A Comprehensive Guide on How to Become a CPA
Planning to become a certified public accountant (CPA)? Well, you’re not the only one inspired by its charm. In 2025, CPA ranks as one of the most trusted and in-demand professionals across the financial world. From multinational corporations and tech startups to audit firms, government agencies, and businesses from varying industries, heavily rely on CPAs for compliance, financial clarity, and strategic planning.
In case you’re wondering ‘how to become a CPA’, this article is your ultimate guide that can walk you through the entire process from education to licensure and everything in the simplest manner. To help you thoroughly understand the study program and how it can benefit you, we’ll also discuss what a CPA actually does; entry-level CPA professionals and the experts salaries; schooling and exams are prerequisites; and how can you pick the best CPA program in alignment with your career goals.
Whether you’re a recent high-school graduate planning what to do next or a professional working yet wondering how to get your CPA certification and make your career financially rewarding, dive into this one-stop roadmap towards becoming a CPA.
What Does a CPA Do? Key Roles and Responsibilities
Before you learn how to become a CPA, it’s critical that you understand what Certified Public Accountants actually do and what makes their role crucial for almost every industry.
Who is a Certified Public Accountant?
A CPA can be defined as a licensed financial professional who matches the specific requirements in education, expertise, and exam performance, set by the state rigorously. Unlike general accountants, CPAs have gone through the Uniform CPA examination and hold state licensure. It allows them to perform some special duties such as auditing public traded companies, signing off the financial statements as well as representing clients before the IRS.
The truth is – becoming a CPA isn’t just limited to crunching numbers, it’s about gaining credentials that opens your way towards high-impact and trustworthy financial careers.
Key Roles and Responsibilities of a CPA
CPAs are often specialized in one or more of the following areas. Whether you’re interested in technical compliance or advisory roles, the profession is broad enough to fit a wide range of skillsets and expertise.
Financial Statement Preparation – A CPA is often responsible for ensuring the financial statements of a company comply with all the general accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The reports they prepare are to be used by regulators, investors, and stakeholders in making critical business decisions.
Auditing and Assurance Services – The most recognized role of a CPA is auditing. They are often hired for conducting both internal and external audits and verify that the financial information and internal controls of an organization are accurate. Their job as an auditor also involves detecting any kinds of discrepancies or frauds in the system and reporting them to authorities.
Taxation and IRS Representation – CPA are also responsible for assisting individuals and businesses in preparing tax returns and building complex taxing strategies at times. It is their job to make sure the strategies are made in compliance with the federal, local and state laws of tax. Only CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys have the authority to represent clients before the IRS, making it a very valuable credential.
Financial Planning and Consultation – CPAs can also offer strategic insights into forecasting, budgeting and investment decisions. A lot of them work as business consultants and financial advisors – helping clients attain their long-term financial goals.
Risk Management and Compliance – Companies also rely on CPAs for monitoring risk exposure and ensuring their compliance with anti-money laundering laws, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), and other regulations.
Forensic Accounting – In cases of embezzlement or suspected fraud, CPAs are called in to trace-down transactions and offer their expert analysis that can be presented in the courts.
Government and Nonprofit Accounting – Professionals who work for government agencies or nonprofits have to comply with specialized accounting rules such as, GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board). CPAs carrying a similar background can easily be hired for such roles and help maintain the transparency and accountability within public funds.
Information Technology (IT) Audit – With an unstoppable surge in the use of automated systems, CPAs are becoming crucial for auditing IT controls, specifically those involving cybersecurity frameworks, financial software systems, and ERP implementations.
Ethical Standards and Licensing Requirements
What differentiates a CPA from general accountants is not the technical knowledge, it’s their trustworthiness to be exact. Every CPA is bound by a professional code of ethics, implemented by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) as well as their respective state boards.
In order to maintain the certification, CPAs are also required to complete the continuing professional education (CPE) hours every year and comply with the evolving standards of auditing, ethics, and reporting.
