A certified public accountant, or CPA, is a higher-level type of accountant who has shown extra initiative to pursue further education and licensure.Although you can become an accountant in most areas with just a bachelor’s degree, earning your CPA licensure might require you to earn a graduate degree, complete additional field requirements, and/or pass the CPA Exam.Becoming a CPA is a rigorous process, but accountants who pass the CPA Exam and meet their jurisdiction’s requirements can often command higher salaries or pursue more prestigious positions than those who hold only a college degree.