In this article, we’ll explain what a CPA certification is and help you figure out if getting one is really worth it.
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are everywhere. But no matter where they work or what they specialize in, all CPAs have one thing in common: they’ve gone through a tough, demanding process to earn that title. It’s not something you just get after finishing an accounting degree.
But here’s the big question: Do you really need to become a CPA to succeed in accounting—or is it just a fancy title that costs a lot of time, money, and effort?
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Before you make that decision, let’s break things down.
What is a CPA certification exactly? Is a CPA certification worth it? Why do so many accountants chase after it? What could it actually do for your career?
What Is a CPA Certification?
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is one of the most recognized and respected titles in the accounting world. In the U.S., CPA licenses are issued by state boards of accountancy; however, the exam itself is created and maintained by a national organization called the AICPA—the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
The CPA certification shows that you’ve passed a tough exam, met education and experience requirements, and promised (through ethics codes and state licensing) to be a trustworthy, professional accountant.
Yet, there are stories about successful accountants who never bothered getting a CPA—and they’re doing just fine. Some run small bookkeeping businesses, and others manage company finances without ever sitting for the CPA exam.
So, you might be wondering, “Is CPA certification worth it if you can build a decent career without it?”
Well, the simple answer is this: the CPA opens doors that other certifications—or no certification at all—just can’t.
For one, many top-level roles in auditing, tax, and consulting require it. Big companies, government agencies, and global firms often won’t even consider you for certain positions unless you’re a licensed CPA. Want to work for one of the Big 4 firms like Deloitte or PwC? CPA is almost a must. Dreaming of becoming a CFO someday? Having that CPA title gives you an edge that others may not have.
But it’s not just about getting hired—it’s also about trust. When clients, investors, and even your boss see “CPA” next to your name, they instantly feel more confident in your skills.
Of course, this isn’t handed to you on a silver platter. As we said earlier, earning a CPA certification means passing one of the toughest exams in the field, plus meeting education and work experience requirements. It’s a serious commitment, and we’ll talk about the details of that next.
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What Does It Take to Become a CPA?
Fulfill the educational requirements.
Most states require you to have 150 semester hours of college education. To put that into perspective, a typical bachelor’s degree is around 120 hours. So you’ll either need an extra degree (like a master’s) or extra courses after your undergrad.
You don’t necessarily need an accounting degree, but you do need coursework in accounting, auditing, business law, finance, and related subjects.
- Pass the CPA Exam: The exam is split into four sections:
- AUD – Auditing and Attestation
- BEC – Business Environment and Concepts
- FAR – Financial Accounting and Reporting
- REG – Regulation
It’s tough, with the overall pass rate hovering around 50% per section. That’s why most CPA candidates spend months (or even a year) studying with prep courses, books, and practice tests.
Gain required work experience.
Most states also require you to have 1–2 years of relevant work experience under a licensed CPA before you can be certified. This could be in public accounting, auditing, taxation, or even in corporate finance roles, depending on your state’s rules.
Get licensed.
After you’ve done the education, passed the exams, and finished the work experience, you can officially apply for your CPA license through your state’s board. Some states also require you to pass an ethics exam.
It’s a long road, right? Yet, many still endure the process to reap the Certified Public Accountant benefits.
How Much Does a CPA Certification Cost?
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant is an investment—not just of time but also of cash. Let’s talk about what this whole process costs.
But first, here’s a quick look at what your accounting education alone might cost before you even touch the CPA process:
| Education Requirement | Estimated Cost |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting | $20,000 – $60,000+ |
| Additional Credits (to reach 150 hours, if needed) | $2,000 – $10,000+ (depends on school or community college options) |
| Optional Master’s Degree (if pursued) | $20,000 – $40,000+ |
Education Evaluation Fee
- Estimated Cost: $90 – $150
- Before you can even apply for the CPA Exam, you need to get your education checked. This is to make sure you’ve taken enough credits in accounting and related subjects to qualify.
CPA Exam Fees
- Estimated Cost: $1,100 – $1,500 (for all four sections)
- Yes, the exam itself costs money, times four. Each section costs around $344.80, depending on your state.
CPA Exam Retake Fees
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $200 (per section)
- Didn’t pass on the first try? It happens. But retaking an exam part means paying again, usually between $50 and $200, depending on your state. Some states offer a small discount if you retake multiple parts at once.
CPA Review Course
- Estimated Cost: $1,000 – $4,000
- Unless you’re a super genius, you’ll probably need a review course to pass. These courses give you practice exams, study plans, and lessons that help you tackle the beast of the CPA Exam.
- Popular ones like Becker and Surgent can cost $2,000–$4,000. But there are cheaper ones on Udemy or Coursera, starting around $500–$1,000.
- Some providers of financial aid for CPA prep courses offer flexible payment plans, discounts for students, or even employer-sponsored access if your company is willing to cover the cost.
CPA Rescheduling Fees
- Estimated Cost: $0 – Full Exam Fee
- If you reschedule at least 30 days before the exam, it’s free.
