{"id":2717,"date":"2024-09-22T19:36:15","date_gmt":"2024-09-22T15:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=2717"},"modified":"2025-05-07T22:29:05","modified_gmt":"2025-05-08T03:29:05","slug":"how-long-it-takes-to-become-a-cpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-long-it-takes-to-become-a-cpa\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long It Takes to Become a CPA"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Want to know exactly how long it takes to become a CPA?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over <a href=\"https:\/\/nasba.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Annual-Report-2023_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">672,000 CPAs<\/a> once had that same question as you.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But here\u2019s the thing:<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Becoming a Certified Public Accountant isn\u2019t a quick or easy process. It requires dedication, hard work, and careful planning.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, how long does it take to get there? Let&#8217;s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Becoming a CPA takes time and commitment<\/strong>: The overall process can span several years, depending on how you pace yourself through each stage.<\/li> <li><strong>Your education is crucial<\/strong>: You\u2019ll need more than just a bachelor\u2019s degree to meet certain requirements, so plan your coursework carefully.<\/li> <li><strong>The CPA exam is no walk in the park<\/strong>: It requires significant preparation, but pacing yourself can make all the difference.<\/li> <li><strong>Experience matters<\/strong>: Before you get your CPA license, expect to put in time working under the supervision of experienced professionals.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-educational-roadmap\">1. Educational Roadmap<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-earning-your-bachelor-s-degree\">Earning Your Bachelor\u2019s Degree<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start, you\u2019ll need a bachelor\u2019s degree to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/become-a-cpa\/\">become a CPA<\/a>. 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\u2019re studying full-time.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, most states require 150 credit hours to qualify for CPA licensure, while a bachelor&#8217;s alone typically provides only 120. To meet the additional CPA requirements, many candidates take extra undergraduate courses or pursue a master\u2019s degree in accounting.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This extra coursework could add another year or two to your timeline, depending on your academic pace.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-master-s-degree-or-extra-coursework\">Master\u2019s Degree or Extra Coursework?<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice between a master\u2019s or additional undergraduate coursework depends on your career goals. Some prefer the master\u2019s 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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;s degree.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time Breakdown<\/strong>:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/strong>: 4 years<\/li> <li><strong>Additional coursework or master\u2019s degree<\/strong>: 1-2 years<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Total<\/strong>: <strong>4-6 years<\/strong><\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-preparing-for-the-cpa-exam\">2. Preparing for the CPA Exam<\/h2> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-sections\">CPA Exam Sections<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next big milestone is passing the CPA exam. This is no walk in the park\u2014less than 50% of CPA candidates pass all four sections on their first try.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting in 2024, the CPA exam includes three discipline sections, but candidates only need to choose <em>one<\/em> of these to complete. The available disciplines are:<\/p> <ol class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)<\/strong>: This section focuses on advanced financial accounting topics like financial reporting, information systems, and analysis of business performance.<\/li> <li><strong>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)<\/strong>: This covers more in-depth tax regulations, tax compliance, and planning strategies for individuals and businesses.<\/li> <li><strong>Information Systems and Controls (ISC)<\/strong>: This section tests your understanding of information technology, including security, risk management, and internal controls over financial systems.<\/li> <\/ol> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CPA candidates complete the core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and then choose one of these discipline sections based on their career goals.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-to-study\">How Long to Study?<\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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&#8217;s also common to spread the sections over several months to ensure you\u2019re fully prepared and to give you enough time to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-study-for-the-cpa-exam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study for the CPA<\/a>. <\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember that if you fail a section, you&#8217;ll need to retake it within an 18 to 30-month window, depending on where you live. <\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time Breakdown<\/strong>:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Study and exam completion<\/strong>: 6 to 30 months<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-gaining-relevant-work-experience\">3. Gaining Relevant Work Experience<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time Breakdown<\/strong>:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Work experience<\/strong>: 1-2 years<\/li> <li><strong>Ethics exam<\/strong>: A few weeks to complete (if your state requires it)<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Total<\/strong>: <strong>1-2 years<\/strong><\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-final-step-applying-for-licensure\">4. Final Step: Applying for Licensure<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/\">apply for your CPA license<\/a> 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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once approved, congratulations\u2014you\u2019re 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.