6 answers
Quionna
Student
Nashville, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
3369 views
What steps do I have to take in order to become a CPA?
I want to know what steps I have to take and what would be the best route for me to becoming a certified public accountant, and also the benefits to this career.
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5 answers
Pranita Sarabjit
Auditor
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Pranita’s Answer
Hi there,
If you're aiming to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you'll need to complete 150 semester hours of coursework, pass the CPA exam, and gather 1 to 2 years of experience with a licensed CPA, depending on your state. It's a good idea to think about what area of accounting you want to focus on. You could open your own firm for accounting and tax services, work as an external auditor with a CPA firm, or become an internal auditor in a company. Trying an internship can help you figure out what you enjoy. Also, working with a counselor can guide you through the course requirements.
I spent a few years in public accounting with a CPA firm before switching to internal auditing, where I traveled across the U.S. for 15 years. The job was demanding but also gave me the chance to meet different people and learn about various cultures. It was full of learning and challenges, making it exciting and rewarding. If you love to travel, some companies even offer international opportunities. Although the CPA journey is tough, it can be both thrilling and satisfying.
Best of luck, and keep up the hard work!
If you're aiming to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you'll need to complete 150 semester hours of coursework, pass the CPA exam, and gather 1 to 2 years of experience with a licensed CPA, depending on your state. It's a good idea to think about what area of accounting you want to focus on. You could open your own firm for accounting and tax services, work as an external auditor with a CPA firm, or become an internal auditor in a company. Trying an internship can help you figure out what you enjoy. Also, working with a counselor can guide you through the course requirements.
I spent a few years in public accounting with a CPA firm before switching to internal auditing, where I traveled across the U.S. for 15 years. The job was demanding but also gave me the chance to meet different people and learn about various cultures. It was full of learning and challenges, making it exciting and rewarding. If you love to travel, some companies even offer international opportunities. Although the CPA journey is tough, it can be both thrilling and satisfying.
Best of luck, and keep up the hard work!
Sandra Hoeft
CPA
3
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Sandra’s Answer
If you want to become a CPA, consider these steps:
1) You need a Bachelor's Degree. While majoring in accounting is best, it's not necessary. However, your coursework should meet the requirements to take the CPA exam. An accounting major usually covers these requirements.
2) Pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which has four parts. You need a score of 75 or higher on each. You can take the exam before meeting all state licensing requirements. Typically, you can start the exam after completing 120 credit hours.
3) In the US, besides passing the exam, you need 150 credit hours and one year of relevant public accounting experience or two years of relevant industry experience to get your license. States may have extra requirements.
Since licensing rules are under review, check with a career advisor for the latest state requirements.
A CPA license opens many career opportunities. With accounting being the business language, many CPAs begin in public accounting. With experience, they can move into roles like Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, Controller, or CFO, or even start their own business.
1) You need a Bachelor's Degree. While majoring in accounting is best, it's not necessary. However, your coursework should meet the requirements to take the CPA exam. An accounting major usually covers these requirements.
2) Pass the Uniform CPA Exam, which has four parts. You need a score of 75 or higher on each. You can take the exam before meeting all state licensing requirements. Typically, you can start the exam after completing 120 credit hours.
3) In the US, besides passing the exam, you need 150 credit hours and one year of relevant public accounting experience or two years of relevant industry experience to get your license. States may have extra requirements.
Since licensing rules are under review, check with a career advisor for the latest state requirements.
A CPA license opens many career opportunities. With accounting being the business language, many CPAs begin in public accounting. With experience, they can move into roles like Accounting Manager, Finance Manager, Controller, or CFO, or even start their own business.
Emily Calvanico
Accounting
2
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Emily’s Answer
I recommend following these steps if you are interested in becoming a CPA:
1) Research the licensing requirements for the state you'd like to work in
While all US States have similar requirements (i.e. a Bachelor's Degree, 150 credit hours, passing the Uniform CPA exam), each state has it's nuances. In particular, I would research the requirements of what the 150 credits need to comprise of. If you are attending college in a state that isn't the state you are planning to obtain your license in, you may need to submit proof of the curriculum of your courses to validate that they meet the requirements. I also had to take a specific ethics course at a community college in the state I was obtaining my license in, as the business ethics course offered at my school didn't meet the specific criteria required by my licensing state. You may need to make a plan to meet the licensing requirements.
Depending on where you are in your college career, you may be able to try and obtain the 150 credits in four years, vs taking a fifth year to meet the requirements. I was able to get credit for my AP courses, I had taken a few free community college courses as a high schooler that transferred in to my four year college, I got course credit for a summer internship, and I did an independent study with an accounting professor as an additional course during one semester.
