What Is A CPA
So what is a CPA? CPA stands for “Certified Public Accountant” and is a title that is given to those in the accounting field that have passed several standards that allow them to hold that title. The requirements vary from state to state, however for the most part they entail the following requirements.
Degree in Accounting
Many states require that for you to have a CPA you have some sort of degree in accounting or some related field from a four-year accredited university. These degrees can be either from Accounting, Economics, or some form of Business study. Usually this is not an issue as those who pursue a CPA certification already have some background in Accounting.
Minimum Hours Worked as an Accountant
Another requirement for a CPA certification is that you have so many hours of field related work. Usually this is met through the course of employment in an accounting position, and depending on which state you reside in the hours may fluctuate. Usually for most people they will have to work a couple of years before this requirement is met, however again this varies.
Pass a CPA Certification Test
To obtain CPA Certification one also has to pass a series of test in the various areas of accounting to prove that you are competent in the field. These tests are usually administered in test centers via computers where a minimum passing score is required. Usually the studying required for this test is quite vigorous, and failure to pass a section can lead to postponement of CPA certification. The costs of these accounting examinations can also be quite high, so many choose to take their time and study up to ensure that they pass the first time.
Continuing Education Requirements
Along with meeting the accounting requirements listed above, accountants who wish to maintain their CPA certification must meet continuing education requirements to ensure that they stay up to date with the latest trends in accounting. The generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are often being changed as the tax code change, so thus continuous study is required.
So along with fulfilling the above requirements, CPAs are held to a high standards of ethics. Any violation of such code of ethics could mean revocation of their CPA certification.
If you are an accountant that has not had formal training, there are many online accounting courses that you can take to fulfill your educational requirements. No matter what field of accounting you are in, there are many online accounting colleges that offer courses that you can take at your own pace to earn your educational credit requirements.
What Is A CPA
If you are considering being an accountant or already working as one, having a CPA certification will help you increase your earnings potential greatly with possible accounting firms. Many of the major accounting firms like Price Water House Coopers require their associates to eventually obtain such certification, so if that is an accounting firm you wish to work for or any of the major accounting firms, you definitely should work towards getting your CPA certification ASAP. So now that you know what is a cpa, read on to learn more about the available accounting career opportunities available.