By DeVry University
February 7, 2023
10 min read
February 7, 2023
10 min read
If you’ve thought about pursuing a career in accounting, you’ve most likely considered all the different roles and responsibilities involved in an accounting career and wondered about the differences between an accountant and a CPA. The terms accountant and CPA are often used interchangeably, but a CPA vs. accountant side-by-side comparison reveals some important differences.
To maintain licensing and certification, CPAs must make a commitment to staying up to date on their education and any new industry developments, which is known as continuing professional education (CPE). The amount of CPE you must complete will vary based on the state in which you are licensed.
To become a CPA, you must meet strict licensing and certification requirements. CPA licensure is overseen by each state’s Board of Accountancy. To meet the CPA licensure requirements set forth by your state’s Board, you will need to study for, and pass, the CPA Exam. All states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to be licensed and successfully pass the 4-part Uniform CPA Examination from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Candidates sit for each of the 4 parts separately, and most states require candidates to pass all 4 parts within 18 months of passing the first part.
In some instances, accountants also function as financial advisors, taking on the role of fiduciaries to make financial decisions on behalf of clients.
An accounting professional who has earned the CPA designation can take on a broader range of career paths than someone who is not a CPA. In some public accounting career roles, that of an external auditor for example, the certification is required.
CPAs and potential CPAs can pursue a variety of career paths, including:
1Most state boards of accountancy require 150 credit hours of post-secondary education in order to sit
for the CPA exam. As this program is less than 150 credit hours, this program alone does not meet the
minimum coursework requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Students interested in sitting for the CPA
exam should check their state’s requirements. Credits and degrees earned from this institution do not
automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing exams to practice certain
professions. Persons interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state
regulatory agency for their field of interest. DeVry is not able to recommend graduates for professional
licensure in any state. New York students should contact the NYSED Office of Professions regarding
professional licensure.
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