- However, waiting until the last minute could result in losing your fee entirely or incurring a fee of $35–$300, depending on how late the change is made.
International CPA Exam Fees
- Estimated Cost: Extra $390 per section
- If you’re taking the CPA Exam outside the U.S., each exam section costs about $390 extra.
CPA Exam Cancellation Fees
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $35 (or full section fee if late!)
- If you cancel 30+ days before the exam, there is no fee. But if you cancel within 5 to 30 days, you’ll pay a $35 cancellation fee. Cancel less than 5 days before? You may lose the whole exam fee.
- There are exceptions for emergencies, like illness, military service, or visa problems. You’ll need to apply for a refund or extension if this happens.
CPA Ethics Exam Fee (if required by your state)
- Estimated Cost: $150 – $250
- Some states make you pass an extra ethics exam. The AICPA’s Ethics Exam is widely accepted and costs between $150 and $250.
- Good news: You can usually take this before, during, or after the CPA Exam.
CPA Licensing Fee
- Estimated Cost: $100 – $500
- Congrats, you passed! But you’re not done yet—you have to apply for your license. Most states charge $100 to $500 for this final step. You might also have to submit forms proving your work experience and education, or even attend an interview (depending on your state).
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Costs
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $300 per year (or more)
- To keep your CPA license active, most states require you to complete CPE credits every year.
- The costs vary, but you’ll likely spend a few hundred dollars yearly on these courses—unless your employer covers the fees.
Becoming a CPA is really hard, considering you have to invest a significant amount of time and money. But when weighing the CPA license pros and cons, accountants often overlook the downsides, especially because CPAs usually earn more than non-CPAs in the long run.
What Are the Career Benefits of Being a CPA?
Let’s quickly touch on CPA certification cost vs value. It costs up to nearly $6,000 to become a CPA. However, the potential return on that investment can be massive.
Higher Salary Potential
Earning a CPA license often leads to a noticeable CPA salary. On average, CPAs earn 10–15% more than non-CPAs in similar roles. In the U.S.,
- Entry-level CPAs can start around $65,000–$75,000 annually
- Experienced CPAs can easily earn six figures, especially in senior roles like CFO, tax partner, or financial director.
More Job Opportunities
Many top firms (the Big 4, for example) and high-level corporate jobs require or strongly prefer CPA candidates. If you want to work in audit, tax, consulting, or forensic accounting, you’ll likely need that CPA to get through the door.
Career Flexibility
CPA career opportunities go beyond just handling taxes. You can become a forensic accountant, financial planner, controller, or even start your own accounting business. The certification opens a lot of doors
Do You Need a CPA Certification to Work in Accounting?
Here’s some honesty you don’t always hear: Not all accounting jobs require a CPA.
If you want to work in bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, payroll, or even some corporate finance roles, you can do that without ever getting certified.
But if you want to:
- Audit financial statements
- Represent clients before the IRS
- Be a high-level tax advisor
- Lead major financial projects or departments
… you’ll probably need the CPA title.
Who benefits most from getting an accounting degree and CPA certification?
- People aiming for Big 4 jobs
- Aspiring auditors
- Tax specialists
- Those wanting leadership positions in finance
- Accountants starting their practice
How to Find Affordable CPA Prep Programs
Online Colleges & Universities
Some online schools now include CPA exam prep as part of their master’s or accounting degree programs. This can be a 2-for-1 deal—get your 150 credits AND CPA study help together. Schools like Western Governors University (WGU) or Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) offer affordable online accounting programs with a CPA track.
Free/Low-Cost Study Resources
Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and even YouTube offer affordable CPA prep programs or courses that are significantly cheaper than $3,000 review packages. They might not be enough on their own, but they’re great supplements.
Company Sponsorships
Some employers will actually pay for your CPA journey—including exam fees and review courses—because they want their employees to be certified.
Scholarships & Discounts
Organizations like the AICPA offer scholarships for students to pursue a CPA designation. Additionally, review course providers often offer discounts to students or military personnel.
Final Thoughts: Is CPA Certification Worth It?
For many people, yes. The title carries credibility, authority, and a sense of professionalism. If you dream of climbing to the top of the accounting world, starting your firm, or landing a sweet Big Four gig, then CPA certification is pretty much required.
But if you’re happy doing general accounting tasks, payroll, or small-business bookkeeping, the CPA might not be necessary. You can build a great career without it.
If money is the main issue, here are a few final tips on how to pay for the CPA exam without breaking the bank:
- Ask your employer. Many firms—especially the big ones—pay for CPA exam costs or offer bonuses.
- Apply for scholarships. Groups like the AICPA and state CPA societies offer scholarships and grants.
- Pick a budget review course. Affordable options like Gleim, Ninja CPA, or Udemy are also viable options—just choose the one that best matches your learning style.
- Pay in stages. Take one exam at a time and spread out the cost. Slower, but easier on your wallet.
- Get tax deductions. CPA expenses might be tax-deductible. Ask your tax advisor.