How To Become a CPA Without a Degree In Accounting

The U.S. CPA license is issued at the US state or jurisdiction level. Non-US resident CPA candidates who meet the board of accountancy CPA eligibility requirements in one of the 55 US jurisdictions will qualify as US CPAs. All jurisdictions require aspiring fiscal quarter CPAs to have 120 or 150 credit hours to sit for the exam, depending on the jurisdiction, and 150 credit hours for licensure. Candidates generally need at least 24 semester hours in accounting, but some states allow fewer than 24 semester hours.

Earning a Bachelor’s in Accounting can be a great way to develop your skills and start earning the required credit hours you’ll need. However, additional education may be required depending on the number of credit hours built into your chosen bachelor’s degree program. CPA — a term used for both the certification and the professionals holding the credential — is the only officially approved accounting and auditing credential in the United States.

Like most accountants, CPAs perform a wide range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting work for corporations, small businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, and individuals. Two high-level accounting roles include financial controllers and chief financial officers (CFOs). This job board appeals particularly to accountants with international career aspirations. It lists openings in 19 global markets throughout North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions. The AAA hosts hundreds of postings for CPA jobs along with openings for accountants. It also lists categorized openings in other specialized areas, such as accounting education.

Aspiring accounting professionals seeking to maximize their options generally choose to pursue licensure. One of the strongest suits of an accounting degree is its interdisciplinary nature. An accountant, by training, often collaborates with professionals from marketing, operations, human resources and more. This equips them with a unique perspective and an ability to bridge various business functions. When most people think of an accounting degree, images of ledger books, financial statements and, of course, accountants may spring to mind. But this degree can be a launchpad to a myriad of unexpected professions and entrepreneurial endeavors.

• You can absolutely choose to double major though, if that’s something you’re interested in.
• If you completed an internship or any form of academic work like research, writing, or teaching as a part of your education, those experiences may qualify, as well.
• You’ll likely remember some of your best practices to cope with the rigors of the undertaking, but you can’t just pick up where you left off.
• Many employers prefer their accounting candidates to hold CPA licensure.
• With a flair for problem-solving, they navigate through financial mazes.

However, their counterparts in New York must complete 33 hours in accounting topics like taxation and risk assessment as well as 36 hours in general business subjects like business law. To do so, you can enhance your undergraduate degree with a master’s in accounting or an MBA with a concentration in accounting. You can also learn about programs that offer specific tax and accounting credits along with other ways to fill in your accounting-credit gaps. South Carolina, on the other hand, requires CPA candidates to have 24 semester hours in accounting courses. So, the range of CPA class requirements among jurisdictions is fairly broad. Becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) involves acquiring a combination of education, work experience, and passing examination scores.

Questions About CPA Requirements

A career as a CPA is specialized and requires a combination of education, experience, and licensure. Accounting jobs typically require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting. For some positions—especially senior roles—many employers seek candidates with master’s degrees and CPA licensure. Requirements for licensure can follow either a one-tier or two-tier system, varying by jurisdiction. With one-tier systems, candidates must pass the CPA exam and fulfill the experience requirements to earn both their CPA certificate and licensure.

Becker’s study planner will help you structure your time studying for maximum efficiency on your journey to becoming a CPA. A CPA license is a professional designation that allows accountants more flexibility and mobility in their career. The CPA Exam consists of four sections that will test your knowledge of accounting standards, the legal requirements of the profession and much more.

Just as a law license defines a lawyer, the CPA license tells the public that an accountant has mastered the critical elements of the profession. Becker’s CPA Exam Review provides a rigorous CPA Exam Review and coaching system to give you the right tools to prepare you mentally and emotionally for the CPA Exam. Preparing for the CPA Exam may not be quick or easy, but with the help of Becker, you’ll have the tools, resources and support you need to pass. Demand for accountants is expected to grow 6% annually through 2028, and CPAs are considered to be the most qualified accountants in industry. If you’ve always dreamed of building an empire, starting your own firm can take your business even further. By hiring other quality CPAs, you can work to support clients and your staff with your CPA expertise.

In the following article, we have made note of the states that are ‘special cases’. If you are still unsure about the CPA exam requirements for your specific state, it is a good idea to contact your state board of accountancy. Chartered Financial Analysts typically work in the finance and investment industry determining where hedge funds should invest their capital.

Why Get Licensed?

Your work experience and the education you have will determine the amount you can make per year. However, someone who has over 20 years of experience in the field may earn double that amount. Compared to other accountants, CPAs have more professional responsibilities and privileges. Only CPAs can represent people and companies before the IRS, act as external auditors and file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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All four of these states have slightly different requirements, however. Take your first step toward CPA certification and learn how to use GAAP, ledgers, and journals. A CPA license is proof that you’re an expert in your field and is an honor to hold. It represents what you’ve worked for and shows that you have the highest level of competence. Many states allow you to transfer licenses from one state to another. This allows room to grow and permits you the ability to move to other parts of the United States.

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Because of their increased knowledge, CPAs are often in higher demand than non-CPA accountants, and they tend to have higher salaries. Because many accountants go on to become CPAs, in this guide we explain both how to become an accountant as well as how to become a CPA. Allows you to engage with professors in real time from the comfort of your own home via webinar-based learning programs. This track is for students who enjoy a bit more structure, but prefer studying at home.

In the intricate dance of business, imagine an accountant as the choreographer. Beyond the expected steps of financial analysis and auditing, their soft skills often steal the spotlight. With a flair for problem-solving, they navigate through financial mazes. Their acute attention to detail catches the subtlest of discrepancies, while their analytical skills uncover hidden insights. Most states and territories don’t have minimum age requirements in place.

Semester Based Courses

On the other hand, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia and Michigan are among the states that don’t include an ethics exam as part of their CPA license requirements. Most states also specify how many hours of accounting-related studies you need as part of their CPA Exam requirements. Since nearly every sector needs accountants, there are many options for places to intern. Businesses, public accounting firms, nonprofits and government organizations may offer accounting internships. Accounting students can find internship opportunities through their academic departments or college career services.

However, in many states, you may need 150 credit hours to sit for the CPA exam which will mean getting a Master of Accounting degree. A bachelor’s and master’s of accounting will help you gain the critical skills you will need to do well on the CPA exam, as well as be ready to succeed in your career. Learning best accounting practices, how to read and interpret financial statements, regulations, auditing, taxation, and more will all be critical for your future. Becoming a CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, can be a long and rewarding career for those who love working with numbers and analyzing finances.