Can You Become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Without an Accounting Degree?

Yes, it is possible to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) without having an accounting degree. Many professionals achieve the CPA designation by passing all four sections of the CPA exam and gaining the necessary work experience. This article explores the requirements, the path to certification, and provides advice for those who do not have an accounting degree but still want to become CPAs.

Requirements for CPA Certification

According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), you must meet certain requirements to apply for state CPA licensure:

Education Requirement

The minimum educational requirement to sit for the CPA exam is 150 credit hours of accounting coursework. However, this does not necessarily mean you need to hold a Master's degree in accounting. It can be achieved through:

Undergraduate accounting degree with additional graduate coursework Undergraduate degree in another discipline followed by a Master's in accounting Integrated five-year accounting programs leading to a Master's degree

Meeting this requirement can be challenging, as it often involves over 100 credit hours in addition to the bachelor's degree.

Experience Requirement

After completing the education requirement, you must gain at least one year of relevant experience working under a licensed CPA. This experience can occur in various accounting environments, such as:

CPA firm Law firm with tax and regulatory compliance services Corporation with a focus on accounting and finance

This hands-on experience helps you apply the knowledge gained through coursework and prepares you for the practical aspects of the CPA role.

Exam Requirement

The final requirement is to pass all four sections of the CPA exam. This four-part exam covers auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation.

Alternatives to a Formal Accounting Education

Individuals without a formal accounting background can still pursue a CPA. Here are some strategies:

Bridge Courses and Self-Study

Some professionals take advantage of bridge courses or self-study to build the necessary accounting knowledge. These courses can cover essential accounting concepts and prepare you for the CPA exam. For example, Miles Education offers an Accounting 101 course to help aspiring CPAs learn basic accounting principles.

Mentorship and Support

Having a mentor can be crucial in navigating the CPA journey. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and valuable insights into the profession. Many organizations and educational institutions offer mentorship programs to help aspiring CPAs achieve their goals.

Work Experience

Even if you do not hold an accounting degree, you can still gain the necessary work experience through internships, job shadowing, or entry-level accounting roles. This experience is invaluable and will help you understand the practical applications of accounting concepts.

Reality and Challenges

While it is possible to become a CPA without a formal accounting degree, it is not a straightforward path. Many CPAs have degrees in fields other than accounting, such as business, finance, economics, or engineering. These individuals often find success in the CPA profession by leveraging their diverse skill sets and completing the necessary education and experience requirements.

However, the CPA exam is notoriously difficult, and passing all four sections without a solid accounting background can be challenging. As my wife demonstrated, it is possible to pass the CPA exam from multiple countries, but it requires significant preparation and dedication.

Conclusion

In summary, while a formal accounting degree is beneficial, it is not a strict requirement for becoming a CPA. By carefully planning your educational and experiential path, you can achieve your goal of earning the CPA designation. If you're considering taking this journey, start by building a solid understanding of accounting principles, securing relevant work experience, and preparing for the CPA exam.