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Requirements & Prerequisites

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Requirements & Prerequisites

Everything you need to know before registering for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — eligibility, cost, format, and what to expect on exam day.

Cost

$1,000-$3,000 total

Provider

AICPA

Validity

Ongoing CPE required

Available

USA

Prerequisites & Eligibility

Education

Check official exam requirements

Experience

3-5+ years of professional experience typically required

Specific Requirements

  • Significant professional experience in the field (3-5+ years recommended)
  • 150 semester hours of education (varies by state)
  • Bachelor's degree with accounting coursework
Exam Format

Number of Questions

100-200+ questions

Duration

3-8 hours

Question Format

Scenario-based, case studies, performance-based

Passing Requirement

Passing required (45-60% average pass rate)

Difficulty: Very HardSalary Impact: $70k-$150k
How to Register
1

Visit the official AICPA certification page

2

Create an account and select your exam

3

Choose a test center or online proctoring option

4

Pay the exam fee and schedule your date

What to Bring on Exam Day
  • Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo)
  • Appointment confirmation email
  • For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet
Frequently Asked Questions

What are the prerequisites for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant)?

Significant professional experience in the field (3-5+ years recommended). 150 semester hours of education (varies by state). Bachelor's degree with accounting coursework.

How much does the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) cost?

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam costs $1,000-$3,000 total. This includes the exam fee only — study materials are additional.

How do I register for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant)?

Visit the official AICPA certification page → Create an account and select your exam → Choose a test center or online proctoring option → Pay the exam fee and schedule your date

What should I bring to the CPA (Certified Public Accountant)?

Two forms of valid ID (one government-issued with photo). Appointment confirmation email. For online proctoring: webcam, microphone, clean desk, stable internet.

Ready to prepare for CPA (Certified Public Accountant)?

Get the complete exam guide with study plan, tips, and practice questions.

View CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Guide