Many teens who aren’t quite sure what they’d like to do for a living take business courses, and for good reason. There’s a wide variety of jobs available in the business sector, and one of the best may be working as a CPA (certified public accountant). This field is big and always growing, with plenty of opportunities opening up now and in the future. Here’s how to become a CPA, including answers to commonly asked questions and helpful advice from someone who’s succeeded in the field.
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How To Become a CPA FAQs
What is a CPA?
A certified public accountant, usually shortened to CPA, is a person who works with businesses to help them manage their financial transactions. They keep records, analyze data, compile financial reports, and create budgets. CPAs also perform audits, prepare tax documents, and ensure fiduciary legal compliance for the business.
A CPA is different than a regular accountant: They are licensed by the state in which they work, after completing specific education requirements and licensing exams. Earning this certification lets employers know that a potential employee is fully qualified to perform all important accounting tasks. CPAs complete continuing education requirements to maintain their license throughout their career.
Why become a CPA?
“Two words: limitless potential. Everyone needs a CPA, from a public accounting firm to your favorite sports franchise.” CPA Ed Duarte is the Chief Financial Officer of Foreign Parts Distributors in Miami and the current Chair of the FICPA’s board of directors. He’s incredibly enthusiastic about his field and encourages every high school student to consider its amazing possibilities.
“First, there is always a high demand for our services, giving us built-in job stability,” explains Duarte. “Firms and businesses across all industries need CPAs for financial reporting, tax compliance, strategic consulting, and beyond. Whether it’s in public accounting, corporate finance, government, or not-for profit, CPAs can work anywhere and are needed everywhere. We are trusted advisors, and these three letters—CPA—carry prestige.”
What is the average salary for a CPA?
As Duarte notes, one of the great advantages of becoming a CPA is that these accountants tend to earn higher salaries than those who aren’t certified. In the United States, a CPA earns around $93,000* per year on average. (Salaries range from $59K to $146K). In comparison, a non-certified accountant earns an average of $65,000 per year. That’s a pretty big difference!
*Note: Salary information is per Indeed.com as of February 2025.
What do CPAs do on a daily basis?
Much more than you might think! Duarte shares, “I would say that there is no typical day, and to me, that’s the exciting part of the profession. Each day is a different experience. One day, I’m closing financial records. One night, I’m having dinner with colleagues and clients. The next day, I’m traveling.”
He continues, “There might be a certain less-than-exciting perception of an accountant, but this is a truly exciting time to be a CPA. Yes, I’m reviewing emails, taking calls, and doing the fundamentals of the job. But when you zoom out, what I’m really doing is problem-solving. I’m taking these numbers, interpreting the data, and charting a course. It’s a genuinely rewarding experience, being able to play such a critical role in a business. And as you become more experienced, the job gets bigger and bigger, so time management, communication, and teamwork are truly essential skills.”
What are the necessary skills for CPAs?
“Accounting is the language of business—but it’s not just math,” Duarte stresses. “There is a wide range of skills necessary for success in the profession, from problem-solving to communication. You’re not just adding and subtracting. You’re using these numbers to tell a compelling story—to business owners, to investors, and to boards of directors. There is human touch that is essential to being an effective CPA.”
Good CPAs also need to be comfortable with existing and emerging technologies. “Digital transformation is rapidly evolving our profession,” explains Duarte. “CPAs are now at the forefront of data analytics, finance automation, artificial intelligence, and robotic processing. Embracing technology is going to allow our profession to be both backward-looking (what happened?) and forward-looking (what’s going to happen?). CPAs are in a unique position to become holistic, go-to advisors for our clients.”
Do CPAs need a degree?
Yes. Most people earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Each state has their own requirements regarding the number and type of courses you must take, in both accounting and general business.
How To Become a CPA: An Overview of the Process
IMPORTANT: CPAs are licensed by the state, so requirements can vary. Check with your state’s licensing board for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The most common way to start the journey toward becoming a CPA is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related field. During your time in college, you’ll have to take a specific number of course hours in accounting and general business. These include subjects like taxation, auditing, and business law.
Most states require a minimum of 150 hours of college coursework to become a CPA. Since many college degrees only require 120 hours to graduate, potential CPAs will likely need to take additional courses to bridge the gap. To ensure you meet the education requirements, choose a school that offers a program specifically for future CPAs.
Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination is made up of four parts. All candidates must take and pass Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG).
For the final part, candidates choose a specialization from three options: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).
You must receive a score of at least 75 on each section to pass the entire exam. Most states allow you to take each part of the exam separately, allowing some flexibility if you need to retake some sections.
Gain Relevant Work Experience
States generally require prospective CPAs to earn work experience in their field (usually one to two years of full-time paid work) before applying for licensure. You can start while you’re earning your bachelor’s degree by completing internships or choosing summer jobs that provide accounting experience.
Maintain Certification Through Continuing Education
Once you earn your CPA license, you’ll have to keep it up by taking continuing education courses. This allows you to stay on top of advancements and changes in the field, staying sharp throughout your entire career. Each state has its own continuing education requirements; check with yours to learn what’s needed.
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