What is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

What is a CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a trusted financial advisor who helps individuals and businesses plan and reach their financial goals. CPAs are licensed professionals who have met rigorous educational, examination, and experience requirements.

How to Become a CPA

Dreaming of becoming a CPA? Here’s how:

• Education:

  • Obtain a bachelor's degree with required accounting and business credits (usually 150 credit hours - check with your state's Board of Accountancy).

    
    

• Experience:

  • Gain relevant work experience under a licensed CPA.

    
    

• Examination:

  • Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

    
    

• Licensing:

  • Obtain a CPA license from your state's Board of Accountancy.

The CPA Exam Sections

The CPA Exam has four sections. There are three core sections (AUD, FAR, & REG) and one discipline (BAR, ISC, & TCP). Exam takers must take the three core sections and have the ability to choose which discipline they would like to take.

1. Core Sections:

   
   

   1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD):

      • Auditing procedures, standards, and ethics.

        
        

   2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR):

      • Financial accounting standards and principles.

        
        

   3. Regulation (REG):

      • Federal taxation, ethics, and business law.

        
        

2. Discipline Sections (NEW IN 2024):

   
   

   1. Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): 

      • Focuses on business analysis and reporting skills.

        
        

   2. Information Systems and Controls (ISC): 

      • Covers IT governance, cybersecurity, and systems and organization control engagements.

        
        

   3. Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): 

      • Focuses on tax compliance and planning skills.

Are you thinking about pursuing the CPA Exam?

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Conclusion

Becoming a CPA is a rewarding journey that opens doors to numerous career opportunities 💡💰. At Affordable Knowledge, we're here to support you every step of the way. Let us help you achieve your professional goals!