What is a Certified Public Accountant?

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a person who has completed the required accounting degree, passed the very difficult CPA Exam, has at least several years of professional accounting experience, and is licensed by one of the 50 U.S. states (or one of the five other jurisdictions).

What is the uniform Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA exam)?

The Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination ( CPA Exam) is the examination administered to people who wish to become U.S. Certified Public Accountants. The CPA Exam is used by the regulatory bodies of all fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands .

How do I become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

To become a CPA, you must pass a rigorous exam, known as the Uniform CPA Exam. Certified public accountants must meet education, work, and examination requirements—including holding a bachelor’s degree typically, but not required to be, in business administration, finance, or accounting, and completing 150 hours of education.