How Long Does It Take to Get a CPA Certification?

Becoming a CPA is no joke, but you already know that, right?

With overall pass rates hovering around 50%, according to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), it’s clear that this journey takes commitment.

But here’s the thing: you can do it.

Whether you knock it out in a year or take a little longer, every step forward gets you closer to that CPA license.

Are you wondering about the timeline and how long it takes to get a CPA designation? Let’s break it down.

Key Takeaways

• Education Requirements: Start by earning your bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field to build a strong foundation.
• Additional Education: Meet the 150-hour requirement by pursuing extra coursework or a master’s degree in accounting.
• Hands-On Training: Gain valuable real-world experience by working under a licensed CPA, applying your knowledge in areas like financial reporting, auditing, and tax preparation.
• Prepare and Test: Study for and complete the CPA exam, which includes both core sections and a specialized discipline.

Your Timeline to Becoming a CPA

Becoming a CPA takes time, but breaking it down can help. From earning your bachelor’s degree to passing the CPA exam and gaining work experience, this timeline highlights the key steps to help you stay on track toward becoming a licensed CPA.

But before I go further, remember that the answer to “How long does it take to get a CPA designation?” can vary widely from state to state. Still, there is a general timeline most accountants follow.

Earning Your Bachelor’s Degree (Years 1-4)

• Focus: Major in accounting or something like business administration.
• What You’ll Do: Take core classes in accounting, business law, and tax law. Try to land internships to get some early experience in the field.

Furthering Your Education (Years 5-6)

• Focus: You’ll need 150 semester hours to qualify for the CPA exam. Most people do this by either getting a master’s degree or taking more undergrad classes. In some states, you can take the exams at the 120 credit mark, but again, this is state-dependent.
• What You’ll Do: Dive into specialized topics like financial accounting and auditing. At this stage, you’ll also start preparing for the CPA exam.

Gaining Work Experience (Years 5-6)

• Focus: Work under a licensed CPA to meet the experience requirements.
• What You’ll Do: Your job might involve financial reporting, tax preparation, or auditing. You’ll log your work experience to submit when you apply for your license.

Studying and Taking the CPA Exam (Years 7-8)

• Focus: Prep for the exam and apply for your license.
• What You’ll Do: Enroll in a review course that covers the new structure of the exam. You’ll take core sections along with a specialized discipline. States usually give you 18-30 months to pass all the sections.

Everyone’s path can look a little different depending on how fast they move through the steps, but this gives you a good idea of the timeline to become a CPA!

Education Needed to Become a CPA

If you’re wondering, “How long does it take to become a CPA?” the first step is meeting the educational requirements.

Here are a few popular degree paths:

• Bachelor’s in Accounting
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a focus on Accounting
• Bachelor’s in Finance with an Accounting concentration
• Bachelor of Commerce with an emphasis on Accounting

Meeting the 150-Hour Rule

Some states allow candidates to sit for the CPA exam with just 120 semester hours, which is typically the amount earned with a bachelor’s degree. However, even in these states, you still need to complete 150 semester hours overall to obtain your CPA license.

Many candidates fulfill this requirement by pursuing a master’s degree in accounting or a related field or by taking additional coursework to meet the credit hour requirement. So, while you can take the exam at 120 hours, the 150-hour rule still applies for licensure.

Understanding the Ethics Exam for CPAs

The AICPA Ethics Exam plays an important role in becoming a licensed CPA in many states. It checks your understanding of the ethical rules you’ll need to follow as a CPA, focusing on how you handle real-world situations.

Here’s what to know:

• Why It Matters: The exam makes sure you’re familiar with ethics like integrity, confidentiality, and independence—all key parts of being a professional accountant. You’ll be tested on how to apply these principles when preparing financial statements or managing client information.
• State Rules: Some states require you to pass the AICPA Ethics Exam to get your license, while others have their own version. Make sure to check what your state requires, as it can vary depending on where you plan to become a CPA.

This test is just one step, but it’s a big one in showing that you’re ready to handle the responsibility of being a licensed CPA.

