How to Become a CPA Steps & Certification Requirements

Though the path to becoming a CPA is pretty consistent across most states, the time it takes to obtain your license may differ slightly depending on your location and current education. Becoming a CPA can be an arduous task, as it requires demonstrating you can take on the responsibility for the financial health of an entire organization. However, the process for becoming a CPA is relatively straightforward in most states. The AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) set strict requirements on who is eligible to take the exam. They are also instrumental in designing the contents and procedure for the exam.

What is a CPA?

In addition to the educational requirements, familiarize yourself with the experience criteria set by your state board of accountancy. Determine the minimum number https://www.bookkeeping-reviews.com/how-to-add-a-payment-link-to-a-xero-invoice/ of years of relevant work experience required to become a CPA. This experience may need to be gained in positions that involve accounting knowledge and skills.

What is the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

The path to CPA for non-accounting majors will require you to create a custom study strategy. You may need additional preparation time on topics you haven’t been exposed to or haven’t seen in some time. You should plan on building up your academic stamina in terms of how long you can study at a stretch. As you explore how to become a CPA without a degree in accounting, you should also consider the other demands on your time. When students ask me about my work-life balance when I started out in public accounting, I answer that it was easy.

Questions About CPA Requirements

It’s important to maintain your CPA license by adhering to your state’s continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. Most states require CPAs to complete a certain number of CPE hours annually or within a specific renewal period. Stay updated on the CPE requirements of your state and participate sacrificing ratio meaning example formula etc in relevant professional development activities to maintain your expertise and fulfill the licensing obligations. Remember, the CPA exam requires thorough preparation, concentration, and time management. Stay confident, trust in your preparation, and remain determined throughout the exam process.

There are many reasons why becoming a CPA without an accounting degree may be the right choice for you. Keep reading for Becker’s best advice on how to become a CPA without a degree in accounting. Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program. CPAs must have strong mathematical, analytical, critical thinking, organizational and communication skills, and they must be detail-oriented when working with financial information and documents.

For example, those specializing in tax may excel in the Regulation section but face challenges in Financial or Audit. On the other hand, individuals with a background in corporate accounting may be well-versed in Financial but less familiar with other sections. She earned a bachelor of science in finance and accounting from New York University. Matos began her career at Ernst & Young, where she audited a diverse set of companies, primarily in consumer products and media and entertainment.

Once you have assessed your eligibility to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) without an accounting degree, the next step is to complete the necessary coursework. Meeting the educational requirements set by your state board of accountancy is critical for obtaining CPA certification. It’s important to note that becoming a CPA requires dedication and commitment. The CPA exam is rigorous, and the certification process involves meeting specific education and experience requirements. However, with proper planning and preparation, you can overcome these challenges and achieve your goal of becoming a CPA. Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution is the first step to becoming a CPA, and many CPAs start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Regardless of which category you belong to, Intuit will provide additional resources to support your professional development. You’ll continue to hone https://www.bookkeeping-reviews.com/ your accounting skills and take your career to the next level. First, you will need at least a four-year bachelor’s degree and additional credits.

They are often tailored for individuals with non-accounting backgrounds, allowing you to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the CPA educational requirements. If you have a degree in a non-accounting field, you may need to enroll in additional accounting courses at a college or university to meet the educational requirements. These courses can usually be taken on a part-time basis or through online programs, making it more accessible for individuals with work or other commitments. The most common educational pathway to becoming a CPA is earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

This degree doesn’t have to be in accounting, but you will need additional college credits beyond your undergraduate coursework to meet education requirements mandated by state boards. Gaining relevant work experience helps prepare you for an accounting career by teaching you about accounting practices and developing applicable skills needed to become a successful CPA. Specific work experience requirements vary by state, but you should plan to have at least one or two years of relevant work experience to become a CPA.

1. Candidates from non-accounting backgrounds and those who earn their degrees on part-time schedules face longer timelines.
2. Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.
3. Other majors outside of accounting may lend a strong skill set to the field.

Classes focusing on the business environment, econ, corporate accounting, and business administration can all count toward the educational requirements. The specific coursework requirements vary by state, so it’s crucial to research the requirements set by your state board of accountancy. In general, these requirements may include a certain number of credit hours in accounting-related subjects, such as financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting. If a full master’s degree program is not feasible for you, explore certificate programs in accounting. These programs are shorter in duration and focus specifically on accounting coursework.

Candidates from non-accounting backgrounds and those who earn their degrees on part-time schedules face longer timelines. Earning an accredited accounting degree prepares students to pass the CPA exam and obtain licensure. Many CPAs also pursue a specialization, which may require additional training and credentials. Professionals can pursue this training through professional organizations and certificate programs.

After taking the CPA Exam, some candidates in certain jurisdictions will have to take the ethics exam. The ethics exam is an exam that covers the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Code of Professional Conduct and Accounting Rules. It examines how well a future CPA would handle professional ethics questions they may encounter during their time working in the accounting profession. The exam is a reminder to CPAs about the conduct expected and required of them when working with and in professional organizations. If CPA seems like a tall order, various accounting certifications exist that don’t require a degree. Each section consists of multiple choice questions and task-based simulations that assess your technical competence in accounting and related fields.

There are several requirements to become a CPA which include educational requirements, passing the CPA Exam, gaining experience under a licensed CPA, and in some states, passing the ethics exam. While it might seem like a  lot of requirements to become a CPA, the time and effort are worth it. CPAs make 10-15% more than non-CPAs and over three million dollars in lifetime earnings over non-CPAs.