Can You Take the CPA Exam While Still in School?
If you’re currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting and wondering, “Can you take the CPA exam while still in school?”—the short answer is yes. Depending on your state board’s educational requirements, many college students can sit for the CPA exam before completing their undergraduate degree. With the right strategy and timing, taking the CPA exam early can help jumpstart your accounting career.
This guide explains why it’s smart to take the CPA exam while still in school and how you can make the most of your time in college to prepare for a successful accounting career.
Why Take the CPA Exam in College?
“Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”
— John Lennon
Many accounting graduates plan to start their CPA exam prep after graduation, but life quickly fills up with full-time work, student loan payments, and family obligations. Starting the CPA process early, while still immersed in college accounting courses, gives you a competitive edge that can shape your entire career path.
1. You’re Already in the Learning Zone
- You’re actively taking accounting courses like financial accounting, business law, and corporate finance.
- You’re surrounded by peers who may also be studying for the CPA, offering built-in accountability.
- You have access to review courses, faculty, and advising resources that help with CPA exam preparation.
This is the ideal environment to start your CPA review. Concepts are fresh in your mind, and your study habits are already strong from completing college courses.
2. Save Time and Get Ahead
- Taking the CPA exam before you graduate means you may become a licensed CPA sooner.
- You can align your exam date with academic breaks or a light semester for easier balancing exam preparation.
- By passing sections during school, you avoid the stress of studying during your first busy year in public accounting.
💡 Studying for the CPA in college can lead to quicker CPA licensure, making you more attractive to employers looking for newly certified public accountants.
3. More Opportunities, Higher Pay
Passing the CPA examination signals to employers that you’re driven and serious about your profession. Whether you’re applying for roles in corporate finance, audit, or tax, firms know that candidates who pass the CPA exam while in school are a rare breed.
Many recent college graduates with a CPA certification on their résumé land roles faster, receive better benefits, and enjoy higher starting salaries. If you’re thinking about graduate school or a master’s program, having passed the exam already gives you more time to focus on advanced topics or research.
Eligibility Requirements to Take the CPA Exam in College
Can you take the CPA exam while still in school? Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements set by your state board. Here are the general expectations:
| Requirement | Typical Standard |
|---|---|
| Credit Hours | Most states require 120 college credit hours to sit for the exam |
| Accounting Coursework | Specific number of accounting-related major or required courses needed |
| Degree Status | Some states allow non degree students to test if credit hours are met |
| CPA Licensure | You’ll still need 150 credit hours (plus possibly additional coursework) |
🔎 Be sure to check with your state board of accountancy about the testing window and rules for CPA licensure in your state.
What’s on the CPA Exam? (Updated for 2024)
Thanks to the CPA Evolution initiative, the exam structure now includes three core sections and a customizable discipline section. This helps future licensed CPAs specialize in their area of interest.
🧱 Core Sections (Required for All Candidates):
- AUD – Auditing and Attestation
- FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting
- REG – Regulation (Tax & Law)
🔍 Choose One Discipline Section:
| Discipline | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| BAR – Business Analysis and Reporting | Advanced reporting, analytics, and data modeling |
| ISC – Information Systems and Controls | IT audits, cybersecurity, and system controls |
| TCP – Tax Compliance and Planning | Taxation for individuals and entities, planning strategies |
💼 Your chosen CPA exam section should align with your career interests, whether it’s tax, audit, or technology.
How to Prepare for the CPA Exam While in School
Balancing college life and the CPA exam can be challenging, but it’s absolutely doable with the right plan.
✅ Tips for CPA Exam Prep in College:
- Use a structured CPA review course (e.g., Roger CPA Review).
- Build a manageable study routine into your weekly calendar.
- Match your exam date to semesters where your course load is lighter.
- Focus on sections aligned with your strongest college accounting courses.
🧠 Remember, the average candidate spends 400–500 hours on exam preparation. Starting in college lets you spread out the workload without sacrificing your social life or grades.
Graduate School vs. Starting Now
Many students believe they should wait for a graduate degree or master’s degree before they start testing. However:
- You’ll need additional credits for licensure, but you don’t need them to sit for the exam.
- By starting earlier, you reduce the stress that comes from juggling a job, life, and exam prep later.
- It can make applying to graduate school or landing a public accounting job easier and more impressive.
📘 Whether you’re at a community college, accredited college, or top business school, tackling the CPA certification process now pays off long-term.
Final Thoughts: Take the CPA Exam While in School? Yes.
So again, can you take the CPA exam while still in school? Yes, and for many students, it’s the smartest move they can make to ensure a strong start to their accounting career.
🔑 Key Benefits:
- Stay in the academic mindset during CPA exam prep
- Take advantage of flexible schedules and peer support
- Save time and money by getting ahead before life gets more complex
- Land top jobs and earn more as a certified public accountant
Next Steps: Start Your CPA Journey Now
If you’re an accounting major pursuing an undergraduate degree, talk to your advisor about your eligibility. Review your education requirements, register with your state board, and select a CPA review program that fits your learning style.
The sooner you begin the CPA exam process, the closer you are to becoming a licensed CPA—before you even walk the stage at graduation.