How Many Credits Do You Need to Sit for the CPA Exam?
Learn the essential academic credit requirements for CPA exam eligibility and professional licensure. Your guide to accounting certification.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is a respected credential in accounting, signifying expertise and ethical conduct. Pursuing this designation requires specific educational criteria, primarily measured in college credit hours. These educational requirements form a fundamental step on the path to becoming a licensed CPA.
Understanding the 120-Credit Rule
Most state boards of accountancy require a minimum of 120 semester hours of college-level education to sit for the CPA Exam. This amount of credits generally aligns with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. This 120-credit rule pertains to eligibility to take the Uniform CPA Examination, not necessarily to qualify for full licensure. Many aspiring CPAs begin the examination process upon meeting this initial credit hour benchmark. It ensures candidates possess a foundational academic background before attempting the rigorous professional exam.
Required Accounting and Business Coursework
Simply accumulating 120 general college credits is typically insufficient for CPA exam eligibility; specific types of coursework are also necessary. State boards of accountancy require a defined number of accounting and business credits. This ensures candidates have specialized knowledge relevant to the accounting profession. Commonly required accounting credits include financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and cost or managerial accounting. Beyond accounting, candidates usually need general business credits covering economics, finance, business law, statistics, and information systems. These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of the business environment.
The 150-Hour Licensure Requirement
While 120 semester hours often allow a candidate to sit for the CPA Exam, 150 semester hours are almost universally required for CPA licensure. This standard ensures CPAs possess a broader and deeper knowledge base.
Candidates typically fulfill this 150-hour requirement through various means. One common approach is pursuing a master’s degree, such as a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or an MBA with an accounting concentration. Another pathway involves completing a fifth year of undergraduate study or taking additional courses after earning a bachelor’s degree. These additional 30 credits often include more advanced accounting topics, specialized business courses, or other relevant subjects.
State-Specific Educational Requirements
Although the 120-credit rule for exam eligibility and the 150-hour rule for licensure are widespread, the precise educational requirements can vary among state boards of accountancy. Each jurisdiction maintains its own specific regulations regarding the breakdown of accounting and business credits. This includes the number of credits required in each category and sometimes even specific course titles or content.
These state-specific variations might involve differing requirements for upper-level accounting courses, a minimum number of credits in specific areas like ethics, or distinctions in how certain elective credits are counted. Aspiring CPAs should consult the specific requirements of the state in which they plan to seek licensure.
Pathways to Meeting Credit Requirements
Several pathways exist for individuals to accumulate the necessary college credit hours for CPA exam eligibility and licensure. A traditional bachelor’s degree program in accounting or a related business field typically provides the initial 120 semester hours.
To reach the 150-hour licensure requirement, many candidates enroll in master’s degree programs, such as a Master of Accountancy (MAcc) or a Master of Science in Taxation (MST). Alternatively, individuals may opt for post-baccalaureate certificate programs or simply take additional undergraduate or graduate courses. These options allow candidates to tailor their educational journey to meet credit demands.