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So You Want to Be a CPA
May 10, 2005
By Kathy A. Johnson
kathy.johnson@business-programs.com
Business Programs Columnist
Whether you've got your eye on the position of Chief Financial Officer, or you just want to excel in the field of accounting, becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) is a smart move.
CPA training and certification give you credibility - with your employer and with your clients. You will find more career options open to you, and you'll probably make more money. So what does it take to become a CPA?
To become a CPA, three Es are necessary: education, experience, and examination. (Each state has its own education and experience requirements. Check with the state board of accountancy where you would like to practice for more details.)
Education.
Nearly all U.S. states require CPA candidates to be college graduates, and most require at least 150 hours of coursework (about five years of college and graduate level work). Coursework should include accounting, business administration, and liberal arts classes, according to recommendations from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA.
Experience.
Nearly all states also require a certain amount of accounting experience (usually two years) in addition to appropriate college education.
Examination.
To become a CPA you must pass the four-part Uniform CPA Examination, prepared by the AICPA. The exam takes two days to complete, and you are not required to pass all four parts at once. (Most states require that you pass at least two parts to receive partial credit, and that you complete all four parts within a certain period of time.)
Becoming a CPA is a challenging goal, but one worth achieving. "The CPA credential is highly regarded," according to the AICPA. "To a potential employer it means high ethical standards, as well as measurable experience, education, and skills."
Sources
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
www.aicpa.org
www.bls.gov
About the Author
Kathy A. Johnson is a freelance writer and editor based in Florida. She has worked as a writer and editor for several publications, writing articles on a wide variety of topics. She and her husband owned and operated an insurance and financial services company for 13 years.
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