The path to becoming an accountant is long, but well worth the effort. You’ll need a 4- year college degree in accounting to enter the field as an accountant, rather than as a bookkeeper who can begin with a two year AA. To go farther and be licensed as a CPA in most states and territories you can apply to sit for the exam after you achieve your bachelor’s. Most people, however, will need further graduate level coursework aimed specifically at preparation for licensed work. You’ll also need to pass the universal CPA exam, and obtain the work experience necessary. By meeting the specific requirements of your state and by following through over the years with mandatory relicensing and continuing education, you can gain a career that is stable, respectable, well paid and secure. There are few professions as clearly and constantly useful as that of the CPA.

The requirements for an accounting position are met by obtaining a four year degree. There are many routes you can take to gain the degree. Local colleges and universities will offer training, as will business colleges and online accounting degree programs. Be sure that you choose an accredited institution, and take time to compare the various offerings. To serve well as an accountant you will need a clear understanding of the common best practices of the profession, the local and federal tax structure, and the varieties of business classifications. You will also want to be trained in a range of standard professional software tools, such as Peachtree and Quicken.

The universal CPA exam is designed to test your proficiency as a very high caliber accounting professional. Be sure that the graduate program you choose prepares you for this. The exam will demand your creative best in the same way that the legal bar exams demand creative, flexible problem solving and a deep knowledge of both the letter and the spirit of the law. Whether you choose an online program or an on-site program be sure that the institution is accredited. Compare programs and choose the most rigorous one you can find. There are times and places for “easy” but when preparing for the universal exam you want the preparation to be difficult, so that the exam won’t be too bad in comparison.

The best place to learn about the universal CPA exam is at the exam website, http://www.cpa-exam.org/. The site provides an overview of the test and its sections, as well as information about qualifying to sit for the exam, frequency of testing permitted, and more. Because of the central importance of passing the test you should take the time to completely familiarize yourself with this site before even signing up for a grad course. By learning the structure, nature, topics and goals of the exam you can better assess the value of programs offered.

The final thing you need to get a CPA license is the job experience required by your state or territory. The specifics can be looked up in a number of places. You can contact your state licensing board, or check online at sites like http://www.becker.com/accounting/cpaexamreview/state/index.cfm. Don’t try to skimp on this final phase of necessary requirements for accreditation. Doctors serve internships, and CPAs gain work experience. Failing to meet the final obligation wastes the time and effort that came before.

Even after gaining a license your local authorities will require regular renewal of your license and proof of ongoing formal accounting education. In an attempt to keep CPAs professionally up to date and reliable there is great importance placed on maintaining ongoing schedules of formal education in the field. Without both renewal and education your license can lapse. To avoid the professional disruption this would cause, be vigilant about renewal and continuing education.

Maria Bascuas is an educator and journalist who writes about distance education and schools online.

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