at my full time job.”
Fadi Ganni, CEO of Morgan International, highlights the significance of the CPA designation and how Morgan’s relationship with Becker provides candidates with a real advantage. “The U.S. CPA is a key requirement for advancement in many areas of the accounting profession. It surpasses the traditional role to include all aspects of business from performance to growth strategy, meaning the future for the U.S. CPA is bright. At Morgan, we are glad to offer candidates and accounting professionals the chance to pursue opportunities with renowned corporations and firms, in addition to governmental and Non-Governmental Organizations. We are delighted to see an increase in the uptake of candidates now wanting to study for the U.S. CPA across the region.”
Becker has been helping candidates pass the U.S. CPA exam around the world for over fifty years. “It is extremely satisfying to contribute to the growth of U.S. CPA’s in the Middle East. In this global economy, the importance of the role of the CPA in protecting the public interest cannot be overstated,” said John Roselli, President of Becker Professional Education. CPA hopefuls in the region can benefit from Becker’s proven learning system delivered through Morgan International, a leading professional education provider in the region since 1995.
The CPA designation is highly sought after by leading firms across the globe. So with the option of sitting for the exam in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and Lebanon, accounting professionals in the Middle East now have more opportunities to take their careers to the next level.