CPA Requirements 2023 – About CPA Examination
CPA exam requirements are determined by various local boards and therefore differ across state jurisdictions.
Although each state’s body of accountants has slightly different criteria for taking the CPA exam, most states have a common set of requirements that applicants must complete to be qualified.
Let’s analyze the credentials you’ll need to qualify for a Standard CPA exam in most states, as well as the other steps you’ll need to complete after passing the exam to be a Certified Public Accountant.
Requirements for the CPA Exam
If you’re not qualified for the CPA exam, your local board will cancel your candidacy and which means you will burden yourself with non-refundable application fees.
Before attempting to submit your candidacy to your local board, make sure you go over the eligibility checklist.
Citizenship Eligibility
Is it necessary to have US citizenship in order to sit for the CPA exam? Despite the fact that the average CPA candidate is a US citizen, most applicants are unaware of this criterion.
However, it looks like most states in the United States will permit foreigners to become CPAs. However, other states, like North Carolina, exclusively register their own citizens.
Finally, if you’re an international applicant, you’ll find that applying for CPA certification is easier than you think!
Read: Become An ANAN-Certified Professional Accountant 2022
Social Security Identification
Is a Social Security number required to sit for the CPA exam? A genuine Social Security number is required for verification in most states.
This seems odd, given that the original Social Security cards clearly state “not for identification.”
Most folks aren’t aware of this criterion because the average candidate is a US citizen with a Social Security number. Because foreign candidates are very seldom enrolled in the Social Security system in the United States, they are unlikely to have an SS number.
Don’t be alarmed if this is the situation. There are no Social Security requirements in Illinois, Montana, New York, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. Applying in such states is risk-free for you
Age Restrictions
To qualify for the CPA exam, you must be above 18 years of age in each of the 55 licensing states.
Minors, we’re sorry, but you will need to wait a while before you can begin your career.
I’m confident you’ve met all of the requirements so far. The majority of candidates aren’t aware that these requirements exist, yet they do. Let’s go on to the most important requirement, the one you are most likely concerned about: education.
Educational Requirements
Education requirements differ by state, as they do for other CPA exam credentials, however, there are a few similarities that most states require. The most important criterion is that candidates have finished either a bachelor’s degree or 120 academic credit units.
Some states demand a standard bachelor’s degree, whereas some need a degree in accountancy or a business-related discipline such as finance. Most states demand basic know-how about accountancy and business-related education, irrespective of the degree required.
Many states, for instance, require a minimum of 24 semester hours of accounting coursework, covering intermediate or advanced accountancy, budgetary control, and taxation. At least 20-course credits for relevant business topics, such as finance, business law, or marketing, are often required by states.
Only a few states permit students to participate before graduation. Consult your local board to determine if you are among the privileged few who will be able to get ahead of the pack. All states demand that you receive your degree from an approved or accredited college.
This is a common issue for foreign students enrolled in a university abroad. Some states go over the standard educational requirements, mandating candidates to finish at least a total of 150 college credit hours in order to qualify for the exam. Most states just need 120 to be exam qualified. However, to become qualified in many states, you must complete 150 credit hours.
Work Experience
To sit for the exam, no state demands that you have any prior job experience. This is a necessary step in obtaining your CPA license. After passing the exam, you’ll have more than enough time to develop experience.
Requirements for the CPA Exam
Citizenship of the United States
Social Security Number (SSN)
You must be, at a minimum, 18 years of age.
Bachelor’s Degree or 120 College Credit Hours
Are You a CPA Exam Candidate?
So there you have it. the requirements. Are you qualified to take the exam? If this is the case, you should get started studying right away. It’s pointless to delay. The earlier you begin studying, the faster you will be qualified to use the title of CPA and advance in your profession.