Becoming an accountant is a worthwhile ambition. A profession demanding intelligence, education, and integrity, an accountant is the ally of both businessmen and private citizens. To be an accountant you will need to complete a four year degree program, preferably in accounting. To become a CPA, however, demands special training. While you are allowed in most states to sit for the accounting exam after obtaining a four year degree, to pass the CPA exam is difficult. Your odds are generally felt to be better if you have done graduate work in accounting before sitting for the exam. CPA licenses also need to be maintained. Most states require license renewal and an ongoing commitment to professional education. The requirements for licensing and maintenance will vary from state to state, but can be found through your state licensing department.
The four year degree program which allows you to enter the field as an accountant, though not as a CPA, can be obtained through a range of colleges, universities and business colleges. Many can be obtained online these days. Regardless of where you obtain your accounting degree, be sure the source is respected and that it provides a solid grounding in common business practices, in auditing and forensic bookkeeping, and in the common computer software tools used in the industry.
Graduate programs for those planning on taking the CPA exam can also be gained through many sources. Don’t limit yourself to any single answer before doing your research. The demands placed on CPAs are extensive and include many elements of professional skill not often called on by simple accounting positions. A CPA is a specialist, and you want to make certain you are getting the academic training needed to turn you into a specialist. Online sources of programs can be very good: however look into programs in as many places and using as many venues as possible. The “perfect” program for you could be at a University Extension, or through a local business college.
To choose the very best grad program, and to structure your best approach to the universal CPA exam, you should familiarize yourself with the exam. Fortunately the official website for the CPA exam is a superb resource. This site offers overviews of the entire test, detailed considerations of the goals and intent of the various sections, plus regulatory information establishing what you need to do to qualify to sit for the exam. By learning the nature of the test in advance you can help yourself choose a program and reinforce areas of knowledge you know will come up in testing. The site can be found at http://www.cpa-exam.org/.
The final thing you need to get a CPA license is the job experience required by your state or territory. The specifics can be looked up in a number of places. You can contact your state licensing board, or check online at sites like http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/index.cfm. Don’t try to skimp on this final phase of necessary requirements for accreditation. Doctors serve internships, and CPAs gain work experience. Failing to meet the final obligation wastes the time and effort that came before.
To retain your license you will be required to renew on a schedule determined by your regional authorities, and will also have to present proof of continuing accounting education. Without both of these ongoing obligations your license will lapse. Therefore when you have accomplished your goal and gained your license be sure to meet the obligations that license imposes to avoid professional complications.