* Level of the course: A short online course might take a few weeks, while a bachelor's degree in accounting typically takes four years. Associate's degrees are usually two years. Master's degrees in accounting (like an MSA) can take an additional 1-2 years after a bachelor's. Continuing education courses or certificates can range from a few days to several months.
* Course intensity: A full-time program will naturally be completed faster than a part-time program. The number of credit hours per semester/term also impacts the overall duration.
* Learning style and pace: Some students learn faster than others. Individual learning pace significantly affects the time taken to master the material.
* Institution: Different institutions have varying course structures and schedules.
In short, there's no single answer. To get a specific timeframe, you need to specify the type and level of accounting course you're interested in.