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Preparing for the C.P.A. Exam

There are a many ways to meet the requirements to sit for the CPA Exam. The most direct path is to complete a bachelor's degree in Accounting and to continue with a Master’s of Accountancy. However, those with baccalaureates in English, math, science, etc. do not have to start over to sit for the CPA Exam. They can earn additional college credits to qualify and prepare for taking the CPA Exam. Regardless of your educational background or prior work experience, anyone can qualify to sit for the CPA Exam.

Note: Before beginning any program, consideration should be given to which option is the best fit for your long-term goals, financial abilities and time constraints.

Professional Designation

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is recognized nationally and internationally. Employers know that individuals with the CPA designation have demonstrated a specific level of knowledge in the public accounting arena, typically in the areas of taxation and/or accounting and auditing.

Salary Expectations

The CPA designation creates a level playing field nationally and often leads to significant increases in starting salaries. According to the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), IMA members who earned their CPA earned on average $13,000 more than those without their CPA. Salaries for those with a graduate degree increased by $10,000.

Education

Students interested in public accounting are encouraged to earn a bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master’s of Accountancy (MAcc) before sitting for the Certified Public Accounting Exam. Pass rates on the CPA Exam are twice as high for those with a graduate degree.

The Master’s of Accountancy (MAcc)
The Master’s of Accountancy degree (MAcc) goes beyond the theory learned in the undergraduate accounting degree and focuses on real-world application. Most courses are case-based and allow students to apply new knowledge to their current experiences. The Rollins College of Business’ MAcc program offers:

  • Dual enrollment in the B.S.B.A. in Accounting and MAcc
  • Potential to waive 12 hours of graduate course work
  • Completion of MAcc in as little as one year
  • Required courses offered year-around
  • Elective courses outside of accounting

How to Sit For the CPA Exam

The requirements to sit for the CPA Exam vary by state. Please check your state’s “State Board” to learn more.

The requirements for the state of Tennessee are as follows:

Education

  • Minimum of 150 college credit hours from an accredited college or university
  • An accredited baccalaureate degree, in any area of study
  • 30 hours in Accounting course work (with 24 hours at the upper level)
  • 24 hours in Business course work (with 12 hours at the upper level; additional hours of accounting will apply.)

Recommend:

  • B.S.B.A. in Accounting (120 hours)
  • Master's of Accountancy (30 hours)

Exam

The candidate must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and an ethics examination such as the exam given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

Information and an application to take the CPA Examination may be obtained by calling 1-800-CPA-EXAM or
1-800-272-3926.

The Uniform CPA Examination: https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpaexam.html

Experience

One year of full-time accounting or at least 2,000 hours of part-time work experience in accounting acceptable to the Board over a one to three year period.

For More Information

For additional information on obtaining a CPA license or the CPA examination, please visit:

Gary W. Rollins College of Business

Gary W. Rollins College of Business