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AICPA / NASBA · Finance & Accounting

CPA – Certified Public Accountant

The gold standard in accounting. Issued by AICPA (aicpa-cima.com) — required to sign audit opinions in the US. 4-part exam covering Auditing, Accounting, Regulation, and Business.

Level
Advanced
Salary Context
$70K–$130K
Exam Cost
$1,000–$2,000
Difficulty
~50%

Quick Verdict

CPA – Certified Public Accountant is a senior-level credential best pursued once you already have hands-on experience in this field — it validates depth employers screen for at senior and lead levels, with typical compensation in the $70K–$130K range.

What the Exam Covers

  • ["Auditing & Attestation (AUD)", "Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR)", "Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP)", "Information Systems & Controls (ISC)", "Financial Accounting & Reporting", "Regulation & Ethics"]

Who This Suits

Accounting graduates and professionals targeting audit, tax, or financial advisory careers.

Career Paths

["Certified Public Accountant", "Audit Manager", "Tax Director", "CFO"]

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CPA – Certified Public Accountant worth it?

CPA – Certified Public Accountant is a senior-level credential best pursued once you already have hands-on experience in this field — it validates depth employers screen for at senior and lead levels, with typical compensation in the $70K–$130K range.

What topics does the CPA – Certified Public Accountant exam cover?

["Auditing & Attestation (AUD)", "Business Analysis & Reporting (BAR)", "Tax Compliance & Planning (TCP)", "Information Systems & Controls (ISC)", "Financial Accounting & Reporting", "Regulation & Ethics"]

Who should take CPA – Certified Public Accountant?

Accounting graduates and professionals targeting audit, tax, or financial advisory careers.

What jobs can CPA – Certified Public Accountant lead to?

["Certified Public Accountant", "Audit Manager", "Tax Director", "CFO"]

What salary range is associated with CPA – Certified Public Accountant?

Professionals holding this certification are commonly associated with a salary range of $70K–$130K. Actual compensation varies significantly by region, employer, and years of experience.

Where can I verify current exam pricing and requirements for CPA – Certified Public Accountant?

Check AICPA / NASBA's official certification page directly. Exam fees, formats, and prerequisites change periodically, so the vendor's own site is the only reliable source for current details.

Verify before you book: exam fees, formats and prerequisites change periodically. Always confirm current details on AICPA / NASBA's official certification page before registering.