(FAQs) : FAQs for Common Proficiency Test (CPT)

1. What is the Common Proficiency Test?

It is an entry level test for Chartered Accountancy Course. It is an objective test of four subjects i.e. Accounting, Mercantile Laws, General Economics and Quantitative Aptitude. The test
is divided into two sessions of two hours each conducted for 200 marks.

2. Who can join the course?

A student who has passed the 10th standard examination conducted by an examining body constituted by law in India or an examination recognized by the Central Government as equivalent thereto may register for Common Proficiency Course (CPC).

3. Is there any scheme available for student of Entrance/ Foundation/ Professional Education (Course-I) to switchover to Common Proficiency Course (CPC)?

All earlier respective students of Entrance/ Foundation/ Professional Education (Course-I) who have not passed respective examinations are required to register afresh for Common Proficiency Course (CPC) by paying full registration fees for CPC, i.e., Rs.6,000/- as applicable at present to continue their studies in CA Course.

4. Is it correct that Graduates/ Post-Graduates or Intermediate level examination passed students of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India are exempt from CPT?

Yes. The following categories of students shall be exempt from passing the Common Proficiency Test (CPT) as per Notification No. 1-CA (7)/145/2012 dated 1st August, 2012:-

(A) Graduates or Post Graduates in Commerce having secured in aggregate a minimum of 55% of the total marks or its equivalent grade in the examination conducted by any recognised University (including Open University) by studying any three papers of 100 marks each out of Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Business Administration or Management Accounting;

Graduates or Post Graduates other than those falling under Commerce stream mentioned above having secured in aggregate a minimum of 60% of the total marks or its equivalent grade in the examination conducted by any recognised University (including Open University).

Above category of students can commence practical training after undergoing Orientation Course and Information Technology Training (ITT).

Provisional Registration:

Students who are pursuing the Final year of Graduation Course shall be eligible for provisional registration to the Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Course. Such students would be required to submit satisfactory proof of having passed the graduation examination with the specified percentage of marks within six months, from the date of appearance in the final year graduation examination (i.e. from the day of commencement of the examination). During the period of provisional registration, a student can undergo and complete Information Technology Training (ITT) and Orientation Course. It is clarified that in their case, the practical training shall commence only on becoming a Graduate with specified percentage of marks. Such students shall be eligible for appearing in the Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Examination on completion of nine months of practical training. If such students fail to produce the proof within the aforesaid period, his provisional registration shall stand cancelled and the registration and other fees, as the case may be, paid by him shall not be refunded/ adjusted and no credit shall also be given for the theoretical education undergone.

(B) Candidates who have passed the Intermediate level examination or its equivalent examination by whatever name called conducted by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Above category of students shall be eligible to appear in the Intermediate (IPC) Examination after undergoing study course period of 8 months.

5. How to apply for admission to the Common Proficiency Course (CPC)?

A student is required to apply in the prescribed form.

A student can buy a Prospectus from all Regional Offices/ Branches of the Institute by remitting Rs.100/-. The Application form for Registration to the course is available with the Prospectus.

Alternatively,

The application form can be downloaded from Institute’s website www.icai.org; if Registration Form is downloaded from Institute’s website add Rs. 100/- or US $10 as the case may be with Common Proficiency Course (CPC) Registration Fee.
Candidates can also fill CPC registration on-line. The same is available on Institute’s website www.icai.org.
The Prospectus can also be procured by post from any of the offices of the Institute stated in Point 8 below on payment of Rs.140 (Rs.40 on account of postal charge).

6. What are the fees for registration?

CPC registration fee is to be paid in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of “The Secretary, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, payable at concerned Regional Office i.e. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Kanpur or New Delhi”. If Registration Form is downloaded from the Institute’s website, add Rs. 100/- or US $10 alongwith Common Proficiency Course (CPC) Registration fee for supply of a copy of the Prospectus alongwith the study package.

7. What are the documents/ proofs to be to be enclosed along with the CPC registration application?

The following documents to be enclosed along with the CPC Registration form:

(1) Demand Draft towards registration and other fees.
(2) Attested copy of Date of Birth and 10th pass Marks Statement.
(3) Attested copy of proof of Nationality, if student is foreigner.
(4) Attested copy of proof of special category certificate i.e. SC/ST, OBC and Differently abled.
CPC Registration form to be submitted to the Regional Office in consonance with the address of the student.

8. Where to submit/dispatch filled-in application form?

The application form can be obtained and / or submitted to the following Offices of the Institute in consonance with the address of the student as stated below: