Becoming a CPA

Becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is a long arduous process and while CPA's may not be as glamorous as attorneys, doctors or movie actors, their careers can be equally as rewarding. CPA's have earned a reputation as ethical, trusted advisors to businesses and individuals on a wide range of topics including taxes, investing and business consulting.
In a nutshell, becoming a CPA requires three things: 1) five years of college 2) two years of work experience in the field of accounting and 3) passing the rigorous, 14 hour uniform CPA exam. After you have fulfilled these requirements you may submit an application to your State Board of Accountancy to obtain your CPA license. Some states require passing an ethics exam so it is very important to begin the CPA process by checking the requirements with your State Board of Accountancy.

 

Each Board of Accountancy is a member of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The NASBA promotes uniformity within the Unites States and to facilitate interstate practice.

   So, how does one become a CPA?  The demands placed on CPA's dictate the requirements for becoming a CPA. In general, becoming a CPA requires you to:
  1. Complete 150 semester hours in a program of study in accounting at a college or university
  2. Pass the rigorous, 14 hour, Uniform CPA Examination administered by the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)
  3. Have a certain amount of professional work experience determined by your State Board of Accountancy.   
Some states and jurisdictions (Guam, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Virgin islands) distinguish between a CPA Certificate and a CPA License and have what is called a two-tier system. In a two-tier system, you can obtain the CPA certificate upon passing the exam, and then you must fulfill the experience requirements to obtain a license to practice in public accounting.

In the typical one-tier system, CPA candidates must pass the CPA exam and fulfill the experience requirements to obtain both the certificate and license. Because so many factors determine whether a state/jurisdiction is considered one- or two-tier, it is recommended that you contact your state board of accountancy for interpretation.

Check with your State Board of Accountancy for the particular requirements for becoming a CPA in your state.  Once you receive your CPA license, the AICPA and most states require you to take specified amounts of continuing professional education courses annually to retain your professional license to practice. A Georgia CPA is required to take 40 hours a year in Continuing Professional Education, at least 16 hours of which must be in accounting and auditing.

Becoming a CPA gives you exposure to fortune 500 companies as well as small mom and pop businesses. Being involved with financial matters of these companies and businesses can be very fulfilling.  Strong communication skills and self confidence will help propel your accounting career as a CPA. If you are a person who doesn't mind working with a lot of detail and enjoys the role of being a business adviser and is willing to work hard to satisfy the requirements for obtaining a CPA license then perhaps a career as a CPA is in your future. Best of luck!

 

Becoming CPA

Educational Requirements for CPA License

The Uniform CPA Exam

Experience Requirements for CPA License

Applying for CPA Certificate

 Call for immediate help: 770-969-9850
  
Accounting Education:   $20,000+/-
CPA Review Classes:    $2,250
Cost to take CPA Exam:  $800
Experience Required:     2 Years
License Application:       $345
Becoming CPA:               Priceless  


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