1. Education
- A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a concentration or major in accounting or a related field.
- Complete 30 semester hours of study in accounting and business-related subjects.
2. Experience
- Most states require CPA candidates to have at least two years of full-time work experience in auditing, public accounting, or any other acceptable field as defined by the state board.
- The work experience must be gained under the supervision of another licensed CPA.
3. CPA Exam
- Study and pass the Uniform CPA Examination. The CPA Exam is a comprehensive test of accounting principles and practices.
4. State License
- Apply for and obtain a license to practice public accounting from the state board of accountancy in the state where you want to work.
- Each state has its requirements and procedures, so be sure to check with the board in your state.
5. Continuing Education
- Most states require CPAs to complete continuing education (CE) credits in order to maintain their license.
- The CE credits help ensure CPAs stay up to date on the latest accounting and auditing standards and developments.
Additional Requirements:
- Be of good moral character.
- Meet any age or residency requirements set by your state.
- Pay all necessary fees.
The CPA path is challenging but rewarding, and it allows individuals to build a successful career in the accounting field.