What Is a Certified Public Accountant CPA?

In many states, candidates with a degree in any subject can become CPAs if they meet the educational requirements, which often include specific accounting and business courses. Some states also allow candidates with a combination of education and experience in the accounting field to sit for the CPA Exam. There isn’t one particular thing a CPA does because it’s not a job title or career path. Instead, it’s a professional designation that offers accounting professionals more flexibility and mobility in their career. Not only because it allows them to practice public accounting independently, but because it proves expertise in more advanced accounting areas.

• Learn about day-to-day duties, overall responsibilities, and areas of expertise for certified public accountants.
• This understanding enables CPAs to serve as trusted financial advisors who work with businesses, individuals, schools, and other organizations and assist them in reaching their goals and objectives.
• Earning your initial CPA license is a major professional accomplishment.
• Most states require at least 150 credit hours of college education, which is more than what you’d get with a standard bachelor’s degree.

To obtain a CPA license, you must complete 150 credit hours of education, obtain 1-2 years of professional experience, and pass the four-part CPA exam. From there, you can apply for a CPA license with your state board of accountancy. For those planning to work in public accounting, auditing, or taxation, pursuing a full CPA license is essential. Regardless of the path chosen, earning a CPA certificate is a strong career move that demonstrates expertise, commitment, and professional excellence in the field of accounting.

Similarly, if you enjoy strategy and planning, having a CPA license shows you have more in-depth knowledge of financial analysis. Yes, CPAs can work internationally, though additional certifications or qualifications may be required depending on the country. Many multinational corporations value CPA credentials for international assignments and cross-border financial reporting. CPAs may also follow career paths in non-profit organizations or academia, leveraging their expertise to educate future accounting professionals or support mission-driven organizations.

CPA certification aligns well with several other professional accounting credentials. By holding multiple certifications, you can combine the benefits that come with CPA licensure and elevate your appeal to a broader cross-section of potential employers. Some states have seen a push to reduce the educational requirements from 150 credits to the 120 credits covered in most standard bachelor’s degree programs. In January 2025, these efforts were first codified into law in Ohio when state officials abolished the firm 150-credit requirement. Many individuals and businesses turn to CPAs for tax advisory services, as they provide valuable insights on minimizing tax risks and maximizing financial efficiency. CPAs appear throughout the business and financial world, working in public accounting, business and industry, government, not-for-profit, and education.

This wage premium grows as CPAs gain more experience and move into leadership roles. The CPA designation is highly respected in the financial and business world, often leading to better career opportunities, higher salaries, and increased professional credibility. You will need to complete a minimum number of documented CPE hours each renewal period to maintain your license eligibility. However, as NASBA notes, state-level rules are complex and subject to change.

Depending on their specialization, CPAs may work in public accounting firms, private corporations, government agencies, or nonprofit organizations. CPA or Certified Public Accountant, is a licensed accounting professional in the United States and in many other English-speaking countries. Their education, examination, and experience requirements demonstrate a high level of expertise in accounting and auditing.

Why Get Licensed?

Violating ethical standards can result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of the CPA license. Additionally, candidates must pass a background check, as CPAs are expected to handle sensitive financial information with honesty and professionalism. More importantly, as a working professional, you can finish your degree faster at Franklin by transferring qualified prior college credits and/or work experience. With Franklin University’s accounting bachelor’s degree program or M.S.

CPAs in education perform financial management and reporting functions for their organizations. Some CPAs wish to teach others about accounting practices, and these professionals may also be found in the education industry. Areas of specialization in the consulting arena include forensic accounting, financial and estate planning, and litigation services. Technological advancement is reshaping the profession, with what is cpa CPAs increasingly focused on advisory services, strategic planning, and complex analysis rather than routine data entry and basic bookkeeping. This evolution creates opportunities for professionals who can combine traditional accounting knowledge with modern business insights and technological proficiency.

Some states also mandate specific accounting courses in areas like intermediate accounting, cost accounting, income tax, and auditing. Because CPAs are essential for financial reporting, auditing, and compliance, their skills remain in demand regardless of economic conditions. Businesses, individuals, and government organizations rely on CPAs to navigate complex financial regulations and tax laws. A CPA is not a degree — it is a professional designation involving a certification and licensing process. To meet educational requirements, you will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, which typically requires four years to complete.

The following subsections offer a detailed overview of the “three E’s” and how each requirement can help you advance toward CPA licensure. The process of becoming a CPA typically begins with earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In addition to completing a program of study in accounting, and acquiring professional work experience in public accounting, a CPA candidate also must sit for and pass the Uniform CPA Examination. Every jurisdiction has different educational and experience requirements that must be met before taking the exam. To become a CPA, you must meet all the criteria set by your state’s Board of Accountancy.

What industries hire the most CPAs?

Whether working independently or as part of a larger firm, CPAs must maintain high professional standards while staying current with evolving financial regulations and industry best practices. You can be an accountant without being a Certified Public Accountant, but earning a CPA license adds a valuable credential to your resume. It means you’ve passed a nationally recognized test that has been modified to reflect your state’s regulations.

What education did you need to pursue this career? How did it prepare you for your current role?

• If there’s a problem or an audit, CPAs can represent you in front of the IRS or answer any questions a state or local tax board might have.
• Once your educational requirements have been verified by the state board of accountancy.
• Learn more about what CPAs do, how they differ from accountants, and how to become one.
• Bookkeepers and CPAs both provide financial expertise to organizations or individuals.

Because it’s regulated by the state, you’re working toward your CPA license not certification. May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact… CPAs need a combination of technical and workplace skills to succeed. Let’s review different abilities you can develop or strengthen if you want to become a CPA. Renamed several times over the years, the organization has been known as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) since 1957.

If you feel like this is the right career path for you, here’s how you can become a CPA in the United States. Or maybe you’re already running one and feel like your finances are all over the place. A CPA can guide you on everything from choosing the right business structure (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) to managing payroll and forecasting cash flow. Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window, scoring at least 75 on each section. Some states also accept postsecondary teaching experience, but you cannot normally use education as a substitute for experience or vice versa. According to the National Association of State Boards of Accounting (NASBA), there were nearly 672,000 licensed CPAs in the United States as of August 2024.