CPA Without Accounting Degree

CPA: Certified Public Accountant

CPA i.e. the Certified Public Accountant is a certification awarded by the state to any person who completes the requirements for the certification that also involves clearing the common CPA examination. The CPA is the highest glory that any accountant can strive for.

This certification takes you right to the top of the pinnacle of success. This is a license awarded by the state and not by any campus based or online colleges. Though the colleges may have programs to guide you and train you for the CPA examination, the exam is not conducted by any particular college.

CPA without an Accounting Degree

Wanting to achieve CPA without an accounting degree is like wanting to reach the top of the ladder without climbing any of the lower rungs. Knowledge of accountancy is a must for CPA. While the requirements differ a bit among States, the common base lies in the fact that any individual has to acquire either 24 semester units of knowledge in accounting-related subjects (e.g. This is the requirement in California) or should have a master’s degree in accountancy (e.g. this is the requirement in New York).

Therefore, it is not possible to get a CPA license without an Accounting degree. While online colleges may promise to help you get a CPA, remember the decision lies in the hands of the Board of Accountancy of the State you are appearing for the CPA examination and not in the hands of any individual online college.