| If you have studied accounting and want to go | | | | which may vary for each state as well as |
| further up, the next big step is to obtain a | | | | qualifications. For instance, there is a $95 |
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license which is | | | | application fee in Pennsylvania. The Business |
| prepared by the American Institute of Certified | | | | Environment (BEC) is $180.95, Auditing (AUD) |
| Public Accountants (AICPA), an accounting | | | | section fee is $230.55, Regulation is $193.35 and |
| professional association in the United States. If | | | | Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) is |
| you have decided to become a CPA, you must | | | | $218.15. If you are sitting for a second attempt, |
| complete the process of sitting for the | | | | you have to pay the application fee of $95 again. |
| examination, passing it and then obtaining a license. | | | | The most crucial part is the preparation. You have |
| CPA will increase your credibility and add to the | | | | to study really hard as only about 10% of the |
| value of your portfolio. You can also earn higher | | | | candidates who sit for the CPA exams, emerge |
| wages and other financial advantages after CPA. | | | | successful in the first attempt. You should make it |
| To be eligible for Certified Public Accountant | | | | appoint to pass all the four parts of the exam in |
| (CPA), an undergraduate degree in any major | | | | one attempt. Though usually, this does not |
| with 150 credit hours of course work along with a | | | | happen, sitting for the exam over, and over again |
| minimum of 36 credit hours in accounting is | | | | can become very costly. |
| required. | | | | There are various ways to study for the CPA |
| Here are some important steps you should be | | | | examination. Popular among them are live classes, |
| following in order to become a CPA: | | | | online classes, self study CDs and cram sessions. |
| Perform thorough research and learn everything | | | | Many institutions offer study materials as well as |
| about the CPA examinations. There are many | | | | CPA review classes. |
| online examination resources available easily or | | | | You should schedule each section of your exams |
| you can learn from past aspirants who have | | | | properly and at least 45 days in advance. |
| already sat for the CPA exams. | | | | Once you are eligible, fully prepared and |
| Ensure that you fit all the qualifications and then | | | | understand your schedule for the CPA |
| apply for the examination by obtaining an | | | | examination, just follow all the rules and |
| application, furnishing it with required details and | | | | instructions properly. |
| then submitting it appropriately with the required | | | | After taking the examination, you just need to |
| fees and documents. | | | | anticipate the results. After you get them, act |
| This process could take anywhere from 6 weeks | | | | accordingly. If you pass all the sections and |
| to 8 weeks, during which you can prepare for the | | | | achieve the required credits, you have gained |
| CPA examination. You should keep yourself | | | | CPA license but if not, you must study harder for |
| updated about the changes in the CPA | | | | your options and sit for the CPA examination |
| examination which are very frequent. | | | | again. |
| Choose your territory where you wish to qualify, | | | | If you want to excel in Accounting, you have to |
| as different territories and different jurisdictions | | | | become CPA i.e., a Certified Public Accountant. |
| have different requirements from their CPAs. This | | | | You will require sitting for an examination and then |
| has much to do with your eligibility. Different | | | | passing all the sections before becoming a |
| instruction will be given for different territories and | | | | certified or licensed CPA. This will give you an |
| you should be careful to make a note of the | | | | edge over others and you will also enjoy a salary |
| same. | | | | hike. |
| You have to pay your examination fees next, | | | | |