If you’re aspiring to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), one of the key steps is passing the CPA exam. However, before you dive in, it’s essential to understand the full scope of requirements—both before and after the exam. From educational prerequisites to additional steps beyond passing, here’s everything you need to know about the CPA exam requirements and the path to earning your CPA license.

Passing the CPA Exam Is Mandatory

To become a CPA, the CPA exam is a non-negotiable hurdle. Even if you hold an accounting degree or have years of professional experience, the CPA exam is known for its rigour. The exam is divided into four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) recommends dedicating between 300 and 400 hours of study time to prepare for these sections—equivalent to about six months of daily study.

Given the difficulty, choosing the right CPA exam prep course is crucial. The correct course can significantly affect your performance, so explore your options and select a course that aligns with your study style.

Prerequisites to Take the CPA Exam

Before sitting for the CPA exam, you must meet specific educational and legal requirements. These vary slightly by state, but there are some general guidelines:

  • Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Educational Requirement: You must have completed a bachelor’s degree or earned 120 college credit hours from an accredited institution.

In addition to these basic requirements, many states also impose further conditions:

  • Accounting Coursework: Most states require that your degree focuses on accounting or business-related coursework.
  • Credit Hours: Some states mandate 150 credit hours (instead of 120), typically achieved by completing a Master’s degree in accounting.
  • Social Security Number: Many states require applicants to have a social security number.
  • U.S. Citizenship: While surprising, most states do not require you to be a U.S. citizen to take the CPA exam.

Given the variability in requirements, verifying the specific criteria for the state where you intend to practice is crucial. This ensures you meet all necessary conditions before registering for the CPA exam.

Steps After Passing the CPA Exam

Passing the CPA exam is an important milestone but doesn’t immediately grant you a CPA license. There are additional steps to complete, depending on your state’s regulations:

  • Ethics Exam: Some states require candidates to pass a separate ethics exam after passing the CPA exam.
  • Additional Credit Hours: If you took the CPA exam with only 120 credit hours, most states require you to complete 30 credit hours post-exam. This brings your total to 150 hours, often involving pursuing a Master’s degree in accounting.
  • Work Experience: You will also need to gain practical experience. Most states require candidates to work under the supervision of a licensed CPA for a specific number of hours, typically ranging from 1,800 to 2,080 hours—about a year of full-time work.

Again, checking with your state board for exact post-exam requirements is essential.

Conclusion: Preparing for a Rewarding Career as a CPA

Becoming a CPA involves meeting several educational and practical requirements, passing the CPA exam, and completing additional steps like work experience. The process is rigorous, but the reward is a fulfilling career with excellent growth potential. By staying organized, choosing the right study tools, and keeping track of your state’s requirements, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a CPA.