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time Breakdown<\/strong>:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Licensure application processing<\/strong>: A few months<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Total<\/strong>: <strong>1-2 months<\/strong><\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-cpa\">How Long Does It Take to Become a CPA?<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now that we\u2019ve broken down each step, you can see that the total time to become a CPA generally falls between <strong>6 to 10 years<\/strong>. Here&#8217;s the breakdown:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Bachelor\u2019s degree and additional coursework<\/strong>: 4\u20136 years<\/li> <li><strong>CPA exam preparation and completion<\/strong>: 6\u201330 months<\/li> <li><strong>Relevant work experience and ethics exam<\/strong>: 1\u20132 years<\/li> <li><strong>Licensure processing<\/strong>: 1\u20132 months<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\">Conclusion<\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road to becoming a CPA may be long, but it\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpa-salaries-how-much-cpas-make\/\">salaries for CPAs<\/a>, many find the journey well worth the time and effort.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019re a CPA, the career options are vast\u2014whether you\u2019re 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?<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ<\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018547766\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I need a master\u2019s degree to become a CPA?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not necessarily. While a master\u2019s can help you reach the 150 credit hour requirement, many candidates meet this through additional undergraduate coursework instead.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018556646\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How many times can I retake the CPA exam?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">There\u2019s 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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018572154\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I become a CPA without public accounting experience?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, though it depends on your state\u2019s requirements. Some states accept relevant experience in corporate finance or government agencies as long as a licensed CPA supervises it.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018579546\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How long do I have to pass the CPA exam after finishing my education?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most states allow you to sit for the CPA exam once you&#8217;ve met the education requirements, even before completing the work experience portion.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018637096\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the AICPA ethics exam, and is it required?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The AICPA ethics exam tests CPA candidates on professional conduct and ethical standards. It\u2019s required in most states after passing the uniform CPA examination, ensuring you understand your ethical responsibilities as a CPA.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018680113\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Do I need to complete the educational requirements before the CPA exam?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018711141\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I take the CPA exam without attending an accredited college?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, most states require your degree to be from an accredited college. If your degree isn\u2019t from an accredited institution, additional accounting coursework may be necessary. Is the CPA credential recognized across states?<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018754023\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is the CPA credential recognized across states?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">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.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018790269\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need to take specific accounting and business courses to meet the CPA licensure requirements?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, most state boards require specific courses like financial accounting, auditing, and business law to meet CPA licensure requirements. Check your state&#8217;s guidelines for the exact courses needed.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018810931\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How does the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) support accounting professionals?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The AICPA sets standards for the CPA exam and ethics exam, offers resources for continuing education, and advocates for accounting professionals nationwide.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018863657\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does it take to become a CPA if I haven\u2019t completed all the educational requirements yet?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It can take 1-2 additional years if you haven&#8217;t completed the 150 credit hours required by most state boards, which you\u2019ll need to sit for the CPA exam and obtain licensure.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018887711\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do state boards and the AICPA work together to regulate CPA licensure?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">State boards set licensure rules, while the AICPA creates and administers the CPA exam and ethics exam, ensuring a standardized process across states.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1727018906725\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What can help you pass the CPA exam faster?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To pass the CPA exam faster, create a structured study schedule, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpa-review-courses\/\">CPA exam review courses<\/a>, 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.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s the thing: Becoming a Certified Public Accountant isn\u2019t a quick or easy process. It requires dedication, hard work, and careful planning. So, how long does it take to get there? Let&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2728,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2717","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/09\/How-long-to-become-a-CPA-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How Long It Takes to Become a CPA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Becoming a CPA takes time and effort. 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