Walden University
Walden University has unique and flexible online delivery models, world-class faculty and customizable programs which are all geared to help adult learners achieve their career goals.
CPA Certification and the CPA ExamLearn what you need to do to earn your CPA certification Resource Center Home | Accounting Career Resource Guide Home | Find Accounting Schools Accounting HomeAccounting Degrees
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Sections of the CPA exam: 4 Time period in which all four sections must be taken and passed: 18 months Total test time: 14 hours Time per section: Auditing and Attestation* – 4.5 hours, Financial Accounting and Reporting – 4 hours, Regulation – 3 hours, Business Environment and Concepts – 2.5 hours Credit hours of accounting courses required to take the exam: 150 Score needed to pass CPA exam: 75 (on a 0-99 scale) Salary range of an entry-level CPA: $47,547 - $62,250 Salary range of a senior-level CPA: $60,197 - $78,500 Hours of continuing education required to keep CPA certification: 120 hours every three years, with a 20-hour minimum per year for CPAs in public practice CPA Exam Test PrepWhile many MAcc programs help students prepare for the CPA exam, there are a number of test prep programs—with both conventional and online classes—that can also help you get ready for the big test. Preparing for the CPA ExamAccording to professional staffing and consulting firm Robert Half International (RHI), “The certified public accountant (CPA) designation remains the most in-demand accreditation for a variety of positions. As expected of such a valuable credential, becoming CPA certified is hardly a piece of cake. It first requires 150 credit hours of accounting courses, which generally involves an accounting bachelor degree plus some graduate course work, often either via an MAcc or an MBA with an accounting focus. Once you have completed this prerequisite, you will be eligible to take the CPA exam. The test is comprised of four sections, taken over the course of two days, though testers can choose not to take all of the sections at once. You don't, in fact, have to pass every section at the same time—candidates have up to 18 months to pass the entire exam. Each section itself is comprised of "testlets" (groups of multiple-choice questions) and simulations (mini-case studies), and the exam is now always taken on a computer at specifically designated testing centers. The CPA exam is administered in January, February, April, May, July, August, October, and November. Find MAcc programs to help prepare for the exam. What CPAs DoCPAs often go into public accounting, though many CPAs are also management accountants, forensic accountants, government accountants and personal financial advisors. While there are a number of accounting jobs that do not require CPA certification, it is indisputable that being CPA certified will only bolster your career. RHI reports, after all, that having CPA certification can often boost a base salary by up to 10 percent. CPAs are highly respected within the business world and frequently go on to have their own companies or become CFOs or even CEOs of major corporations, racking up substantial salaries way into (and over) six digits. *The attestation portion refers to the collecting and communicating of audit, legal and other information.    Strayer University Strayer University is dedicated to helping busy, working adults achieve their educational goals with a valuable, real world education in a fast, convenient format offered online or at one of many campus locations. University of Phoenix University of Phoenix makes quality higher education highly accessible for working students through convenient campus locations and flexible online classes. Get a real-world education with real value.  |
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