By anasshahzad The CPA course can be an exciting and daunting endeavour for the novice. The CPA course is one of the most prestigious credentials in finance and accounting, leading to rewarding career opportunities in all industries and locations. Still, transitioning from application to certification requires planning, commitment, and a thorough understanding of the process, including each step involved.
Having a clear roadmap will assist individuals in being and staying organized and engaged throughout the entire CPA full form (Certified Public Accountant) journey, from qualifying eligibility and selecting appropriate jurisdictions, to preparing for all four exam sections and fulfilling an experience requirement.
Before starting your journey to receive your CPA course, you will want to make sure that you meet the eligibility requirements of the state boards. Most state boards in the United States require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, which typically includes a certain number of hours in accounting and business courses. Some states may require 150 semester hours of education.
Determining these requirements early on helps you decide whether or not you qualify or need to take additional courses. Since every jurisdiction has varied rules, it is essential to research the specific state board under which you plan to apply.
Your next step is to ensure that you have selected the correct state board of accountancy to which you will apply. This decision is typically based on where you live, your educational background, and where you plan to work. Once you have determined on the state board, you will have to submit your application, official transcripts, identification, and the applicable fees.
Once your documents have been reviewed and approved by the board, you will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT), which allows you to register for specific sections of the CPA full form (Certified Public Accountant). Applying through the jurisdictions and submitting properly documented materials can delay your approval from the board.
The CPA exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG). Each section examines a varied set of accounting and analytical skills.
Investing in a reliable CPA full form (Certified Public Accountant) review course, practising multiple-choice questions and taking mock exams are key strategies. Candidates usually benefit from focusing on one section at a time to retain concepts. To successfully pass all four sections of the CPA exam, you’ll need a regimented study plan with discipline for time management.
After your application is accepted, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) and you will find time to schedule your examination appointment at one of the Prometric test centres. It is essential to plan the exam dates, taking into consideration the readiness for the exam sections. Each exam section has a defined schedule to test each exam section, so the sooner you schedule, the more likely you are to get your preferred appointment time.
On the day of the exam, remember to stay calm and manage your time. Each section of the exam is four hours long and consists of multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations and written communication. You must complete each section based on a scheduling time of 18 months from the day you passed the first section.
Along with passing the exams, CPA candidates must also fulfil a certain amount of employment experience with a licensed CPA. States generally require 1-2 years of employment in an accounting, taxation, or auditing role. This type of real-world experience enables the candidate to demonstrate both an understanding of theory and the ability to perform at the level of proficiency learned in practice.
Regardless of the type of work experience, you will need a supervising CPA to verify and sign off on your work experience before submission as part of your CPA course requirements. This part of the requirement ensures a smooth transition from classroom learning to functioning at an applied level in the workforce.
Once you have successfully done both the exam and experience requirements, you can proceed to apply for your CPA license, which entails submitting your final documents, proof of experience, and, in some US states, the passing of an ethics exam. This particular exam assesses your understanding of professional ethics and conduct.
After obtaining the CPA credential, you officially become a licensed CPA! However, your learning is not over – CPAs must complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) annually to maintain their license. This guarantees that you are up to date with the latest accounting standards and excel in your professional work.
The CPA path is a well-defined process that requires commitment, planning and preparation. From meeting eligibility requirements and applying for exams to passing all four sections and gaining practical experience, each step brings you closer to becoming a licensed CPA. Connect with the Zell Education experts to discover more about the CPA course!
It is necessary to possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, wherein you must complete credit hours of 120 to 150 as per the state board’s requirements.
You must score at least 75 in each section of the CPA exam to pass.
CPAs need to complete Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours annually to maintain their licenses.