How long does it take to become an accountant?

Being an accountant is a desirable profession for many individuals due to the career stability it offers and the potential for a good salary. However, like many other professions, becoming an accountant requires a significant investment in terms of education and training. How long it takes to become an accountant largely depends on the path you choose to take.

The first step in becoming an accountant is obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This can typically take four years if pursued on a full-time basis. The major of the degree is usually in accounting or a related field.

Following the undergraduate degree, there are three different paths you can take to become an accountant: becoming a certified public accountant (CPA), a certified management accountant (CMA), or a certified internal auditor (CIA). Each certification requires different types of experience and examinations.

To become a CPA, which is the most common type of accounting certification, you need a bachelor’s degree and to pass the Uniform CPA Exam. In addition, most states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework—which is 30 hours more than the usual four-year bachelor’s degree. Consequently, many CPA candidates go on to get a master’s degree in accounting or business administration to meet the requirement. This can add an extra one to two years to your education duration.

Moreover, there is also a practical experience requirement which varies among different states, most often being between one to two years. Hence, taking into account the education and work experience needed, it can take between six to eight years to become a CPA.

On the other hand, to become a CMA, in addition to the bachelor’s degree and passing the CMA exam, you require two continuous years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. This means it can take up to six years in total to become a CMA.

Furthermore, to become a CIA, you need a bachelor’s degree and to pass the CIA exam. Additionally, you need two years working in internal auditing. Therefore, becoming a CIA usually takes six years.

In conclusion, to become an accountant, depending on your selected certification, it may take anywhere from six to eight years. However, this is a rough estimation and the actual time may alter based on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the state or organization with whom you are pursuing your accounting certification.

Finally, on the topic of accounting, it is worth mentioning small business accountants newcastle. Aspiring accountants getting their certifications, such as a CPA, CMA or CIA, might want to consider working for them to acquire the required practical experience, while also having the opportunity to work with a wide range of businesses.