What’s the Difference Between a CPA vs General Accountant?
While both CPAs and general accountants have similar functions such as, budgeting, financial reporting, and tax-related tasks, the two majorly differ in their roles, qualifications, and legal standing. It is, however, crucial to understand the differences when choosing between becoming a CPA or a general accountant.
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) carries a professional license acquired by passing a rigorous national exam and meeting specified educational and work requirements. They are recognized for knowing accounting laws and regulations from the depth and are legally authorized to perform critical tasks such as representing clients before the IRS and auditing financial statements, etc.
In contrast, a general accountant might have a degree in finance or accounting but they lack legal standing and thorough knowledge of the domains. They can be made responsible for managing the basic bookkeeping, drafting financial statements and help with tax filing, their authority is limited in comparison to a CPA.
Let’s take a look at the key factors that differentiates a CPA from general accountants:
| Aspect | CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | General Accountant |
| Certification | It is mandatory to pass the CPA exam and meet licensing requirements | No formal license required |
| Education | Often requires an average of 150 credit hours for completion ( a master’s degree to be exact) | A simple bachelors and relevant experience is enough |
| Legal Authority | Has the legal authority to audit financial statements and represent clients before IRS | Do not have any legal authority |
| Scope of Work | Auditing, tax planning, financial advising, forensic accounting | Bookkeeping, basic tax prep, financial reports |
| Regulatory Oversight | Is often required to continue education and governed by the state boards | Advance education is optional and there are not regulatory boards |
| Career Advancement | Often holds senior or specialized positions in firms or corporations | May be limited to entry- or mid-level roles |
Choosing between becoming a CPA or general accountant is undoubtedly critical because it depends on your career goals and requirements. So, it’s ideal to learn about the differences and then make an informed decision.
What Kind of Salaries Do CPAs Earn?
The best part of becoming a CPA is the high earning potential. Unlike generic accounting roles, CPAs often enjoy massive starting packages, better promotions, and long-term earning career trajectories. Whether you’re starting up in your career or aiming to land the role of a CFO, getting a CPA license is certainly the path towards your financial growth.
Average CPA Salary in the U.S.
Salary.com suggests, the average pay of a certified public accountant in the U.S. in 2025 lies around $265,624 per year. The sum is inclusive of profit-shares, bonuses, and other compensations – specifically for partner-level and managerial positions. Though this number reflects high-end positions, even those starting in the field can expect strong and massive packages as a CPA.
CPA Salary by Career Stage
Let’s take a look at how much a CPA earns on the basis of their experience-level:
| Experience-Level | Estimated Earnings | Scope |
| Entry-level (0-2) years | $50,000 – $75,000 | At this stage, most CPAs can get a role of an auditor or taxing professional at public firms or even a junior analyst role. |
| Mid-Level (2-5 years) | $65,000 – $100,000 | CPAs at such levels are often engaged in supervising small teams or offer specialized services in taxing strategy or compliance. |
| Experienced (5-10+ years) | $80,000 – $ 150,000 | Senior-level CPAs work as finance managers, controllers, or senior advisors in both public and private sectors. |
| Management and Senior Roles | $100,000 – $200,000+ | These often work as senior audit manager, director of finance or senior tax manager |
| Top Executives (CFOs, Partners, etc.) | $200,000 to 7 figures | At this level, CPAs can work as S=C-suite leaders or partners for Fortune 500 companies. |
Factors That Influence CPA Salaries
There are multiple factors influencing what a CPA might earn, let’s take a look at some of the top among them making an impact:
Industry/Sector
- Public accounting firms might offer small packages in the beginning but the promotions are quick.
- Investment banking, corporate finance and tech offer higher salaries for CPAs that bring along specialized skillsets.
- Government roles are often less paid but offer pension benefits and job security.
