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The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is among the most highly regarded credentials in the accounting field. It is a rewarding career path that opens doors to high-paying global opportunities, employment security, and professional growth. Achieving this certification by clearing the CPA exam on your first attempt demands careful planning, a structured approach, systematic preparation, and expert guidance.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through a step-by-step process for earning your U.S. CPA certification. It covers everything from eligibility requirements to exam scheduling and the best CPA exam prep courses. If you are to sit for the CPA exam in 2025, this guide will walk you through the most important steps to becoming a CPA and passing the exam on the first attempt.
You need to meet your state board's eligibility requirements to take the CPA exam. These typically are:
Check your state's CPA requirements on the NASBA website.
After you have the eligibility requirements fulfilled, do the following to apply:
Exam Fees (Estimated for 2025)
The CPA exam consists of four sections:
Core sections:
Discipline Sections (choose one):
There are MCQs, task-based simulations (TBS), and written communication tasks in each section. You must score 75 or above in each section to pass.
A CPA review course with a systematic structure is the secret to success. Some of the best options for 2025 are listed below:
Best CPA Review Courses:
Choose a course that best fits your learning style, budget, and time.
Recommended Study Time per Section:
CPA Study Plan (3-Month Strategy)
Make use of flashcards, progress trackers, and adaptive quizzes to enhance your preparation.
Time Management Tips
Exam-Day Advice:
Use your time judiciously:
Do not leave any questions blank.
Studying for the CPA exam is intimidating. Motivate yourself by:
Upon completion of all four sections, apply for your CPA licensure:
After you have been awarded your CPA license, maintain it by taking Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits (usually 40 hours a year).
It is challenging to pass the CPA exam the first time, but you can do it through a solid strategy, the top CPA review course, and hard work studying. Start studying today and set yourself up for a rewarding career as a CPA!
Require professional CPA exam guidance? Get the best CPA courses from MYCPE ONE Academy.
Ans: Most candidates complete the CPA exam within 12 to 18 months.
Ans: The average CPA exam pass rate is 50-55%.
Ans: Yes, but it requires strict time management and at least 15-20 study hours per week.
Ans: Most candidates find FAR (Financial Accounting & Reporting) to be the toughest.
Ans: Yes, you must pass all four sections within 18 months from the date you pass your first section.
Vaibhav is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting. As the head of MYCPE ONE Exam Prep, he has trained over 5,000 students and 8,000 professionals. Connect with him on LinkedIn.