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

   Browse jobs now →

Course links are Udemy affiliate links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.