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Depending what state you are from there are specific requirements on becoming a CPA.

This site linked below breaks down the steps it takes to become a cpa in your specific state one of the 54 jurisdictions along with all the exam and certification standards along with education for becoming an accountant or cpa.

http://www.accountingedu.org/index.html

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12y ago
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16y ago

To become a Certificate of Public Accountant, you need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination and a Local CPA Examination.

The minimum educational requirement for the CPA certificate is a diploma from a four (4) year high school. The experience requirement for the CPA Certificate is six (6) years of public accounting experience preceding the date of the application.

Some combinations of experience and education can be acceptable. See the link for more information.

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14y ago

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to a certified public accountant.

As of 2007, 42 States and the District of Columbia required CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework-an additional 30 hours beyond the usual 4-year bachelor's degree. Several other States have adopted similar legislation that will become effective before 2009. Colorado, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Vermont are the only States that do not have any immediate plans to require the 150 semester hours. In response to this trend, many schools have altered their curricula accordingly, with most programs offering master's degrees as part of the 150 hours. Prospective accounting majors should carefully research accounting curricula and the requirements of any States in which they hope to become licensed.

All States use the four-part Uniform CPA Examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The CPA examination is rigorous, and less than one-half of those who take it each year pass every part they attempt on the first try. Candidates are not required to pass all four parts at once, but most States require candidates to pass all four sections within 18 months of passing their first section. The CPA exam is now computerized and is offered 2 months out of every quarter at various testing centers throughout the United States. Most States also require applicants for a CPA certificate to have some accounting experience; however requirements vary by State or jurisdiction.

Nearly all States require CPAs and other public accountants to complete a certain number of hours of continuing professional education before their licenses can be renewed. The professional associations representing accountants sponsor numerous courses, seminars, group study programs, and other forms of continuing education.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

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14y ago

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for a Certified Public Accountant.


Most accountants and auditors need at least a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, or a related field. Many accountants and auditors choose to obtain certification to help advance their careers, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Any accountant filing a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required by law to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). This may include senior level accountants working for or on behalf of public companies that are registered with the SEC. CPAs are licensed by their State Board of Accountancy. Any accountant who passes a national exam and meets the other requirements of the State where they practice can become a CPA. The vast majority of States require CPA candidates to be college graduates, but a few States will substitute a number of years of public accounting experience for a college degree.

As of 2007, 42 States and the District of Columbia required CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework-an additional 30 hours beyond the usual 4-year bachelor's degree. Several other States have adopted similar legislation that will become effective before 2009. Colorado, Delaware, New Hampshire, and Vermont are the only States that do not have any immediate plans to require the 150 semester hours. In response to this trend, many schools have altered their curricula accordingly, with most programs offering master's degrees as part of the 150 hours. Prospective accounting majors should carefully research accounting curricula and the requirements of any States in which they hope to become licensed.

All States use the four-part Uniform CPA Examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The CPA examination is rigorous, and less than one-half of those who take it each year pass every part they attempt on the first try. Candidates are not required to pass all four parts at once, but most States require candidates to pass all four sections within 18 months of passing their first section. The CPA exam is now computerized and is offered 2 months out of every quarter at various testing centers throughout the United States. Most States also require applicants for a CPA certificate to have some accounting experience; however requirements vary by State or jurisdiction.

Nearly all States require CPAs and other public accountants to complete a certain number of hours of continuing professional education before their licenses can be renewed. The professional associations representing accountants sponsor numerous courses, seminars, group study programs, and other forms of continuing education.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

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14y ago

It will take 3yrs if typically u want to complete

means 5 yrs

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12y ago

to become a accountant you have to study 5 to 7 years

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Q: How long does it take to get a certified public accountant?
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Related questions

What is the examination that you take after your degree to become an accountant?

You would take the CPA exam to become a Certified Public Accountant.


What is US CPA Exam?

US CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant exam. Accountants take this exam to enhance professional credentials as a nationally recognized accountant.


What services does a CPA provide?

