CPA Requirements – Degrees and Experience

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Southern New Hampshire University Online BS in Accounting
he online Bachelor of Science in Accounting is aligned to the 2024 CPA exam change, ensuring you build the skills you need to help prepare you to become a U.S. Certified Public Accountant.
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Southern New Hampshire University Online MS in Accounting
Sharpen your accounting skills and angle for senior roles with this online graduate degree – freshly redeveloped to align with the 2024 CPA Exam.
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Grand Canyon University Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Preparation that you receive as a GCU accounting student qualifies you to sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam as you are completing your program.
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Grand Canyon University Online Master of Science in Accounting
Learn ethical best practices and legal compliance issues. Prepare to take the Uniform CPA Examination. Gain knowledge of business law, information systems and public accounting practice.
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To become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you must fulfill the "Three E's":

Although they are generally the same across the United States, some requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your own state’s board of accountancy.

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CPA Degree Requirements

CPA Requirement 1: 4 Year Bachelor's Degree

The first thing you will need to become a CPA is a 4-year bachelor’s degree. Although it is not necessary to have an accounting degree, there are specific accounting requirements that must be met in order to become certified. For example, some states require a bachelor’s degree with at least 24 hours of accounting at the undergraduate or graduate level.

Other states list specific courses you must take, such as Financial Accounting and Reporting, Taxation, Managerial Accounting, and Auditing. If you are fairly certain that you’d like to become a CPA, it would be smart to go for an accounting degree to be sure you meet the education requirements. If you decide to pursue a different degree, make sure you research your state’s education policy so you can meet the requirements.

150 Credit Hours Are Required

Another education requirement is to complete a 150-credit degree program at an accredited college. Most states will not even let you sit for the CPA Exam without having passed 150 credit hours. Because many accounting degree programs require less than 150 credits, you will need to take a few extra courses to fulfill this requirement. Once again, make sure you research your state’s requirements as early as possible.

School Program Admissions
Southern New Hampshire University Online BS in Accounting
he online Bachelor of Science in Accounting is aligned to the 2024 CPA exam change, ensuring you build the skills you need to help prepare you to become a U.S. Certified Public Accountant.
Website
Southern New Hampshire University Online MS in Accounting
Sharpen your accounting skills and angle for senior roles with this online graduate degree – freshly redeveloped to align with the 2024 CPA Exam.
Website
Grand Canyon University Online Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Preparation that you receive as a GCU accounting student qualifies you to sit for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam as you are completing your program.
Website
Grand Canyon University Online Master of Science in Accounting
Learn ethical best practices and legal compliance issues. Prepare to take the Uniform CPA Examination. Gain knowledge of business law, information systems and public accounting practice.
Website
Maryville University Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Graduate in as few as 2.5 years. No residencies or standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) required.
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CPA Requirement 2: Professional Experience as an Accountant

The next step to become a CPA is to have professional accounting experience. Most states require at least two years experience in public accounting, although some states will accept non-public accounting experience. If your experience is not in public accounting, like government or industry, the time requirement is generally longer and may be closer to five years. Most states also require that your work experience be under the supervision of a person licensed to practice public accounting. Once again, make sure you check with your state’s board of accountancy for specific requirements.

CPA Requirement 3: Uniform CPA Exam

The final requirement to become a CPA, and arguably the most difficult, is passing the Uniform CPA Exam, or CPA Exam. According to the CPA Exam Mission Statement, the purpose of the exam is “to admit individuals into the accounting profession only after they have demonstrated the entry-level knowledge and skills necessary to protect the public interest in a rapidly changing business and financial environment.”

The exam is made up of four sections: auditing and attestation; business environment and concepts; financial accounting and reporting; and regulation. Each section can be taken at a different time. With an average passing rate of less than 50%, the CPA Exam is known as one of the most difficult licensing examinations around.

As previously stated, you must meet your state’s education and experience requirements before you can take the CPA Exam. When this has been done and you are ready to sit for the exam, you need to register through your state board of accountancy. After your qualifications have been reviewed and approved, you will receive a notification to schedule your exam.

There are certain testing periods that are closed for scheduling, including March, June, September and November, so make sure you plan ahead. You can expect to learn the results of the exam a few months after you’ve taken the test.

School Program Admissions
The University of Texas Permian Basin MBA in Accounting
AACSB-accredited, Ranked 2nd Most Affordable Online MBA by Fortune, CPA and Non-CPA Tracks, Complete in as little as four semesters.
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Maryville University Master of Science in Accounting
Earn your Master of Science in Accounting online from Maryville University in as few as 12 months. Prepare to take the CPA exam and advance into financial leadership roles.
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Arizona State University Online Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
AACSB accredited, program will help prepare you to sit for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification and Certified Management Accountant (CMA®) certification.
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Southern New Hampshire University Online AS in Accounting
Break into the accounting field with the skills you need to succeed with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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University of New Haven Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Prepare for your CPA licensure exam
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University of New Haven Master of Science in Accounting
Graduates of the online MSA program also meet requirements to sit for the CPA exam in most states.
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Georgetown University Online Master of Science in Finance
Part-Time and Full-Time Options.
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American University Online Master of Arts in Economics
Finish your degree in as few as 20 months.
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Aurora University BA in Business Adminsitration
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration is designed for busy, working students who have life experience relevant to the business profession. Courses are held in an eight-week module and transfer credit from other regionally accredited institutions is welcomed.
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