What kind of education is needed to become a CPA?

In most states, applicants must complete at least 150 hours of college education and successfully pass a licensing exam to become a Certified Public Accountant. This educational component normally includes a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field as well as a graduate degree or credits.

In some cases, applicants can complete a combined bachelor's and master's degree in accounting in a five-year period to cover the educational requirement. After finishing schooling, a CPA applicant in any state must pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants exam. This exam includes four parts, and applicants must typically pass all of them within 18 months of each other.