How Much Does Becoming a CPA Cost? 2025 Updated

CPAs, or certified public accountants, perform various accounting functions for corporations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations and individuals. CPAs often work at public accounting firms, and some are self-employed. After meeting your state’s education requirements, you’ll qualify to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination®, which is required to become a CPA. This 16-hour exam includes multiple-choice questions, essay questions and scenario-based questions that require you to apply your knowledge to address specific workplace situations. Earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution is the first step to becoming a CPA, and many CPAs start with a bachelor’s degree in accounting.

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When you compare the CPA salary vs non-CPA salary, you’ll see a clear difference in your income potential. Although the CPA Exam cost may seem high, scheduling your exams based on your realistic ability to prepare for each section within your NTS rather than saving on CPA Exam costs is necessary. Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

Types of CPA Exam Costs

Roger CPA Review, which is now part of UWorld, also offers a high-quality review course with a focus on engaging video lectures and adaptive learning technology. The cost for Roger’s CPA review courses ranges from $1,699 to $2,999, depending on the package selected. These fees may vary, based on the complexity of the individual’s or business’s tax situation and the CPA’s expertise. The Becker program also includes 1-on-1 support time with CPAs and unlimited practice tests. The higher levels of the program offer a study planner and an interface that replicates the exam and blueprint.

Auditing and Consultancy Fees

• To keep costs manageable, plan your scheduling thoroughly and prepare diligently.
• Additionally, it’s good to grab some supplemental study materials, of which there are plenty.
• And our candidate must take the California Professional Ethics Exam (PETH) and pass with a score of 90% or better.
• This means that after you pay your examination and registration fees, you’ll only have 6 months to sign up for the exam sections.
• The AAA, a community of accountants in academia, offers research and networking opportunities.

Some programs offer additional resources such as textbooks, software, and one-on-one support. These Bookstime extras can enhance the learning experience but may also increase the program’s cost. Programs that offer certification or are accredited by recognized bodies tend to be pricier.

Required Experience for a CPA

We’ve referenced PayScale, which provides current average CPA rates and also addresses the question, “How much does an accountant cost? Taking care of your personal and business accounting needs is a serious matter. This is why most individuals prefer to entrust their finances to a certified public accountant (CPA). The California CPA experience requirements require 12 months of general accounting experience. “General accounting experience” includes providing any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills. Thus, if you sign up for each of the four sections individually, you will pay $252 in registration fees.

Growing Your Business

• Prospective licensees often need to work for 1-2 years in jobs that use accounting, attest, compilation, consulting, financial advisory, management advisory, and tax skills.
• Make sure you familiarize yourself with the different features of individual CPA review courses and choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.
• And while there have been a few strange birds out there to pass the CPA Exam without using a review course, that’s not going to be you.
• Follow these steps to make sure your application process goes smoothly the first time.
• If you’re interested in becoming a CPA and starting your own firm, you can jump start your business by partnering with Intuit as a TurboTax Verified Pro.

Other common CPA requirements include an ethics exam and proof of state residency or U.S. citizenship. The CPA exam can be challenging, often requiring months of studying. The four-part exam requires a minimum score of 75 in income statement each section, and you must pass all sections within the same 18- to 30-month window. CalCPA, an organization for California CPAs, offers an accounting-focused job board. CPA organizations in other states may offer similar opportunities to source local careers.

Yes—you’ll how much is a cpa license need to meet your state’s minimum requirements for accounting and business courses, but it’s possible to do this without a major in accounting. If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can take these courses in a master’s program or through post-baccalaureate study. Paying the application fee to your state board qualifies you to apply to sit for the uniform CPA exam. Your application is reviewed to determine your eligibility once you pay this fee.