There are so many accountancy professionals sharing a common vision- to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). However, that becomes possible only by qualifying one of the most difficult exams. Besides the lengthy syllabus, the challenges include fulfilling the requirements to take the CPA exam and get licensed, which vary from state to state.
The regulations and guidelines seem a little complex because CPA certifications and licenses are awarded at the state level rather than at the national level. In this blog, you will find all the necessary information you need in an easy-to-understand style so the process gets easier for you.
CPA Exam Qualifications
If you satisfy the fundamental prerequisites listed here, you should have no trouble enrolling for the CPA exam. If you do not meet all these, you may need to be more considerate about which state to select and register in.
- You are a citizen of the United States.
- Attending/having attended a US-accredited college or university with a major in accounting
- Have or are pursuing a 150 semester hour degree (for example, a BMAcc or a Master’s Degree in accounting or business).
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- Work or want to work in the accounting sector. Although public accounting companies are ideal ones, most states allow private accounting jobs as long as one of your supervisors is a CPA who can sign off on your work.
The important thing to note here is that you should register and apply for the CPA exam and license in the state where you intend to work.
Candidates for Non-Traditional CPA
If you replied NO to any of the five fundamental qualifications mentioned above, the following information will help you get in the right direction.
- State boards of Louisiana, Alabama, and North Carolina require you to must be a US citizen.
- Illinois, Montana, New York, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are the states where a Social Security Number is not required to sit in the CPA exam.
- Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Wyoming are the only states that exclusively give CPA licenses and certificates to local residents (each state defines “residency” slightly differently).
Application for the CPA Exam
Once you have determined your state and are aware of all requirements, go ahead and apply to the selected state board of accountancy. This includes much more than simply filling out a basic application form, and it might cost you months of waiting if you overlook even a small item on their checklist.
You can find more information on how to apply and schedule your examination here. Moreover, you have Andrew Katz Tutoring to help you prepare for this difficult examination and pass the exam on the first attempt. They offer online classes as private and group sessions with the best CPA tutor in the industry- Andrew Katz.
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