The timeline for becoming a CPA could change depending on your state requirements. In many states, you will first have to earn a bachelor’s and maybe even a master’s degree. Then, you will have to study for and take the CPA exam, which could take several months. Once you register, you have 18 months to pass all four parts of the exam.
After you’ve passed the CPA exam, your state board of accountancy will uphold a work experience requirement. This could be anywhere from a few months to two years of accounting or auditing work.
In some states, you can complete this requirement before you sit for the CPA exam. In others, you can only complete it after you have passed the test. In all, there are several different ways to achieve your goal of becoming a CPA but it will take time and effort.
If you pass the CPA exam the first time, your timeline could look like this:
4 years: undergraduate degree 1 year: additional degree study or coursework 6-8 months: CPA exam prep, study, application and taking the test 1 year: work requirement
All in all, it could take you 5-6 years to become a CPA.