Qualifying to Take the CPA Exam
To become a CPA, an accountant must meet specific education and experience requirements. The additional education requirements beyond those needed for a bachelor's degree are commonly referred to as the student's "fifth year" of study.
Options to Pursue Required Credits
According to the Washington State Board of Accountancy, to qualify for the CPA exam, you must complete 150 semester (225 quarter) hours of college education including a baccalaureate degree or higher in any field with a concentration in accounting.
A concentration in accounting consists of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in accounting subjects of which 15 semester (22.5 quarter) hours must be at the upper or graduate level and 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in business administration subjects.
When considering your options for earning additional credits, think about it from the perspective of your future employer.
Master's of Professional Accounting degree
The Master of Professional Accounting is designed with two options: A 3+2 Integrated MPAcc and a 4+1 Traditional MPAcc
Master's of Business Administration degree
The MBA Program is full-time 68 credit daytime program offered in 5 quarters over 14 months. Starts annually in September
Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting curriculum of 160 credits (minimum) provides an integrated coursework approach to prepare students to take the CPA exam
Additional Resources
For more information on professional examinations, these external organizations serve as an excellent resource:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination information is available from the Washington State Board of Accountancy, from the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and from the AICPA'sThis Way to CPA website. The Washington State Board of Accountancy website also provides information on CPA education and experience requirements.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examination information is available from the Institute of Management Accountants.
- Corporate Financial Management (CFM) examination information is available from the Institute of Management Accountants. Information on other professional financial certifications can be found at Advancing Government Accountability and the CFA Institute.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) examination information is available from the Institute of Internal Auditors.