To become an accountant you will need to complete a four year degree. To become a CPA you will need to meet the licensing requirements of your state. Education and experience obligations will vary, as will relicensing and continuing education requirements. However the requirement to pass universal CPA exam is constant: one computer based exam is used in all 55 U.S. states and territories. Over half fail to pass on the first attempt. Most consider graduate level work in accounting to be a necessary preparation for passing the exam. When you have researched what is required in your particular place of residence you can proceed. By becoming a CPA you will have obtained a good profession, of evergreen usefulness in today's world. There are few more necessary and rewarding professions.
The requirements for an accounting position are met by obtaining a four year degree. There are many routes you can take to gain the degree. Local colleges and universities will offer training, as will business colleges and online accounting degree programs. Be sure that you choose an accredited institution, and take time to compare the various offerings. To serve well as an accountant you will need a clear understanding of the common best practices of the profession, the local and federal tax structure, and the varieties of business classifications. You will also want to be trained in a range of standard professional software tools, such as Peachtree and Quicken.
The universal CPA exam is designed to test your proficiency as a very high caliber accounting professional. Be sure that the graduate program you choose prepares you for this. The exam will demand your creative best in the same way that the legal bar exams demand creative, flexible problem solving and a deep knowledge of both the letter and the spirit of the law. Whether you choose an online program or an on-site program be sure that the institution is accredited. Compare programs and choose the most rigorous one you can find. There are times and places for "easy" but when preparing for the universal exam you want the preparation to be difficult, so that the exam won't be too bad in comparison.
The best place to learn about the universal CPA exam is at the exam website, http://www.cpa-exam.org/. The site provides an overview of the test and its sections, as well as information about qualifying to sit for the exam, frequency of testing permitted, and more. Because of the central importance of passing the test you should take the time to completely familiarize yourself with this site before even signing up for a grad course. By learning the structure, nature, topics and goals of the exam you can better assess the value of programs offered.
Once you have completed your coursework and taken the universal CPA exam you will still have to gain acceptable work experience, if you haven't already done so. Most states and territories require an active period of employment much as a doctor's licensing requires a period of internship and residency. Requirements and the specifics of acceptable employment vary from state to state and territory to territory, but can be checked at a number of places, including such sites as http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/index.cfm. Make sure your employment experience matches the requirements for your state or territory.
To retain your license you will be required to renew on a schedule determined by your regional authorities, and will also have to present proof of continuing accounting education. Without both of these ongoing obligations your license will lapse. Therefore when you have accomplished your goal and gained your license be sure to meet the obligations that license imposes to avoid professional complications.
The requirements for an accounting position are met by obtaining a four year degree. There are many routes you can take to gain the degree. Local colleges and universities will offer training, as will business colleges and online accounting degree programs. Be sure that you choose an accredited institution, and take time to compare the various offerings. To serve well as an accountant you will need a clear understanding of the common best practices of the profession, the local and federal tax structure, and the varieties of business classifications. You will also want to be trained in a range of standard professional software tools, such as Peachtree and Quicken.
The universal CPA exam is designed to test your proficiency as a very high caliber accounting professional. Be sure that the graduate program you choose prepares you for this. The exam will demand your creative best in the same way that the legal bar exams demand creative, flexible problem solving and a deep knowledge of both the letter and the spirit of the law. Whether you choose an online program or an on-site program be sure that the institution is accredited. Compare programs and choose the most rigorous one you can find. There are times and places for "easy" but when preparing for the universal exam you want the preparation to be difficult, so that the exam won't be too bad in comparison.
The best place to learn about the universal CPA exam is at the exam website, http://www.cpa-exam.org/. The site provides an overview of the test and its sections, as well as information about qualifying to sit for the exam, frequency of testing permitted, and more. Because of the central importance of passing the test you should take the time to completely familiarize yourself with this site before even signing up for a grad course. By learning the structure, nature, topics and goals of the exam you can better assess the value of programs offered.
Once you have completed your coursework and taken the universal CPA exam you will still have to gain acceptable work experience, if you haven't already done so. Most states and territories require an active period of employment much as a doctor's licensing requires a period of internship and residency. Requirements and the specifics of acceptable employment vary from state to state and territory to territory, but can be checked at a number of places, including such sites as http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/index.cfm. Make sure your employment experience matches the requirements for your state or territory.
To retain your license you will be required to renew on a schedule determined by your regional authorities, and will also have to present proof of continuing accounting education. Without both of these ongoing obligations your license will lapse. Therefore when you have accomplished your goal and gained your license be sure to meet the obligations that license imposes to avoid professional complications.
About the Author:
Maria Bascuas is an educator and journalist who writes about distance education and schools online.
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