CPA License Requirements & Prometric CPA Test

The requirements that need to be fulfilled before you can actually start practicing Certified Public Accounting (CPA) are divided into three segments. One, you need to earn 150 credits hours of education by earning a college diploma and an MA if necessary. Two, you need to pass the CPA exam. Three, you need to pass the Ethics exam (in some states, this is not required so check with your local board). 

First, you need to take an accounting course in college -- Accountancy, Banking and Finance, Economics, etc. You can take any course related to accounting but to be safe, choose one that would prepare you for the CPA exam such as the ones mentioned earlier. Since college courses only offer up to 120 credit hours, you may need to earn a Master's degree as well to complete the required limit. Post-graduate programs vary in terms of duration. There are Master's programs that last for six months and there are others that last for two years. Which one to take is your call. If you want to receive extensive learning even if you earn excess credit hours, go for the two-year program but if you are itching to take the exam and obtain your license, the six-month program would do.

Next, you need to pass the CPA exam, which is served through the Prometric or computerized system so no more pen and paper. One of the good things about the Prometric system is that applicants can take the CPA exam locally or internationally. However, although the new system provides more convenience to examinees, the exam became more challenging and the rules became stricter after the transition. One minute late would disqualify you from taking the exam so you have to make sure arrive at the testing center at least half an hour early.

The CPA exam comes in four parts namely, AUD (Auditing), REG (Regulation), BEC (Business Ethics & Concepts), and FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting). There is no need to take the exam in one sitting because the exam windows are open every two months beginning January with one-month interval per exam season. This is considered the most demanding segment of the CPA license requirements and you need to focus to pass it. Use the one month interval to review on a specific part. This will do the trick. It is also important to choose the best accounting review programs to ensure success. 

After this, you need to accumulate at least 2,000 hours of employment experience under the guidance of a licensed CPA. Once you complete the required hours, you have to send a form signed by your immediate superior to the State Board of Accountancy to inform them that you have completed the hours.

The last part should be easy. most states require CPA aspirants to take an Ethics exam and gain a passing score of at least 90%. The CPA students in New York and New Jersey are not required to take this exam so they can claim their license after completing the work hours. 

For CPA aspirants, completing the requirements is larger than life. What you need is intense preparation and divine intervention if necessary. Or, if you need more advice and valuable information to make you well-equipped, visit CPA-focused websites like www.cparequirementshq.com to find what you are looking for.