Before you start your journey toward becoming a CPA, you may want to know what job or career opportunities you’ll have after obtaining the certification. After all, the certification requires putting in a lot of time, effort, and resources. Explore career paths as a tax how to calculate net income formula and examples 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. As with other aspects of the licensure process, specific experience requirements vary among states.

A step-by-step to becoming a CPA

For instance, English majors may benefit from strong writing and comprehension skills. Some require you to be at least 21 years old, while others allow you to be as young as 18 and take the exam. Some need you to have a social security number, while others don’t require one for international applicants. 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. These fees may vary by state, so they may be more or less depending on your location.

Getting Your First Accounting Job

They can help you assess your options and determine the most suitable pathway based on your educational background and career goals. Some states also offer the option of obtaining a certain number of credit hours in accounting through community college courses. 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. In the following sections, we will explore the requirements for CPA certification, alternative paths to becoming a CPA, and the steps you need to take to become a CPA without an accounting degree. Whether you have a background in finance, business, or any other field, this article will provide insights into the options available to you. Becoming a CPA without an accounting degree may require an extra measure of dedication and strategic planning.

Pass the Ethics Exam (not required in all states or jurisdictions)

Many candidates enroll in review courses or study programs to help them better understand the material and gain essential exam-taking skills. Additionally, practice exams and sample questions can be invaluable https://www.bookkeeping-reviews.com/ resources for familiarizing yourself with the exam format and assessing your preparedness. Have you ever dreamed of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), but don’t have a background in accounting?

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)?

1. 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.
2. Some need you to have a social security number, while others don’t require one for international applicants.
3. Unlike the college environment, where discretionary time might have been more abundant, life’s complexities necessitate a realistic approach to study time allocation.

This information will be valuable when applying for CPA certification and demonstrating your eligibility. Before embarking on the journey to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) without an accounting degree, it is crucial to assess your eligibility. Every state has specific requirements and criteria for CPA certification, and understanding these requirements is the first step towards achieving your goal. Passing the CPA exam is a significant milestone on the path to becoming a CPA.

CPA candidates must achieve at least 150 credit hours throughout their academic career. Most bachelor’s degrees cover about 120 credit hours, leaving you with 30 additional hours to earn. Many states require specific upper-level accounting classes and general business courses as part of these 150 hours. One of the primary challenges faced by non-traditional CPA candidates is the varying strength of their foundation in accounting concepts. These candidates may have pronounced strengths and weaknesses based on their professional specialization, career path, and the duration of time since their college education.

After earning your bachelor’s degree, you can meet the 150-credit requirement by pursuing a master’s in accounting or a master’s in taxation. A bachelor’s degree usually comprises 120 credits, but you must complete 150 credits of college coursework to become a licensed CPA. Most states require at least 24 of these credits to come from accounting courses and some states, such as California and Texas, require additional coursework in business-related subjects.

Many professionals who are interested in the accounting field, but have majored in another area, often wonder how to become a CPA without a degree in accounting. The non-traditional CPA Exam candidate is challenging, if not impossible, to define directly. Instead, let’s start by defining a traditional candidate as a recent college graduate with a degree in accounting (or a related field) seeking or starting in their first professional position.

Some states may require work experience to occur under the supervision of an active CPA. Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics, education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. https://www.bookkeeping-reviews.com/great-ways-to-green-your-business/ An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. 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.