Want to know exactly how long it takes to become a CPA?
Over 672,000 CPAs once had that same question as you.
But here’s the thing:
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant isn’t a quick or easy process. It requires dedication, hard work, and careful planning.
So, how long does it take to get there? Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming a CPA takes time and commitment: The overall process can span several years, depending on how you pace yourself through each stage.
- Your education is crucial: You’ll need more than just a bachelor’s degree to meet certain requirements, so plan your coursework carefully.
- The CPA exam is no walk in the park: It requires significant preparation, but pacing yourself can make all the difference.
- Experience matters: Before you get your CPA license, expect to put in time working under the supervision of experienced professionals.
1. Educational Roadmap
Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree
To start, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree to become a CPA. While most people pursue an accounting degree, degrees in business administration or finance are also common paths. This typically takes around four years if you’re studying full-time.
However, most states require 150 credit hours to qualify for CPA licensure, while a bachelor’s alone typically provides only 120. To meet the additional CPA requirements, many candidates take extra undergraduate courses or pursue a master’s degree in accounting.
This extra coursework could add another year or two to your timeline, depending on your academic pace.
Master’s Degree or Extra Coursework?
The choice between a master’s or additional undergraduate coursework depends on your career goals. Some prefer the master’s route, which can make you more competitive in the job market. Others meet the extra credit hour requirement by simply adding more relevant business courses like financial accounting, business law, or tax law. Either option will ensure you have the right academic foundation.
Some candidates meet the 150-hour requirement through integrated 5-year programs that combine undergraduate and graduate coursework, allowing them to satisfy the educational requirements more efficiently. This can potentially save time compared to pursuing additional years of study after a bachelor’s degree.
Time Breakdown:
- Bachelor’s degree: 4 years
- Additional coursework or master’s degree: 1-2 years
Total: 4-6 years
2. Preparing for the CPA Exam
CPA Exam Sections
The next big milestone is passing the CPA exam. This is no walk in the park—less than 50% of CPA candidates pass all four sections on their first try.
The exam is divided into four parts: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and one of the three new discipline sections.
Starting in 2024, the CPA exam includes three discipline sections, but candidates only need to choose one of these to complete. The available disciplines are:
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): This section focuses on advanced financial accounting topics like financial reporting, information systems, and analysis of business performance.
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): This covers more in-depth tax regulations, tax compliance, and planning strategies for individuals and businesses.
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC): This section tests your understanding of information technology, including security, risk management, and internal controls over financial systems.
CPA candidates complete the core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and then choose one of these discipline sections based on their career goals.
Each section of the exam tests different aspects of financial accounting, tax law, auditing, and relevant business skills. The flexibility to choose a discipline section allows you to specialize in the accounting profession or an area that aligns with your career goals.
How Long to Study?
Most people spend about 300 to 400 hours studying across all four exam sections. This can vary depending on how comfortable you are with the material. It’s also common to spread the sections over several months to ensure you’re fully prepared and to give you enough time to study for the CPA.
Remember that if you fail a section, you’ll need to retake it within an 18 to 30-month window, depending on where you live.
Time Breakdown:
- Study and exam completion: 6 to 30 months
3. Gaining Relevant Work Experience
After passing the CPA exam, you still need practical experience to apply for licensure. Work experience requirements vary by state, but most require 1-2 years of experience in a relevant field like public accounting, corporate finance, or government. A licensed CPA must usually supervise this experience, and some states even require you to complete tasks like preparing financial statements or working on tax compliance.
During this period, you may need to pass an ethics exam. This ensures that you understand the professional conduct and responsibilities expected of Certified Public Accountants. As of 2024, 37 states and jurisdictions in the U.S. require CPA candidates to pass an ethics exam.
Time Breakdown:
- Work experience: 1-2 years
- Ethics exam: A few weeks to complete (if your state requires it)
Total: 1-2 years
4. Final Step: Applying for Licensure
You can apply for your CPA license once you complete the educational requirements, pass the CPA exam, and gain the required work experience. The processing time can vary, but expect it to take a few months for your state board to review and approve your application.
Once approved, congratulations—you’re now a licensed CPA! But remember, maintaining your license means completing Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits annually to stay current with new tax laws, accounting standards, and industry practices.
Time Breakdown:
- Licensure application processing: A few months
Total: 1-2 months
How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA?
Now that we’ve broken down each step, you can see that the total time to become a CPA generally falls between 6 to 10 years. Here’s the breakdown:
- Bachelor’s degree and additional coursework: 4–6 years
- CPA exam preparation and completion: 6–30 months
- Relevant work experience and ethics exam: 1–2 years
- Licensure processing: 1–2 months
This timeline can vary based on individual circumstances like study habits, work experience, and state-specific requirements, but it provides a solid framework to plan your CPA journey.
Conclusion
The road to becoming a CPA may be long, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. The credential opens doors to various high-paying careers in industries like public accounting, corporate finance, and even government agencies. With job security and competitive salaries for CPAs, many find the journey well worth the time and effort.
Once you’re a CPA, the career options are vast—whether you’re interested in financial reporting, tax compliance, tax preparation, or even financial planning, the CPA license positions you as a trusted expert in the field. Are you ready to take that first step?
FAQ
Not necessarily. While a master’s can help you reach the 150 credit hour requirement, many candidates meet this through additional undergraduate coursework instead.
There’s no limit on how many times you can retake the exam, but you must pass all four sections within an 18 to 30-month window.
Yes, though it depends on your state’s requirements. Some states accept relevant experience in corporate finance or government agencies as long as a licensed CPA supervises it.
Most states allow you to sit for the CPA exam once you’ve met the education requirements, even before completing the work experience portion.
The AICPA ethics exam tests CPA candidates on professional conduct and ethical standards. It’s required in most states after passing the uniform CPA examination, ensuring you understand your ethical responsibilities as a CPA.
Yes, most states require you to complete at least 120 credit hours before taking the CPA exam, but full CPA licensure usually requires 150 credit hours of college education.
No, most states require your degree to be from an accredited college. If your degree isn’t from an accredited institution, additional accounting coursework may be necessary. Is the CPA credential recognized across states?
The CPA credential is recognized nationwide, but licensure is state-specific. You may need separate licensure for each state, though many states have reciprocity agreements.
Yes, most state boards require specific courses like financial accounting, auditing, and business law to meet CPA licensure requirements. Check your state’s guidelines for the exact courses needed.
The AICPA sets standards for the CPA exam and ethics exam, offers resources for continuing education, and advocates for accounting professionals nationwide.
It can take 1-2 additional years if you haven’t completed the 150 credit hours required by most state boards, which you’ll need to sit for the CPA exam and obtain licensure.
State boards set licensure rules, while the AICPA creates and administers the CPA exam and ethics exam, ensuring a standardized process across states.
To pass the CPA exam faster, create a structured study schedule, use CPA exam review courses, and take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format. Joining study groups can provide support, and staying consistent with your routine will help you avoid burnout.