Getting Real-World Experience

Before you can get your CPA license, you’ll need to gain practical experience. This step helps you apply what you’ve learned and prove you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of a CPA. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

• How Long It Takes: Most states require you to work for 1-2 years in a relevant accounting role, but this can vary depending on where you’re becoming a CPA.
• Working Under a Licensed CPA: You’ll need to work under the supervision of a licensed CPA. They’ll guide you and confirm that you’re meeting the standards of the profession.
• Types of Work: Your tasks might include things like preparing financial statements, auditing, or handling tax preparation. States usually have a list of activities that count toward this requirement.
• Full-Time or Part-Time: Some states allow you to fulfill this requirement with part-time work, while others want you to work full-time.
• Keeping Track: You’ll need to log your hours and keep track of the work you’re doing. This documentation is important when you apply for your CPA license, as it proves you’ve met the experience requirement.

Getting this experience is key to becoming a licensed CPA, and it’s a great way to build your skills before fully stepping into the role.

Pass the CPA Exam

The CPA exam is tough, and the pass rates for the first quarter of 2024 prove it. With the new CPA Evolution changes, the test now includes both Core sections and a Discipline section of your choice, giving candidates more flexibility but also some fresh challenges. Here’s a look at the most recent pass rates:

Core Exam Sections

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD): 44.63%
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): 41.92%
• Taxation and Regulation (REG): 63.42%

Discipline Exam Sections

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): 42.94%
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC): 50.93%
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): 82.36%

These numbers show that while the exam is still demanding, certain sections like REG and TCP have higher pass rates, possibly due to better alignment with candidates’ professional experiences.

For some, passing the CPA exam isn’t a quick process. As one Reddit user shared, “I studied this exam for over 2 years of my life… Each time I failed, I took it more and more seriously, sacrificed more and more.” They also touched on the challenge of seeing others succeed faster, saying: “I used to always see LinkedIn posts like ‘passed 4 in 6 months,’ and I’d be over here going on 2 years.”

The takeaway? Everyone’s journey is different. Some might pass quickly, while others take a bit longer, but as they wisely put it: “If I passed it, I assure you every single one of you can and will pass it as long as you put in the work.”

Getting Ready for the CPA Exam

When it’s time to prep for the CPA exam, having a solid plan can make all the difference. Here’s how you can tackle it:

• Pick a CPA Review Course: It’s smart to choose an online CPA review course that’s up-to-date with the current CPA exam structure. Some top picks to consider are Becker, Surgent, and Gleim. Each of these offers the tools and resources to help you succeed.
• Join a Study Group: Sometimes, studying with others can help. Connecting with a group of peers who are also preparing for the CPA exam can make the process smoother and give you extra motivation.
• Take Practice Tests: Practice exams are essential. They give you a feel for the types of questions you’ll see and let you test your knowledge in core areas and your chosen specialty. This also helps with timing so you know what to expect on the real test day.
• Stay Updated: It’s important to stay in the loop with changes from NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). They often announce updates to the exam and offer flexibility, like the 30-month window to complete all sections.

Getting Your CPA License

The final step in becoming a licensed CPA is applying for your license. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:

• Complete Your Application: Start by filling out the licensure application from your state’s board of accountancy. You’ll need to provide your personal info, education details, CPA exam scores, and information about your work experience.
• Submit Documents: Make sure to include important paperwork like transcripts, letters from the CPA who supervised you, and any other materials your state requires.
• Pay the Fees: Be ready to cover the application fees, which vary by state.
• Background Checks: In some states, you might need to pass a background check or get fingerprinted. Make sure to complete this step if it’s required.
• Wait for Approval: After you’ve submitted everything, the state board will review your application. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state.
• Take the Oath: Once approved, some states require you to take an oath to uphold professional and ethical standards as a CPA.

It’s a good idea to stay organized and double-check that all parts of your application are complete. Once you’ve done that, you’re on the path to becoming a licensed CPA, marking the end of your hard work and the start of your professional career!

Conclusion

Becoming a CPA is a journey that requires time, effort, and dedication. Each step along the way brings you closer to earning your CPA license and starting a rewarding career in accounting. With persistence and the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving this professional milestone.

The timeline can vary, but with the right preparation and persistence, you’ll reach the finish line. Remember, it’s not just about passing the exams; it’s about becoming a skilled and trusted professional in financial accounting, tax preparation, and more. Stay focused, use the resources available, and don’t be afraid to take your time to do what’s best for you. The payoff is worth it—both for your career and for the opportunities that come with becoming a licensed CPA.

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