Location
In cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, CPAs earn slightly better because of the higher cost of living and massive business density. For example, a CPA in New York would earn 25-35% more than the one working in a rural Midwest town despite having a similar experience and skillset.
Education and Credentials
- If you carry an advanced degree alongside the certification such as a masters’ in accounting or an MBA finance, it can certainly get you better offers even as a beginner.
- Specialized certifications such as, CFE, CIA, and CMA can also help enhance your packages by 10-25%.
Employer Size and Reputation
- If you’re working for a Big Four firm such as KPMG, Deloitte, PwC or a multinational, there’s a chance you’ll go through a quicker career advancement.
- In contrast, boutique firms or startups might offer niche opportunities or equity with slow but long-term benefits.
If the question of how to become a CPA has come into your mind because you’re looking for financial stability and income growth then the numbers mentioned above speak for themselves. Getting a CPA certification will not only enhance your salary range but also the negotiation power and job mobility across industries.
How to Get Your CPA Certification: Exams and Requirements
So, how do you become a CPA to be exact? Well, the truth is –
It’s not as simple as just getting a degree and applying for jobs. Becoming a certified public accountant requires passing a rigorous exam, meeting the work experience requirements and education criteria, as well as applying for licensure in your specific state.
If you’re been wondering ‘how do I get my CPA?’ This section explains the process in detailed steps.
The CPA Exam: Overview and Structure
Developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and administered by NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy), the CPA exam is divided into four parts. It has been designed to assess your knowledge of the standard accounting principles, regulations, and real-world applications.
It is mandatory to pass all the four parts of the exam within 18 months of the rolling window.
The Four CPA Exam Sections
Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – This part of the exam assesses your learning of auditing procedures, internal controls and professional ethics.
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – It assesses your knowledge of economic concepts, corporate governance, IT and writing tasks.
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) –this is the most intensive yet critical part of the exam covering financial statements, GAAP, and government/nonprofit reporting.
Regulation (REG) – This part of the exam covers business law, taxation, and professional ethics.
CPA Exam Format and Scoring
Each section of the exam is:
- 4-hours long
- Includes a mixture of task-based simulations, multiple-choice questions, and written communication tasks (BEC only)
- Scored on the basis of a 0-99 scale with a minimum of 75 set as the passing score.
This criteria makes it essential for CPA aspirants to get proper training, most candidates invest in review courses to attain maximum success.
How Do You Get a CPA Degree
Academic eligibility is a core part of the CPA process. While every state has their own specified rules, most of them follow a similar pattern:
Bachelor’s Degree (Required) – It is mandatory to have a bachelors’ degree in accounting or a related field to appear for CPA exam. Some states also accept business or finance majors in combination with additional accounting coursework.
150 Credit Hours – Most states have the standard requirement of 150 semester hours, which is more than the typical for bachelors in business degrees. Candidates often meet this criteria through:
- A master’s in accounting
- Attempting a fifth year of undergrad
- Or dual-enrollment in CPA programs
Wondering which degree would you need to be a CPA? Well, anything that comes with accounting, business law, and taxation courses can possibly work.
Work Experience Requirements
To get the proper CPA license, it is mandatory to have 1-2 years of supervised accounting experience under a licensed CPA. It can be in:
- Industry
- Government
- Public accounting
- Academia (in some specific states)
Your supervisor is required to verify and sign off on your work before a license can be granted.
State-Specific CPA Certification Requirements
Each different state or jurisdiction in the U.S. has their own Board of Accountancy, setting their very specific rules related to:
- Required coursework
- Residency or age
- Ethics exam (like the AICPA Ethics Exam)
- Renewal & continuing education (CPE)
The specific requirements of your state can be found on NASBA.org or via your state board website.
How Long Does it Take to Become a CPA?
If you’re not sure how many years to become a CPA would it take, here’s a breakdown of the general timeline:
- 4 years: Bachelor’s degree
- 1 year: Additional coursework (if needed)
- 6–12 months: CPA exam prep + testing
- 1–2 years: Work experience (can be simultaneous with testing)
- Total: Around 5–6 years from start to license.
