How Long Does it Take to Become a CPA?

Introduction

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) title is a gold standard in the world of public accountancy. Earning your CPA certification not only strengthens your accounting career but also boosts your potential to work with government agencies, represent clients, and attain your financial goals. But how long to become a CPA?

On average, it takes about 7 years to complete all the CPA licensure requirements—from education to exam to licensure. The journey involves a mix of college education, relevant work experience, and successful completion of the Uniform CPA Examination.

Breaking Down the Timeline

To become a CPA, you’ll need to go through a structured path involving:

• Meeting CPA eligibility criteria
• Completing the required education
• Gaining relevant experience
• Passing the CPA exam
• Securing state licensure

What is CPA Eligibility?

CPA eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally involve:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
• A specific number of semester hours in accounting and business courses
• Work experience requirements, often supervised by a licensed CPA
• Successfully passing the CPA exam and, in many cases, an ethics exam
• Demonstrating good moral character

Before you take the CPA exam, be sure to review your state board’s specific licensing requirements.

Education (4-6 Years)

Most states require 150 semester hours of coursework to qualify for the CPA license. Here’s how the timeline typically breaks down:

• Bachelor’s Degree (Accounting or related field): 4 years
• Additional Hours (Master’s Degree or Post-Bacc Coursework): 1–2 years

Common options to meet the 150-hour rule:

• Pursuing a double major in accounting and business
• Enrolling in a master’s degree program in accounting
• Taking additional accounting and business courses post-graduation

Tip: Enroll in programs recognized by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) or the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) for smooth qualification.

Work Experience (1-2 Years)

To become a licensed accounting professional, you’ll need professional experience in accounting. Most states require:

• 1 to 2 years of experience in public accounting, government, or industry
• Supervision by a licensed CPA
• Completion of tasks related to tax compliance, financial statements, auditing, and business analysis

This relevant experience is essential not just for licensure, but also for practical growth in your accounting career.

CPA Exam (1-2 Years)

The Uniform CPA Examination is a core requirement in becoming a certified public accountant. Under the updated CPA Evolution model, candidates are now required to pass three core sections and choose one discipline section to demonstrate specialized knowledge.

Core Sections (All Candidates Must Pass):

1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
2. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
3. Regulation (REG)

Discipline Sections (Choose One):

1. Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
2. Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
3. Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Each candidate must pass a total of four sections: the three core sections and one selected discipline section. This approach allows CPA candidates to demonstrate depth in a specific area, such as financial accounting, tax compliance, or information systems.

Key facts:

• Candidates have an 18-month window to pass all four sections after passing the first.
• The exam is rigorous—many candidates require multiple attempts, extending this phase to 1–2 years.
• Exams are administered year-round at approved test centers across the country.

To improve your chances of passing:

• Enroll in a reliable CPA review course
• Use targeted CPA exam resources for your chosen discipline section
• Follow a structured study plan with a focus on core sections and your specialization

State Licensing (Variable)

Once you’ve passed the CPA exam, the final step is state licensing, which includes:

• Meeting ethics and professional conduct standards
• Submitting proof of education and experience
• Passing a state-specific ethics exam (in some states)
• Fulfilling continuing education prerequisites (in select states)

This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to over a year, depending on the state board’s processing times and additional requirements.

Click here for quick links to CPA exam requirements by state

Factors Affecting the Timeline

Several elements influence how long it takes to become a CPA:

• Full-time vs. part-time study
• Access to part-time employment or internships for experience
• Performance on the CPA exam (first-time pass vs. retakes)
• Speed and complexity of your state’s licensing process
• Choice of accounting programs and college education pathway

Tips for Shortening the Timeline

Want to reach your CPA goals faster? Here’s how:

• ✅ Choose an accounting degree early in your education
• ✅ Accumulate 150 credit hours through a master’s degree or double major
• ✅ Start gaining work experience during school via internships
• ✅ Take advantage of a structured CPA exam review course
• ✅ Build strong study habits and time management skills
• ✅ Use top-rated CPA exam resources to reduce the need for retakes
• ✅ Familiarize yourself with your state board’s requirements early

Conclusion

While becoming a CPA requires a significant time commitment, the rewards are well worth the effort. The CPA credential not only enhances your professional standing but also opens up a world of opportunities in the accounting field. With careful planning and the right resources, you can achieve your CPA goals efficiently.

We encourage you to explore the wealth of resources available on CPAexam.com to support you on your journey to becoming a CPA. Start planning today to take control of your future in the accounting profession.

Becoming a licensed CPA is a challenging but rewarding journey that can elevate your accounting career and open new doors in public accounting, corporate finance, and even government agencies. While the average time to successfully complete all steps is around 7 years, strategic planning and efficient use of resources can help you achieve CPA certification faster.

Whether you’re just beginning your college education or preparing to sit for the CPA, it’s never too early to start planning your path. With determination and the right tools, you can successfully pass the CPA exam, meet the work experience requirements, and earn your CPA title. Download Your State’s CPA Exam Requirements