2) Make a plan to sit for the CPA Exam
Going back to step 1, some states allow you to sit for the exam once you have 120 credit hours, though you would not be able to apply for the license without achieving the 150 hours. All four sections of the exam have to be passed within an 18 month period from your first passed section, so plan to take all four parts within this window. I recommend taking FAR first, it is the most difficult section, so you don't have the pressure of a time window when you take this section. Some companies, the large public accounting firms in particular, will provide study materials to employees, so this is a consideration for your job search as well.
3) Meet additional licensing requirements
Most states require one year working under a licensed CPA to sign off on your experience. Some states also have specific ethics requirements
4) Maintain your license
Follow your state's ongoing licensing requirements, typically requiring continuing professional education and ethics requirements.
1) Research the licensing requirements for the state you'd like to work in
While all US States have similar requirements (i.e. a Bachelor's Degree, 150 credit hours, passing the Uniform CPA exam), each state has it's nuances. In particular, I would research the requirements of what the 150 credits need to comprise of. If you are attending college in a state that isn't the state you are planning to obtain your license in, you may need to submit proof of the curriculum of your courses to validate that they meet the requirements. I also had to take a specific ethics course at a community college in the state I was obtaining my license in, as the business ethics course offered at my school didn't meet the specific criteria required by my licensing state. You may need to make a plan to meet the licensing requirements.
Depending on where you are in your college career, you may be able to try and obtain the 150 credits in four years, vs taking a fifth year to meet the requirements. I was able to get credit for my AP courses, I had taken a few free community college courses as a high schooler that transferred in to my four year college, I got course credit for a summer internship, and I did an independent study with an accounting professor as an additional course during one semester.
2) Make a plan to sit for the CPA Exam
Going back to step 1, some states allow you to sit for the exam once you have 120 credit hours, though you would not be able to apply for the license without achieving the 150 hours. All four sections of the exam have to be passed within an 18 month period from your first passed section, so plan to take all four parts within this window. I recommend taking FAR first, it is the most difficult section, so you don't have the pressure of a time window when you take this section. Some companies, the large public accounting firms in particular, will provide study materials to employees, so this is a consideration for your job search as well.
3) Meet additional licensing requirements
Most states require one year working under a licensed CPA to sign off on your experience. Some states also have specific ethics requirements
4) Maintain your license
Follow your state's ongoing licensing requirements, typically requiring continuing professional education and ethics requirements.
April Flanigan, MPA
Tax Consultant
11
Answers
Lithonia, Georgia
Updated
April’s Answer
Thinking about becoming a CPA is a fantastic choice! It's a career full of great pay, stability, and growth opportunities.
Here's how you can get there:
Start by earning your bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field like finance or business.
You'll need to complete 150 credit hours, which is often required to take the CPA exam. This might mean going to grad school or taking extra classes after your undergraduate studies.
Next, pass the CPA exam. It has four sections:
- Three core sections: AUD (Auditing), REG (Tax and business law), and FAR (Financial accounting)
- One discipline section you choose: ISC (Information Systems & Controls), BAR (Business Analysis & Reporting), or TCP (Tax Compliance & Planning)
You'll also need to meet an experience requirement, which usually involves working a certain number of hours under a licensed CPA.
Once you're licensed, a world of opportunities opens up for you. You could work in public accounting, take on corporate roles, join the government, or even start your own firm.
Here's how you can get there:
Start by earning your bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field like finance or business.
You'll need to complete 150 credit hours, which is often required to take the CPA exam. This might mean going to grad school or taking extra classes after your undergraduate studies.
Next, pass the CPA exam. It has four sections:
- Three core sections: AUD (Auditing), REG (Tax and business law), and FAR (Financial accounting)
- One discipline section you choose: ISC (Information Systems & Controls), BAR (Business Analysis & Reporting), or TCP (Tax Compliance & Planning)
You'll also need to meet an experience requirement, which usually involves working a certain number of hours under a licensed CPA.
Once you're licensed, a world of opportunities opens up for you. You could work in public accounting, take on corporate roles, join the government, or even start your own firm.
Sanja Swanson
Strategic Procurement
34
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Sanja’s Answer
Hi! First you would need to earn a Bachelor's degree (major in finance, business) You will also need to check your State's CPA requirements, then you would need to apply for the CPA Exam and get approved by your state board or NASBA, once you get approved and receive Notice to Schedule, you will need to of course, pass the CPA exam.
Most states require 1-2 years of accounting experience under a licensed CPA and then you will have to maintenance the license with CPE.
I hope this helps!
Most states require 1-2 years of accounting experience under a licensed CPA and then you will have to maintenance the license with CPE.
I hope this helps!