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Do you know what certificated needed to become a CPA? If you are studying accounting or you are currently working as an accountant, it is important to learn how to meet the requirements so that you can sit for the CPA exam to earn your certification. Once an accounting professionals earns their CPA credential, they can show employers or clients that they have a high level of technical competence in the field and are committed to accounting for the long run. While every state has their own unique testing requirements, most of the education requirements are similar. Read on, and learn how much education is needed to become certified as a licensed CPA.
Requirements for Aspiring CPAs is Changing Due to Changes in the Field
In the past, students who wanted to become a Certified Public Accountant could sit for the national exam if they earned a four-year degree from an accredited university. Now, a four-year degree is not always adequate to become a CPA. There are a number of reasons why possessing a Bachelor’s is not a sure-fire way to gain entry into a CPA testing center.
According to the American Institute for CPAs, the primary reason why the requirements have changed is because new tax laws are being implemented on a regular basis that requires more knowledge in the field and more accounting competencies. Another reason why there is a need for more education is because the methods of business accounting have become more complex as the federal, state and local laws change and complying becomes more difficult. As more and more firms take a more sophisticated approach to their accounting services, the need for more experienced professionals who can perform a wide range of tasks is important. The change in the requirements makes it possible to keep up with the demand.
What Are the New CPA Requirements?
You do not need a specific credential or certificate to sit for a CPA exam, but you must meet the very strict 150 semester hour requirement before you can apply to sit for the exam. To meet this requirement, you must complete 150 credit hours at a regionally and nationally accredited university that offers an accounting program.
This does not mean that you necessarily need a Master’s degree, but earning one in accounting or finance can help. To meet the credit hour requirement, you can combine your undergraduate degree in any field with a Master’s in Accounting, or combine an undergraduate degree in accounting with a master’s in another field. This ensures you will have the technical and interpersonal skills that you need to succeed as a manager or lead. Be sure to learn the specific credit requirements so that you can verify that you are enrolling in the right courses.
Related Resource: MBA in Accounting
You do not need any certificates to become a CPA, but you will need degrees from an accredited university before you can take the Uniform CPA Examination. Once you meet the requirements, you will need to dedicate a lot of your time to studying for the exam before your test date. Make sure that you use study materials and participate in group study sessions to gain a better understanding for the exam layout. Now that you know that there is no certificated needed to become a CPA, work towards your higher education.