How to Become CPA

Becoming a CPA is not as complicated as you think. Not all accountants are CPAs but all CPAs are accountants – you need to keep this in mind.

You can still advance your career as an accountant by becoming a CPA and with this simple guide, you will know what to do.

The Strict Requirements

Earning a degree in accounting may not be enough for those who want to achieve more in life. The good thing about being an accounting graduate is that you can pursue a much higher position – Certified Public Accountant. There are lots of job opportunities that await you. You can work for CPA firms, management consulting, tax, accounting, auditing, financial planning, and many others. Aside from practicing your profession, you can also teach accounting. To become a CPA, you will need to pass stringent licensing and state requirements. Other factors will be considered like examination, education, and experience. With the ever changing CPA services, CPAs are required to take the CPE or Continuing Professional Educational courses and not only that, they should adhere to the very strict code of ethics of professionals so that the public will highly respect and recognize them.

The Certified Public Accountant exam has four sections and you need to pass them all. To take the test, you will need to submit your college transcripts, completed application, passport photos, and pay the exam fee. Locate the State Board of Accountancy in your place so that you send out recommendation letters. Recommendation letters can also come from CPAs, at least two since you will need about five of them. Make sure that your transcript shows that you’ve completed 150 credit hours (at least 30 hours for accounting). You need to have work experience for about 10 years but if you are younger, you can attach all the employment certifications after you graduated. You’ll get extra points if you worked in the CPA industry so try to secure certifications as well. The professional experience requirements can vary since it depends on the State Board of Accountancy. If you want to meet the requirements, inquire at your state and not that of other states.

Submission of Application

After all the documents are prepared, you can now submit the application. Know the test date, time, and where it will be held. If you still have ample time, you can take up review courses or you can also review on your own. Make use of the many online resources so that you can review the different sections of the Certified Public Accountant exam.

You will need to pass the exam to become a CPA. Once you’re a CPA, you will now have a chance to earn $45,000 to over $200,000 a year. The income will depend on your length of experience and the position you’re currently holding. Study hard and gain more experience in the industry so that you can have a better standing.

1 Comment

  • suraj prajapati said on June 14, 2014
    respected sir, my self Suraj prajapati was planing to place a call center for minimum 5 agents as per home basis so our qualification that we have been cross 12 n next to that we r completing our graduation in differ field so we are at least 10 friend wants to place our own call center from our home so need further help

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