subject: How You Can Obtain A Cpa License And Other Infos [print this page] Public Accounting is a profession that most people hope to practice for many reasons. For one, CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) boast of above-standard salary package plus benefits as well as career advancement and other major opportunities.
In order for one to become a licensed CPA, the person has to go through a series of studies, reviews, legwork, and lots of preparations. Personally, I believe that there is no other course more challenging than accounting. Sure, medicine and law are equally overwhelming but dealing with numbers is something that I notice almost everyone avoids. Why? This is because money matters are too sensitive that no company would want to hand over advance auditing responsibilities to a business major or even to a fresh graduate, who possesses insufficient credentials. Don't get me wrong though. There are still cases where employers entrust accounting work to talented undergrads but these are rare.
The license appeals to employers because obtaining it is no walk in the park. If you would like to know more about it, I'll tell you what I know.
Requirements for CPA License
According to licensed CPAs, completing the requirements before obtaining the license may take up to eight years. This includes college education. It sounds like a long time and the idea alone may exhaust you already but eight years can fly when you become too occupied by your goals. The following are what you have to present the State Board of Accountancy if you are to claim your license.
-College degree (Bachelor and/or Master's)
-CPA Exam
-At least 2000 hours of work experience
-An Ethics course certificate or exam
-Continuing Professional education (CPE)
The college degree should substantiate the 150 credit hour-requirement. However, due to the increasing demand for accountants, the State Board of Accountancy's requirements have also changed and a bachelor's degree may not suffice.
An associate degree may also be accepted if it comprises the required number of hours plus the necessary accounting and business subject units.
The Unified CPA Exam, on the other hand is the toughest. It consists of four parts -- AUD, RED, BEC, and AFR -- which you have to finish in 14 hours maximum. Don't be scared by the number. Since any part of the exam can be taken randomly and anytime during the exam seasons, which fall in the months of January to February, April to May, July to August , and October to November, you will have more time to review on the subject that you want to focus on.
Additionally, the Board also requires a candidate to finish an Ethics course or at least take the Ethics exam.
Earning at least 2000 hours of employment experience is the next thing to pay attention. You will have to apply for a job at a public accounting firm and make sure that a licensed CPA will guide you. Otherwise, the SBA will render your employment credentials invalid.
After gathering all the hours needed, you can go to the State Board of Accountancy office in your state, present your credentials, and claim your license. You are almost done but the string of tasks will not be complete until you have taken an additional accounting course to fulfill the required continuing professional education (CPE).
The journey to becoming a CPA seems exhausting but exciting at the same time. The opportunity to experience challenges that will strengthen your mental and emotional functioning does not always come easy. My advice to every aspiring CPAs out there is to seize the moment and give your best shot every time. You would not want your hard work to go down the drain.
