Applying for the CPA Exam: The First Step to Become a CPA
The CPA credential is one of the most sought-after and valued credentials in the accounting profession. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of “how to become a CPA,” as the path to becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) varies depending on individual circumstances. However, there are some key steps that everyone interested in becoming a CPA should take.
First, it is important to note that CPAs are licensed by individual state boards of accountancy. As such, requirements for licensure may vary slightly from state to state. However, most states require CPAs to have completed a bachelor's degree with a concentration in accounting, and to have passed the Uniform CPA Exam.
In terms of educational requirements, a bachelor's degree in accounting is typically the minimum necessary to sit for the CPA exam. Some states may also require candidates to complete a certain number of accounting-related courses at the graduate level. In addition to educational requirements, all states require CPAs to pass the Uniform CPA Exam.
Once you have met all educational and examination requirements, you will need to apply for a CPA license from your state board of accountancy. The application process will vary from state to state but will generally involve submitting documentation of your education, examination scores, and professional experience. Once you are licensed, you will need to fulfill continuing education requirements in order to maintain your license.
Becoming a CPA can be a long and difficult process, but it can also be very rewarding. When you become a CPA, you'll join a respected profession that offers opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What is the CPA Exam? The short answer is that the CPA Exam is the gatekeeper that separates ordinary everyday accountants from true professionals. The CPA Exam is a four-part exam that tests a candidate's knowledge and skills in auditing and attestation, business environment and concepts, financial accounting and reporting, and regulation. The exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is taken by candidates who wish to become certified public accountants in the United States.
N.I.N.J.A.: The Only Way to Study For the CPA Exam
There are many ways to study for the CPA Exam, but only one correct way.
This way is the N.I.N.J.A. Way. Every other study method prescribed by the “bigger” courses is just wrong because it completely wastes weeks of your precious study them.
Them:
Watch Chapter 1 Videos, Do Chapter 1 Questions
Watch Chapter 2 Videos, Do Chapter 2 Questions
(repeat)
Redo all of your questions because you have now forgotten what you studied.
There has to be a better way! (there is).
Nail the CPA Exam Concepts
Intense Notes
Non-Stop MCQ
Just Re-Write Your Notes
All Comes Together
The NINJA Method saves countless study hours (per exam) and is the only way to study for the CPA Exam.
Get Your NINJA Study Framework.
CPA Exam Dates: The Good News
The AICPA used to offer the CPA Exam two months out of every quarter (January, February, April, May, July, August, October, and November), with a “blackout” month falling on the final month of the quarter (March, June, September, December). Thankfully for CPA Candidates, the CPA Exam dates are no longer a thing, as the exam is offered year-round, except for major holidays.
CPA Exam Sample Questions: We Have You Covered
One way to find out about the CPA Exam is to jump in with both feet and work on some CPA Exam sample questions. We have a set of 160 sample CPA Exam questions for you to enjoy. Just don't have too much fun 🙂
Breaking Down the Four CPA Exam Sections
The CPA Exam is a 16-hour nightmare. Thankfully, it's broken down into bite-size nightmares of four hours each. 🙂
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): FAR is the CPA Exam section that keeps people awake at night, and for good reason. It's just a beast. You have to know a little about everything.
In general, you should take FAR first.
Auditing and Attestation (AUD): If FAR is the preparation of the financial statements, then AUD is the auditing of those financial statements, which makes it the second CPA Exam section you should take. AUD can be a tricky exam because it always seems like there are two good answers. The trick is to find the “best” answer when multiple options seem true. AUD is a more subjective exam vs Regulation, which is black and white, like tax law, because the act of auditing itself is subjective, as it's open to the interpretation of the individual auditor.
Regulation (REG): Everyone's favorite topics: Tax and Law. There's nothing pretty about it. It's tax and law. Don't focus so much on taxation that you “cram” the law part. It doesn't work. You should take REG third. There is some overlap with FAR (Deferred Taxes), so a case could be made to take REG second.
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): BEC seems like the easiest exam because it has the highest pass rate and is, well, full of stuff you studied in college, right? Wrong. BEC is the great dichotomy of the CPA Exam: the highest pass rate, but the one everyone hates. Yes, they hate FAR too, but that's more of a fear and loathing. The hate for BEC is annoyance at its mere existence. FAR is the intimidating mountain you have to cross. BEC is getting a root canal. Both are painful. One is truly hated.
Order of CPA Exams:
- FAR
- AUD
- REG
- BEC
The Cost of the CPA Exam is Outrageous (Unless You're a NINJA)
The cost of a CPA Exam section is expensive.
For the NASBA CPA Exam fees, you'll pay the following
Application Fee: $170 (one time only)
Registration Fee: $85 (each exam, regardless of retake or not)
Exam Fee: $240 (each exam, regardless of retake or not)
Note: These amounts vary by jurisdiction. Some costs may be more. Some costs may be less.
Now, add in the cost of a CPA Review course, and you're looking at Thousands of Dollars.
Unless you're a NINJA.
NINJA CPA Review is only $67 a month, and there's no commitment.
NINJA is a full CPA Review Course or Supplement – you decide.
Your Next Step…
Learn how to pass the CPA Exam with Only NINJA (and save yourself thousands of dollars that you can spend on more fun things than CPA Review) 🙂