If you are preparing for the CPA exam, it means you are well aware of its numerous rewards. What you may not be knowing is the complex journey of CPA licensing. It is challenging and rigorous to pass the CPA examination, but your dedication and the right resources will certainly, help you achieve the goal of becoming a CPA.

Earning the CPA license requires three main components: Education, Examination, and Experience. Joining CPA classes can be instrumental in exploring each component. For now, this blog can help you learn the basic steps to earning a CPA license.

Check Eligibility

Before you start with your CPA exam preparations, check whether you meet various eligibility criteria to take the exam or not. For this, you can go to the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) website to learn about the required educational qualifications and college credits within a specific jurisdiction.

Submit Application 

Once you have understood the eligibility, the next step is to apply. Go to NASBA’s CPA Central portal to complete your application. Submit required documents for verification. You will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) upon application and document verification, valid for just six months. It will let you schedule your CPA exam.

Schedule CPA Exam                                                                                       

After you have decided when you want to take your CPA exam, schedule the day using your NTS. Candidates from the U.S. can take the exam anywhere in the world where the CPA Exam is conducted. However, International candidates may not be eligible to take the exam at all locations; check for particular exam locations available to you.

Preparation for the CPA Exam

As discussed earlier, the CPA exam is challenging, and you need to be strongly prepared to take the examination. There are four sections, which means so many things to learn and absorb. You can enroll in Andrew Katz CPA Tutoring for preparation classes. You can get the necessary resources and take mock tests to measure how prepared you are to take the CPA exam.

Take the Exam

You get 18 months to pass all four sections of the CPA exam, with a minimum score of 75. The exam is conducted throughout the year, so you get the flexibility to take the exam at your convenience. When you pass all four sections, check if your jurisdiction requires a separate Ethics exam before applying for your license.  

Apply for a CPA license

Finally, you can apply for your CPA license and make sure you have the essential college credit hours. Typically, you need 150 hours with a focus on accounting. It includes 30 hours in accounting subjects, 24 hours in business administration subjects, and a minimum of 15 hours at the upper-division or graduate level.   

Moreover, for the license, you must have a minimum of one year of experience (approximately 2,000 hours) verified by a licensed CPA. It should include work in accounting, taxation, auditing, or attestation. Also, check the experience requirements within your jurisdiction.

Conclusion

These are the steps you need to follow to achieve the CPA license. However, at Andrew Katz Tutoring for CPA classes, you get complete assistance with accurate information and needful resources to help you stay on your path to your ultimate goal- a CPA license.