Start Your Journey

Make the smart choice, become a CPA

A career as a certified public accountant (CPA) equates to a world of possibilities: opportunity, mobility, job security and high earnings. To be a CPA is to count yourself among the most highly respected and prestigious professionals, sharing company with CEOs and CFOs of major corporations, technology managers, forensic experts and more.

 

What can a CPA license do for me?

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Opportunity

Most desired credential and in high demand

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Higher Earnings

Earn 10 to 15% more than entry-level accountants

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Mobility

Change industries without changing careers

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Security

Unemployment rate for CPAs is below 4%

What are the requirements to become a CPA?

Pathways to CPA licensure
 

PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

EDUCATION
  • 150 semester hours including a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Credits can be obtained within or beyond a degree program, including a formal work-for-credit program.
  • 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business
  • Degree can be in any field of study
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school
  • 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 semester hours in business
  • Degree can be in any field of study
EXAMThe requirements are the same for both pathways:
  • Core Exam Sections (must take all three): Auditing and Attestation; Financial Accounting & Reporting; Taxation and Regulation
  • Disciplines (must take one): Business Analysis and Reporting; Information Systems and Controls; Tax Compliance and Planning
EXPERIENCE
  • One year of “diversified and intensified” experience under the supervision of a CPA with an active license
  • Two years of “diversified and intensified” experience under the supervision of a CPA with an active license

Are there resources to help me?

Check out our helpful career resources

Whether you’re a college student, new graduate or CPA Candidate — or something else — we have articles, advice and tools to support you.