Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the United States is a highly rewarding career path that requires meeting educational, examination, and experience requirements. With the CPA Exam undergoing significant changes in 2024, it’s essential to stay updated on the latest syllabus and requirements. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process in 2025, with support from Uplift Professionals, a trusted name in CPA exam preparation.
Step 1: Understand the CPA Requirements
Each state in the U.S. has its own Board of Accountancy, which sets specific requirements for becoming a CPA. Research the requirements for the state where you plan to practice. Common requirements include:
- Educational Qualifications: Typically 150 semester hours of college credit and a study of 20-30 hours of accounting in college/university.
- Passing the Uniform CPA Exam: Updated syllabus effective from 2024.
- Work Experience: Usually 1-2 years under a licensed CPA or equivalent qualification holders.
- Ethics Exam: Some states require an ethics exam or course before applying for the CPA US licence.
Step 2: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- Ensure your coursework includes accounting-specific subjects such as auditing, taxation, financial accounting, and managerial accounting.
Challenges for Candidates with a 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree or Non-Commerce graduates
- Many international candidates, particularly those from countries like India, hold a 3-year bachelor’s degree, which may not meet the 150-credit requirement or a study of 20 to 30 accounting hours required for the CPA Exam.
- To bridge this gap: Pursue a Master’s in Accounting or a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting.
- Contact the evaluation experts at Uplift Professionals to assess your educational credentials and determine the best pathway to meet your state’s CPA eligibility requirements.They can guide you on:
- Credit equivalency for your degree.
- Additional courses or qualifications needed.
- State-specific rules for international candidates.
Step 3: Complete 150 Semester Hours
- Most states require 150 semester hours of college credit to sit for the CPA Exam. This is typically 30 hours beyond a standard bachelor’s degree.
- You can fulfill this requirement by:
- Earning a master’s degree in accounting or taxation.
- Taking additional undergraduate or graduate-level courses in accounting.
Step 4: Apply for the CPA Exam
- Submit an application to your state’s Board of Accountancy to sit for the CPA Exam.
- Pay the required fees and provide transcripts to verify your educational qualifications.
- Once approved, you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which allows you to schedule your exam sections.
Step 5: Prepare for and Pass the CPA Exam
The CPA Exam has been updated in 2024 to reflect the evolving skills required in the accounting profession. The new syllabus includes the following sections:
1. Core Sections (Required for All Candidates):
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Focuses on auditing procedures, standards, and reporting.
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Covers GAAP, financial statements, and transactions.
- Taxation and Regulation (REG): Includes federal taxation, ethics, and business law.
2. Discipline Sections (Choose One):
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Focuses on financial and operational decision-making.
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Covers IT governance, cybersecurity, and data management.
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Emphasizes tax strategies and compliance.
Preparation Tips:
- Enroll in a comprehensive CPA review course like Uplift Professionals, which uses Surgent Premium CPA Study Materials and their advanced Learning Management System (LMS). Surgent’s materials include hardbooks, video lectures, and adaptive learning technology to personalize your study plan.
- Dedicate sufficient time to each section and use practice questions to reinforce your understanding.
- Pass all four sections within an 18-month window (varies by state).
Step 6: Gain Work Experience
- Most states require 1-2 years of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
- Ensure your work experience aligns with your state’s requirements (e.g., public accounting, industry, government, or academia).
Step 7: Pass the Ethics Exam (if required)
- Some states require candidates to pass an ethics exam, such as the AICPA Ethics Exam or a state-specific exam.
- Study the provided materials and complete the exam.
Step 8: Apply for Your CPA License
- Submit your application for licensure to your state’s Board of Accountancy.
- Provide proof of education, exam scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion (if applicable).
- Pay the licensing fee.
Step 9: Maintain Your CPA License
- Fulfill continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to keep your license active.
- Stay updated on changes in accounting standards, regulations, and technology.
How Uplift Professionals Can Help in your US CPA Journey?
Uplift Professionals is a leading provider of CPA exam preparation resources, offering tailored support to help you succeed in the CPA US Exam. They use Surgent Premium CPA Study Materials, which are known for their effectiveness and innovative approach with high pass rates. Here’s why Surgent CPA is a game-changer:
Advantages of Studying with Surgent International CPA:
1. Adaptive Learning Technology:
- Surgent’s proprietary A.S.A.P.® Technology identifies your strengths and weaknesses, creating a personalized study plan to maximize efficiency.
- This ensures you focus on areas where you need the most improvement, saving time and effort.
2. High Pass Rates:
- Surgent boasts one of the highest CPA Exam pass rates in the industry, with many students passing all four sections on their first attempt (89%)
- Their proven methodology and comprehensive materials increase your chances of success.
3. Comprehensive Study Materials:
- Softbooks & Hardbooks: Detailed textbooks covering all exam topics.
- Video Lectures: Engaging and easy-to-follow videos by expert instructors.
- Practice Questions and Mock Exams: Simulate the actual exam environment and help you build confidence.
4. Flexible Learning Options:
- Surgent’s LMS allows you to study anytime, anywhere, on any device.
- Self-paced study plans fit your schedule, making it ideal for working professionals.
5. Real-Time Performance Tracking:
- Track your progress with real-time analytics and adjust your study plan as needed.
Why Choose Uplift Professionals?
- Uplift Professionals combines Surgent’s cutting-edge materials with personalized end to end administrative guidance , extra videos of 200+ hours from CFO mentors, mock tests, and live online mentorship.
- Their team of experts provides guidance on exam strategy, time management, and overcoming challenges.
- CPA US from Uplift Professionals is more effective, strategised and economic, specially for students and professionals who are busy in their daily lives.
Additional Tips for CPA US Aspirants
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the AICPA and NASBA websites for updates on CPA Exam content and requirements.
- Leverage Technology: Use digital tools and resources for exam preparation and career advancement.
- Network: Join professional organizations like the AICPA or state CPA societies for support and career opportunities.
Advice for 3-Year Bachelor’s Degree Holders
If you hold a 3-year bachelor’s degree, don’t let this discourage you from pursuing the CPA credential. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact Uplift Professionals: Their evaluation experts will analyze your academic credentials and provide a clear roadmap to meet the 150-credit requirement.
- They will also make a neutral scrutiny of your background, future aspirations, financial strength and suggest the qualification which is perfect for your profile.
- Choose the Right State: Some states are more flexible with international education credentials. Uplift Professionals can help you identify the best state for your application.
By following these steps and leveraging the support of Uplift Professionals and Surgent Premium CPA Study Materials, you can achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. CPA in 2025. With Surgent’s high pass rates and adaptive learning technology, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the CPA Exam with confidence. Good luck on your journey!