What is a CPA?

A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a designation reserved for accountants in the US who pass the CPA exam. This designation shows an expertise in the field. To become a CPA in the US, a student must pass the exam and meet other state requirements such as gaining a certain amount of work experience or furthered education. The CPA licenses accountants to provide their services to the general public. The CPA designation is taken very seriously, as its requirements maintain that only the most knowledgeable accounts can qualify. The designation is usually used behind a person’s name to signify the level of experience, and is often a punishable offense if it is used without actually passing the exam and requirements.

The CPA Exam Requirements

International students who want to become an expert in accounting and achieve the CPA designation will first need to pass the CPA exam. The exam is certainly not easy and tests many of the most important accounting principles. The exam is called the Uniform CPA exam, and the eligibility to actually take the exam depends on the exact state the student plans to test in. There are three main requirements for taking the CPA Exam.

Learn What a CPA Does

While the main function is to offer public accounting services, the CPA designation can allow accountants to do many other things. One of the main functions of a CPA is auditing, either for a small or large business.

The Many Benefits of Becoming a CPA

Certified public accountants are at the top of their field. Students interested in studying accounting should give serious consideration about getting the CPA in the US. In order to grow in an accounting career a CPA designation is almost necessary. In addition, CPAs will usually get paid higher.