Education · 1 of 5

The path

A degree, an exam in four parts, and a year of supervised work.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Take every math course offered, plus any business or accounting elective. Good spreadsheet habits start here.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree in accounting

   4 years

   Four years at a public or private university. An internship in your third year is how most people get their first job offer.

3. 3

   Meet your state's credit rule

   0 to 1 year

   Many states still ask for 150 semester credits, about a year past a normal degree, often taken as a master's. Several states now allow a bachelor's degree plus extra work experience instead. Check your own state board.

4. 4

   Pass the Uniform CPA Examination

   12 to 18 months

   Three core sections covering auditing, financial reporting, and taxation and regulation, plus one discipline section you choose. Most people study 300 to 400 hours in total.

5. 5

   Experience and license

   1 year

   Usually one year of work signed off by a licensed CPA (certified public accountant), then your state board issues the license.