Finance

How to become a Certified Public Accountant

From accountant: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

1–3 years

Typical pay

$75k–$110k

Starting from

Accountant

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from accountant and includes any licence or programme legally required, not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   6–18 months

   Meet the 150-hour education requirement

   Most states require 150 credit hours — more than a standard bachelor's degree.

   Course that covers thisAccounting Fundamentals: From Zero to HeroUdemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   1–2 years

   Get experience under a licensed CPA

   One to two years of supervised work, depending on the state board.

3. 3

   12–18 months

   Pass all four CPA exam sections

   Each within an 18-month rolling window, or you start losing credits.

   ◆ Uniform CPA Examination

4. 4

   Apply to your state board for the licence

   Ethics exam in many states, then the licence itself.

   ◆ State CPA licence

5. ✓

   Destination

   Certified Public Accountant

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