Becoming a Certified Public Accountant
As of 2005 over 40 states including Washington D.C. have adopted legislation requiring CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework -- well beyond that required to get a bachelor's degree. In the coming years other states are following suit. All states use the same four-part CPA exam, and every year only 25% who take the exam pass every part they attempt.
Earnings Expectations
Median annual earnings for accountants in 2004 were $50,770 according to the U.S. Department of Labor, with the top ten percent earning over $80,000. After all the training, CPAs can expect a a rosy outlook: jobs are expected to grow faster than average for the next several years. Much of this job growth is due simply to ever changing, increasingly complex financial laws and regulations. Employers need accountants with the training to keep up with it all. Consequently, CPAs are required to take continuing education credits every year in order to maintain their certification.
Rigorous Training is Required
To become a certified public accountant most choose to first earn a degree in accounting or a closely related field. In order to qualify as a candidate for the certification they must take additional training. Becoming a CPA opens up more employment opportunities than you would have with just a degree. Additionally, you can usually command a higher wage as a result of getting certified. A further benefit to a career as a CPA is the near universal need for skilled accountants. Every industry and all business, whether large or small, need their financial records well kept.
