How to Become a CPA Steps & Certification Requirements

how to become a cpa without an accounting degree

The same general rules apply for non-accounting majors, although there may be additional requirements depending on the country in which you seek certification. You can either simply take more accounting classes at the undergraduate level or you can apply for a graduate-level business degree like an MBA. Once in the graduate program, simply take as many applicable accounting courses as you can. I’m sure you know by now that the CPA credential is regulated by individual states. This means that each state sets its own requirements and rules for the certification process. Vishal’s CPA Exam Review provides a comprehensive and supportive system designed to equip candidates—traditional and non-traditional alike—with the right tools for success.

Supportive Resources: Vishal’s CPA Exam Review

However, if you already have a degree with relevant coursework and have worked under a CPA already, you can become a CPA in as little as a year. They are in charge of keeping a record of every penny that comes in and goes out of a company. With the large amount of money circulating through many businesses daily, someone has to keep track of it and report it to relevant parties.

The Ultimate Guide to CPA Jobs: Everything You Need to Know

These courses are generally more affordable and provide flexibility for individuals who prefer a more accessible and cost-effective route to meet the educational requirements. Once you have the educational requirements completed, you’ll need to study for, register, and take the CPA Exam. The CPA Exam is a four-part exam that covers Auditing & Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). The exam takes approximately sixteen hours to complete and you must pass each section of the exam with a score of 75 or higher. You have 18 months to complete the full exam and your time starts as soon as you pass the first exam. If you’re looking for specific steps to follow to apply for the CPA Exam, check out our CPA Requirements page.

From Hollywood Dreams to a Purpose-Driven Tax and Bookkeeping Career

Becoming a CPA without an accounting degree may require an extra measure of dedication and strategic planning. First, you will need at least a four-year https://www.online-accounting.net/ bachelor’s degree and additional credits. Some candidates complete graduate degrees or a certificate to fulfill the educational requirements.

how to become a cpa without an accounting degree

Now that you know the steps involved, it’s important to consider additional tips for success as you pursue your goal of becoming a CPA without an accounting degree. Each section of the CPA exam is designed to assess specific areas of expertise necessary for a CPA. The AUD section focuses on auditing knowledge and procedures, while the BEC section covers business concepts and the economic environment.

how to become a cpa without an accounting degree

Develop a study routine that works for you, leverage quality review materials, and regularly assess your progress to adjust your study plan as needed. With dedication, focus, and a well-structured approach, you can confidently tackle the CPA exam and move closer to attaining your CPA certification. Learn how to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the finance field, even without an accounting degree.

  1. These senior professionals supervise accountants and work with top executives in directing organizational finances.
  2. Always stay informed about the specific requirements set by your state board of accountancy, as they may have unique criteria and guidelines.
  3. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Firstly, let’s clarify that a bachelor’s degree is generally a prerequisite. This degree doesn’t have to be in accounting, but you will need additional college credits beyond your undergraduate coursework to meet education requirements mandated by state boards. The hardest part for these candidates to get certified is their accounting education. https://www.online-accounting.net/why-does-accumulated-depreciation-have-a-credit/ Most Econ and Finance majors don’t take many accounting classes in college. Thus, they will need to go back and pick up the minimum amount of hours in order to meet the exam requirements. Most states have adopted the 150-college credit hour rule that requires candidates to earn at least 150 college credit hours before they can be certified.

Each state has different educational requirements, but they are all very similar in requiring at least 150 credit hours (a few states only require 120 credit hours) of relevant coursework. A CPA License is a certificate that shows you are an accounting professional qualified to handle all financial aspects of a business. It also demonstrates you have relevant experience and, in many cases, have obtained a bachelor’s degree in a related field. The board of accounting in your state will grant this professional designation to you after you complete a thorough exam. Explore career paths as a tax and bookkeeping expert, and find available jobs for CPA at Intuit. However, those who pass the test need to acquire experience before qualifying for full licensure.

While a traditional accounting degree may be the most common path, there are alternative routes available for individuals with diverse educational backgrounds. It’s also worth noting that some states require a specific number of credit hours in business-related courses in addition to accounting coursework. This requirement ensures that candidates have a well-rounded understanding of business principles and concepts in addition to accounting knowledge. In addition to the educational requirements, many states also require candidates to complete a certain number of credit hours in ethics-related courses.

I’ve used and reviewed all the top courses and analyzed which one will work for you based on your study style, budget, and schedule. After you complete the program, you’ll receive a distinctive credential that you can place on your resume, CV and LinkedIn. So if you’re ready to buy vs lease equipment start your own CPA firm, check out our resources on how to start a tax prep business, and fill out this form to get more information about Intuit TurboTax Verified Pro. Some require you to be at least 21 years old, while others allow you to be as young as 18 and take the exam.

All of those wishing to become a CPA must check with their State Board of Accountancy to find out how many credit hours are needed for their particular state to apply towards their CPA license. They also have minimum academic credit requirements where you must take a certain number of accounting courses to fulfill the educational requirement. Thankfully, some states allow candidates to register for the CPA Exam with only 120 credit hours of educational credit.

The Talent Acquisition team is dedicated to connecting people with exciting career opportunities and partnership within Intuit. Check your state’s required coursework to see which classes you need to take to qualify for the exam. Not only is this a requirement to become a CPA, but it’s also a great place to gain valuable knowledge and experience.

You’ll see the day-to-day life of the CPA and the essential tools and protocols they use to get their job done. Are you ready for an exciting new career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)? For some accounting professionals, the challenging path is worth the rewards. For others, the necessary effort does not make sense in the context of their overall career goals.

Some states are very lenient when it comes to work experience while others are really strict. The lenient ones will allow you to work any job in an accounting firm and some will even allow you to work in academia or the government. The more strict states often require that you work directly under a licensed and practicing CPA doing audit work. California is one of the more expensive states to take the exam, so we use it as a baseline example so you can plan your finances accordingly.

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