CPA Requirements

What It Takes–A Guide to Becoming a CPA

What Is a CPA?

A CPA is a certified public accountant and is licensed by the state. In California, to earn the prestige associated with the CPA license, individuals are required to demonstrate their knowledge and competence by passing the Uniform CPA Exam, meeting high educational standards and completing a specified amount of general accounting experience.

The two most important goals to focus on in your quest to become a CPA are passing the Uniform CPA Exam and meeting licensing requirements.

Learn the Steps to CPA Licensure

The Path to CPA

Check out AICPA’s “This Way to CPA"

Check out the California Board of Accountancy’s Educational Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree;
  • 24 semester units in accounting-related subjects;
  • 24 semester units in business-related subjects;
  • 150 semester units (or 225 quarter units) of education;
  • Passing the Uniform CPA Exam;
  • Passing the Professional Ethics Exam for CPAs; and
  • One year of general accounting experience supervised by a CPA with an active license.