Steps to Becoming a Certified Accountant
A certified public accountant (CPA) performs auditing, accounting and tax services to businesses and individuals. All 50 states require licensure for certified public accountants to practice in the state. A CPA may operate a business or perform auditing, accounting and tax services within a company. The average salary for a certified public accountant is between $48,500 and $73,616 as of December 2010, according to PayScale.
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Education
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A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for a certified accountant. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some states require CPA candidates have 150 semester hours to qualify for the license to practice in the state, which is more semester hours than a typical bachelor's degree. As of 2009, New Hampshire, California, Vermont and Colorado do not require 150 hours for the license. The state may require specific courses for certified public accountants, such as taxation, finance, cost accounting and auditing.
Work Experience
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States may also require the candidate have experience in public accounting under the direction of a licensed professional. Each state regulates the amount of experience necessary to qualify to sit for the CPA examination. For example, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation requires candidates for the CPA examination complete one year of experience to qualify.
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Examination
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All 50 states require candidates pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination to qualify for licensure. The examination is divided into four parts and candidates may take the examination on separate dates as long as it is completed within 18 months. States require a candidate for the examination to submit an application to schedule a date to sit for the exam. An application to sit for the examination includes information on the education and experience of the candidate. The state will determine if the candidate qualifies to sit for the CPA exam.
Continuing Education
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Certified public accountants must complete continuing education courses to renew a license in the state. The state requires a specific number of hours of training and courses for renewal.
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References
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