What Is A CPA? Certified Public Accountant
If you’re thinking about becoming an accountant or working with numbers as a career, you may be wondering how you can get started and what is involved. While becoming an accountant does not always take a lot of schooling, if you want to become a CPA, then you have to get a degree first.
But what is a CPA? Is it worth it to go through the extra steps of getting certified? Let’s look at this lucrative career and see if it’s right for you.
CPA = Certified Public Accountant
So what does that mean exactly? It means that he or she went to school, got a degree, and passed the CPA exam. Certification is the biggest difference between a CPA and a regular accountant. While the test is the same in all 50 states, each state has its own requirements for people looking to qualify to take the exam. In many cases, you will need a CPA prep study guide to pass.
What Steps Are Involved?
Technically speaking, becoming a CPA is a three-step process. First, you have to go to school and graduate with a degree in accounting. Depending on your state, you may also have to take and pass additional classes, otherwise, you won’t be able to take the test. In some instances, to pass the CPA exam, you will have to attend special training programs or tutoring classes.
Once you get your degree, then you have to make sure that you meet all of your state’s requirements. If you want to be a CPA in a different state, then you will need to look up what things you have to do to become an accountant there.
Finally, you have to pass the exam. As we mentioned, this test is the same for every state and it is administered by the American Institute of CPAs. Once you pass the test (using your CPA study guide), then you get your certification and can start looking for work.
While becoming a CPA can be a lucrative career move, the field is highly competitive. On average, these accountants can make over $60K per year, and many of them work for private or public companies earning much more. For more information about becoming and passing the CPA exam, check out CPAExamGuy.com. Overall, it’s an arduous journey, but if you stay committed, it can be well worth it.
.
Image credits.