- Introduction: How to Become a CPA
- What Does It Take to Become a CPA?
- What is the CPA Exam?
- How Do I Study For the CPA Exam?
- What Are the CPA Exam Dates?
- Where Do I Find CPA Exam Sample Questions?
- What is the CPA Exam Cost?
- What are the CPA Exam Sections?
- What Happens After I Pass the CPA Exam?
- Final Thoughts: How to Become a CPA
Introduction: How to Become a CPA
Wondering how to become a CPA? You're in the right place. Accounting is one of the most in-demand careers in the world right now, with a projected growth rate of 13% by 2024. That means we can expect even more opportunities to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) over the next few years. If you’re interested in this field and want to know how you can become a CPA in 2022, keep reading!
Accountants are responsible for compiling financial records and reporting on different aspects of a company or individual. They help companies work through tax implications, analyze risk factors, and propose ways to improve their business practices. In order to become a CPA as fast as possible, you need to understand exactly what your options are and which path will be best for your personal and professional needs.
Here are 7 Frequently asked questions about becoming a CPA.
What Does It Take to Become a CPA?
In your journey to gather intel on how to become a CPA, the first thing you’ll want to know is what you need to become a CPA. The requirements for the exam and license to practice vary state by state. However, most states require CPAs to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, 150 credit hours, two years of public accounting experience, and a passing grade on the Uniform CPA Exam.
The Uniform CPA Exam is a series of tests that are administered and graded by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge of the field and determine whether they possess the necessary skills to become a Certified Public Accountant. You have to pass all four sections of the exam to earn the right to put “CPA” after your name.
What is the CPA Exam?
The next step to understanding how to become a CPA: The CPA Exam. The CPA Exam is a series of four tests (Auditing Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment and Concepts) that candidates must pass in order to become certified. The exam is administered throughout the year and can be taken in a Prometric Testing Center. All four CPA Exam sections must be passed within an 18-month window.
How Do I Study For the CPA Exam?
As with any exam, there are a few different ways you can study for the CPA Exam. You can try a self-study approach and use CPA Exam prep materials, like books or online courses. You could also take a class at your local community college or university and get extra help from your professor. No method is right for everyone, and you may need to try a few before you find the perfect fit.
You can find CPA Exam prep materials at your local bookstore, online retail stores, or through a membership site. If you choose to purchase materials, you will want to make sure they are updated regularly and are written in a way that helps you understand the concepts without feeling overwhelmed or bored. Any CPA Exam prep course will have a syllabus that lists what materials are covered and how long each section should take you to complete. You will want to be organized and make sure to stick to a study schedule and pace, so you don’t get overwhelmed or burnt out before exam day.
What Are the CPA Exam Dates?
The exam dates change every year and are accompanied by the announcement of the new and improved CPA Exam. The exam is administered year-round in testing centers across the US and is also available online. If you want to become a CPA in 2022, you will need to plan accordingly and begin studying for the exam as soon as possible. You will want to take your first exam as soon as you are eligible, and be sure to give yourself enough time to prepare. If you have your heart set on passing the CPA Exam in 2022, you will want to start studying now.
Where Do I Find CPA Exam Sample Questions?
This is one of the most important parts of your exam preparation. You will want to make sure you have access to as many practice questions as possible so you can really get a feel for the exam. The AICPA publishes a list of sample questions each year on its website. You can also find online communities where people post their own practice questions. These are great to help you figure out the best approach and identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you are studying with a group of peers, you can ask them to post the questions they are working on so you can get an extra look at what the exam will look like for you.
What is the CPA Exam Cost?
The CPA Exam fee can change each year. However, it typically falls between $325 and $350 for each section of the exam. If you want to become a CPA in 2022, you will need to budget for these costs. You will also need to account for other expenses, like the cost of a CPA Review course and travel to another city if you can't find an open spot at a testing center on the day you want to take your exam. Prometric fills up fast, so the sooner you book your exam date, the better.
What are the CPA Exam Sections?
The CPA Exam sections are AUD (Auditing), FAR (Financial Accounting), REG (Tax and Law), and BEC (Business). Each section is designed to test your knowledge of accounting, auditing, tax, and financial reporting standards, as well as your ability to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios. You can expect to see multiple choice questions and task-based simulations that include graphs, charts, and tables. The recommended CPA Exam order is FAR, AUD, REG, and BEC. The exception to this rule is when an exam is changing in the near future, it's best to take that one first to eliminate uncertainty.
What Happens After I Pass the CPA Exam?
Congratulations! The hard part is over. There is still work to be done, however before you can be licensed in your state. First, you must take your state's CPA ethics exam. Second, you must meet your state board of accountancy's experience requirement. Finally, you have to send in a lot of paperwork, all of which should be easily downloaded from your state accountancy board's website. If you have questions about CPAlicensing, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call your state board. That's what they're there for.
Final Thoughts: How to Become a CPA
We hope that this article has been a good first step in learning how to become a CPA. Now, the hard part begins. Like most things worth pursuing, it's not easy, but it's worth it. The good news is: you're not alone. Be sure to check out our CPA Exam Forum.
