Become a CPA
Certified Public Accountant
CPAs audit financial statements of public and private companies; serve as consultants in many areas, including tax, accounting, and financial planning; and are well-respected strategic business advisers and decision makers. Their roles range from accountants to controllers; from chief financial officers of Fortune 500 companies to advisers of small neighborhood businesses.
CPA Exam Testing Update
Prometric is testing CPA candidates at centers where government regulations and guidelines allow. Social distancing rules and other safety measures will be implemented.
Visit Prometric for current and future site openings.
Exam Credit Extensions
Due to the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration in Pennsylvania, a waiver was granted on the requirement that CPA candidates must complete all parts of the CPA Exam within an 18-month period.
Candidates who were given extensions will have exam credits that now expire on Dec. 12, 2021. NASBA is working to update candidate dashboards to reflect the new expiration dates.
To request this extension:
Please email
the State Board at st-accountancy@pa.gov and include an explanation of your request, which sections and why, and a copy of most recent score notice or screen-shot of dashboard which shows expiration
dates.
How Do You Become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?
Education
First, you must receive a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, completing at least 24 semester-credit hours in accounting subjects. These subjects include accounting and auditing, business law, finance, or tax subjects. As of Jan. 1, 2012, you need to complete 36 semester-credit hours in accounting subjects. This is referred to as the 150-hour requirement.
CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination is the test that individuals must pass to qualify for licensure as certified public accountants. This is a four-part exam, consisting of Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation.
Experience & Licensing
In addition to passing the CPA Exam, you need to satisfy work experience requirements to become licensed. Candidates who have graduated with 150 credits are required to complete one year (1,600 hours) of work experience through employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice within five years of the date you apply for your license.
Visit the CPA Exam & Licensing Center for a step-by-step guide to getting your CPA license in Pennsylvania.
Explore CPA Career Choices
Explore real-life careers of 11 Pennsylvania CPAs. From partner at a national firm to CFO of the Philadelphia Phillies, the options are endless.View the Magazine
View Career Profiles
