How to become a Certified Public Accountant
One of the most satisfying experiences for your accounting profession is to become a CPA. To work as a certified public accountant, the following items are required:
- A bachelor's degree in accounting in order to sit for the CPA examination.
- Apply to take the CPA examination after your educational qualifications are confirmed by your state board of accountancy.
- Begin to study, write and pass the CPA exam.
- Pass the short ethics examination run by the AICPA.
- Achieve your work experience obligation.
- After achieving the required work experience, as determined by your state board, you will pay your state board licensure fees to receive your certificate.
How to become: Tax Accountant · Accountant · Staff Accountant · Tax Senior · Tax Associate
These qualifications are required: CPA
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What skills help Certified Public Accountants find jobs?
- Accounting
- Accounting software
- Analysis skills
- Bilingual
- Bookkeeping
- Communication skills
- Customer service
- English
- GAAP
- Leadership
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
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Career progression for Certified Public Accountant
Education levels for Certified Public Accountants
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | 54.7% |
| Master's degree | 21.5% |
| High school diploma or GED | 15.1% |
| Associate's degree | 8.7% |
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Expected salary by experience
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 - 4 | $40,500 |
| 4 - 8 | $43,800 |
| 8 - 12 | $50,200 |
| 12 - 16 | $57,400 |
| 16 - 20 | $66,400 |
| 20 - 24 | $71,300 |
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Common qualifications for Certified Public Accountants
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Common questions about career advices for a Certified Public Accountant
Why is it beneficial to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
It is beneficial to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) because it shows commitment to the accounting profession and highlights readiness to take up management positions in organizations.
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How long does it take to become a certified public accountant (CPA)?
It can take 6 to 8 years to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Aspiring CPAs need to have completed 150 hours of college coursework and two years of work experience, which provides eligibility to take the CPA exam.
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How do I become a certified public accountant (CPA)?
The steps to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) are:
- Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting.
- Take the uniform CPA examination which consists of 4 parts that need to be passed within 18 months.
- Gain two years of work experience to become a licensed CPA.
- Take continuing professional education courses (CPE).
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