CPA Exam Guide for Nepalese Candidates
Kathmandu Prometric · Tribhuvan University · Recommended States
Nepal has an active Prometric test center in Kathmandu, and Nepalese degrees from Tribhuvan University are recognized by US credential evaluation agencies.
Nepalese Degree Equivalency
Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)
Tribhuvan University · 4 years (8 semesters) · 120 credit hours
US Equivalent: Generally equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree
Includes accounting specialization courses. May qualify under 120-credit pathway with 2 years experience.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
Tribhuvan University · 4 years · 120 credit hours
US Equivalent: Generally equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree
May include accounting specialization depending on program.
3-Year Bachelor's Degree (older system)
Various · 3 years · 90 credit hours
US Equivalent: ~90 U.S. credit hours (insufficient for most states)
Will need additional coursework or a master's degree. Montana may work (focuses on accounting + business credits, not total hours).
Master of Business Studies (MBS)
Tribhuvan University · 2 years (4 semesters) · 60 credit hours
US Equivalent: BBS (120) + MBS (60) = 180 credits — comfortably meets 150-credit requirement
Best path for candidates needing 150 credits without additional US coursework.
Prometric Center in Kathmandu
Center: Alfa Beta Test Center
Address: Alfa Beta Complex, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Fee: $390/section
Active since: 2022
India Alternative
Nepalese citizens can test in India. 8 centers, but $460/section (vs $390 in Nepal).
Cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Trivandrum
Extra cost (all 4 sections): $280 more than Kathmandu
Documents Required from Tribhuvan University
- Official transcripts/mark sheets from Tribhuvan University (or your institution)
- Degree certificates for all completed programs
- English translations for any documents in Nepali (ATA members, embassies, or consulates)
- Syllabi/course descriptions for accounting and business courses (may be requested)
- School Leaving Certificate (SLC) or Higher Secondary Certificate
Recommended States for Nepalese Candidates
Montana or Illinois
No SSN, no residency, no citizenship. Montana accepts FACS (cheapest evaluation). Illinois has 120-credit pathway.
Guam (inactive license)
No SSN, no experience, no 150-credit requirement. Good for getting the CPA credential before meeting full licensure requirements.
Estimated Cost (in NPR)
Based on ~1 USD = 133 NPR (April 2026). Check current rates.
Community Resources
- r/Nepalese_CPA — Reddit community for Nepalese CPA candidates.
- r/CPA — The largest CPA exam community on Reddit.
- ICAN — Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal. Partners with NASBA for Prometric testing.