CPA Review Courses: Why They Matter
Passing all the parts of the CPA exam is difficult, not everyone can do that in the first attempt. In fact, only 55% of the candidates pass all four sections in one-go. Therefore, it’s always a great practice to go through the CPA review programs such as Surgent, Becker or Gleim – offering adaptive study tools, simulated exams, and study planners to keep you organized.
If you’re serious about getting a CPA, investing in a CPA prep course often makes the difference between passing and starting over.
Top 5 U.S. Schools for CPA Preparation
Now that you know why CPA preparation from top-tier programs is essential, let’s help you take a look at the top 5 U.S. schools that offer amazing assistance:
Ranked as no.1. amongst all public university accounting programs. Their graduates carry high passing rates in the CPA exams and are often preferred by the Big four Firms.
The school is known for offering the most comprehensive accounting departments across the U.S. It offers both online and traditional options for securing the 150 credit hours requirement.
Known for academic rigor and affordability, BYU ensures their accounting graduates perform great in the CPA exam and pursue promising careers in corporate finance and auditing.
USC offers a blend of accounting theory with practical training. Their alumni network is strongest on the West Coast, with guaranteed placements in the top-tier firms.
Popular for producing business-ready professionals, Kelley offers a CPA-focused accounting program that offers students with both theoretical and experimental learning opportunities.
Tip: If you’re asking “how to get my CPA”, starting with a program that offers CPA exam coaching and academic advising can make the process smoother.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a CPA School
Not all accounting degrees are equal. To ensure your education aligns with your CPA goals, evaluate schools based on these criteria:
- Budget and ROI
- Compare tuition costs vs. graduate salary outcomes.
- Consider financial aid, scholarships, and in-state tuition opportunities.
- Location and Accessibility
- Studying in a financial hub like New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles offers more networking and internship opportunities.
- If relocating isn’t an option, look for CPA colleges offering accredited online programs.
- CPA Exam Pass Rates
- Schools that publish their CPA exam pass rates demonstrate transparency and academic rigor.
- Higher pass rates suggest stronger CPA training and curriculum alignment with the AICPA exam structure.
- Online vs. Traditional Learning
- Online CPA programs are ideal for working professionals or those needing flexibility.
- Ensure the program is regionally accredited and meets your state’s CPA credit hour requirements.
- Alignment with State Licensing Requirements
- Some schools tailor their curriculum to meet specific state CPA requirements.
- Always verify whether a program meets your state’s 150-credit rule, coursework categories, and ethics training needs.
Global Options for International Students
If you’re pursuing CPA certification outside the U.S. or planning to apply as an international candidate:
- Look for AACSB-accredited schools
- Consider programs that offer U.S. CPA exam preparation as part of their curriculum
- Many schools also offer “Bridge to CPA” certificate programs designed for international students
Pro Tip: Use NASBA’s CPA Candidate Portal
Once you’ve shortlisted potential schools, use NASBA’s Licensing Portal to match each program with your target state’s requirements. This will ensure you don’t miss any coursework needed for eligibility.
Conclusion
To become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), you’ll need to follow a clear, multi-step process that begins with education. First, earn a certified public accountant degree—typically a bachelor’s in accounting or a related field—followed by completing the required 150 semester hours of CPA education, which may include a master’s program or additional coursework.
Next, gain 1–2 years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA, depending on your state’s specific CPA certification requirements. You’ll then need to pass all four sections of the CPA exam, which tests your knowledge in auditing, regulation, business concepts, and financial reporting. After successfully completing the exam and any required ethics assessments, you can apply for licensure through your state board.
The journey to becoming a CPA can take around 5–6 years in total, but with the right CPA program, study plan, and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to earning one of the most respected and rewarding credentials in the financial world.
Forensic Accountant Career Guide
