What is a CPA?

What is a CPA?

A CPA -- Certified Public Accountant --is a financial professional who speaks the language of business. Today's CPA is in high demand as one of the most valued members of any business team. CPAs are valued professionals who are running major corporations, starting exciting entrepreneurial endeavors and developing their own practices that handle much more than tax returns. CPAs do many things for businesses and individuals. Basically they analyze how money is used by businesses, non-profit organizations, governments and individuals. If it's about money, it starts with accounting.

What are the Requirements to Become a CPA?

To become a CPA, you need to meet the requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which you wish to practice. These requirements, which vary from state to state, are established by law and administered by the state boards of accountancy.

To qualify for certification, you must:

1. Education Requirements: Candidates must have at least 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours of college education including a baccalaureate degree awarded by an accredited college or university.  At least 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours obtained must be in
   accounting subjects beyond the elementary level at a four-year accredited college or university.
   

2. CPA Exam: applicants must have the above requirements to be eligible to sit for the Computer Based Uniform CPA Exam.  In order to become a CPA, candidates must past all four sections of the exam (Business Environment and Concepts, Auditing and Attestation, Regulation, and Financial Accounting and Reporting). 
   

3. Work Experience: An applicant who meets the general, educational, and examination requirements will be issued a CPA certificate upon presenting evidence that such applicant has attained two years of continuous experience in public accounting or five years,  of continuous employment in the accounting field in business or industry, government or college teaching.  Work experience must be immediately preceding the date of application for the certificate.  Effective July 1, 2009, Georgia law will change to allow those with one year of experience in either public practice or private industry to meet the experience requirement.You must contact the Georgia State Board of Accountancy at 478-207-1400 to receive an application.
   
   

   For more information regarding eligibility to take the exam or to receive licensure in Georgia, contact the Georgia State Board of Accountancy at 237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, Georgia 31217-3858, 478-207-1400.