Public Accountants, also known as Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, offer a range of valuable financial services to their clients and employers. To become a Certified Public Accountant requires not only an education in accounting and other business areas, but at least a year's experience working in auditing and accounting under the guidance of another Certified Public Accountant. Becoming certified as a public accountant, though, also means passing an arduous exam that is designed to ensure that anyone with the Certified Public Accountant designation is fully competent in all areas of tax, accounting, and auditing. You are most likely to find Certified Public Accountants at a Certified Public Accountant firm, which is staffed with these qualified financial professionals. Certified Public Accountant firms serve clients of all sizes, including businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and individuals, and charge an hourly rate for their services. The rate is typically based upon the expertise of the accountant or Certified Public Accountant who is working on the client's engagement, as well as the scope of the work involved. Certified Public Accountants are best known for providing auditing services to major corporations. A Certified Public Accountant firm can verify that financial statements are materially free of misstatements for organizations ranging from mom-and-pop shops that are applying for loans to international publicly held organizations that must be audited to continue being listed on various exchanges. Not only do Certified Public Accountants audit financial statements, but they also audit the results of specific events, such as lottery drawings or even glamorous awards shows, like the Golden Globes. You may know Certified Public Accountants as the individuals who prepare your personal tax return. Whether your income tax return is a simple Form 1040 or a complex one that includes exotic investments and detailed gains and losses, a Certified Public Accountant firm has accountants who are knowledgeable about the tax laws that can help to reduce or even eliminate your tax liability. As tax laws changes, Certified Public Accountants become valuable allies in ensuring that you are able to take advantage of the credits and deductions that are available from both the Internal Revenue Service and from your state taxing authority.


What qualfications are needed to become an accountant?

To become an accountant you must have a degree. To become certified you must take the state test and pass.


How many years does take to become an accountant?

You could get it done in 4 years, but if you want to become a Certified Public Accountant, you have to take a pretty hard test (like the bar exam for Accountants) and there is a period of time where you have to learn on the job before you get licensed. But, you could get a job right out of high school in an Accounts Receivable department, and technically that's accounting.


A Career as a Certified Management Accountant?

A certified management accountant works primarily with corporations and businesses that need financial guidance. The certified management accountant does not work directly with the general public, but focuses all of his or her attention on the financial organization of businesses, unlike a certified public accountant. Job Expectations Certified management accountants are generally hired by large corporations to work as part of their regular staff. The management accountants provide specific financial advice to every segment of the company. This advice can range from upper level decisions about investments to suggestions for employees who need to decide how to allocate the stocks in their retirement plan. Working as a certified management accountant can provide you with a diverse number of tasks that are all related to the big picture of a company’s finances. In essence, the certified management accountant is the company’s financial expert who helps guide the business toward making sound financial decisions. Necessary Qualifications There are some specific requirements for becoming a certified management accountant. People who want to become certified management accountants generally begin their training by attending a four year college or university where they study applied mathematics, accounting, or another financially focused degree program. Once they have graduated, there is an extensive certification process that they must go through. The certified management accounting test can take from 3 to 4 days for most candidates. It requires an extensive amount of knowledge in accounting methods and financial understanding. You can find courses that will help you study for the tests in most states. Earning Potential Certified management accountants in the United States bring home an average salary of $80,000. The starting salary for a certified management accountant is similar to that of a general accountant, since most of them begin their careers as accountants before becoming certified. As a beginning accountant you can expect to make around $40,000 per year. The more training, experience, and certification levels you achieve, the higher your salary will be. Salaries are also based on the company you work for and the area of the country in which you work. Larger corporations will expect more from a certified management accountant, which means they will offer higher salaries.


How long does it take to become a CPA?

It would take you to university for 3 years and then you would have to do a job interview and that would get you all set up for being a certified public accountant


How long does it take to become an bank accountant?

3 years


Can you give me a short sentence with the word certified?

I took the document to a notary public to have it's authenticity certified. Please take the car to a certified mechanic.


How many years it takes to become an accountant?

You could get it done in 4 years, but if you want to become a Certified Public Accountant, you have to take a pretty hard test (like the bar exam for Accountants) and there is a period of time where you have to learn on the job before you get licensed. But, you could get a job right out of high school in an Accounts Receivable department, and technically that's accounting.


What education or training do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant?

CPA is a certification. So you take the test and get the certificate. I know you must have at least a Bachelor's in Accounting. Most people I know in school who want to be accountants are doing a combined Bachelor's and Master's program.


To become an account do you have to take the CPA exam?

It depends on what type of accountant you want to become. If you simply want to become an accountant of your family business, your Dad will never ask you about your degree. If you want to become an accountant in other business enterprises, they will definitely ask you about your final degree testimonials. If you want to become a Chartered Accountant, you have to qualify the exams and this is not an easy task. Life is not that easy as we think. And it is also not so difficult as we all fear about. Balance yourself and you will get what you want. But prepare for your final exams in accountancy.