Certification Overview
The US accounting profession's premier license, now featuring CPA Evolution with 3 Core sections plus 1 Discipline. Requires 150 credit hours and 1-2 years of supervised experience. Overall pass rate is ~50% per section. State-regulated with varying requirements.
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a globally recognized benchmark designed for professionals aiming to prove their expertise in finance. In today's competitive landscape, this certification acts as a critical signal to employers regarding your technical proficiency and commitment to the field.
Primary Impact
- Higher salary ceiling in Finance roles
- Validated expertise at the enterprise level
Market Signal
Ranked as a Top Finance Credential for 2026, holding the CPA significantly reduces the time-to-hire for senior positions.
Market Outlook
We monitor job market volume in real-time to provide the most accurate demand forecasting for your career.
Market Sentiment
There are currently 6,533 open roles in the US requiring this specific certification.
Tracking period: 12 weeks
Job data provided by Adzuna
Market Insights
With 6,533 active US job postings, CPA ranks #7 of 155 certifications we track by current hiring demand, and #3 of 7 in Finance. Postings are up 10% over the past 12 weeks.
Is CPA right for you?
Don't make a blind decision. Compare CPA against similar certifications to find the best ROI for your specific career path.
CPA vs CFA
See a side-by-side breakdown of salary potential, exam difficulty, and hiring volume for both credentials.
Want more insights?
Use our full analytics suite to calculate your personal ROI, effort-to-value ratio, and 5-year career projections.
Maintenance & Recognition
Renewal Requirements
Industry Recognition
Proctoring Options
Path to Excellence
Everything you need to successfully navigate the CPA certification journey.
01Entry Requirements
Educational Credit
A bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of college credit.
Work Experience
One to two years of accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA.
02The Process
State Board Check
Verify your specific state’s eligibility requirements for the CPA exam.
Master the 4 Parts
Pass Auditing (AUD), Financial (FAR), Regulation (REG), and the Core/Discipline (mapped to your specialty).
Ethics Exam
Check if your state requires the additional AICPA professional ethics exam.
Licensure
Submit your experience documentation to the state board for official licensure.
CPA Complete Study Guide
Strategic study plan, exam breakdown, and career acceleration tactics — everything you need to pass.
CPA Certification: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CPA certification?+
The US accounting profession's premier license, now featuring CPA Evolution with 3 Core sections plus 1 Discipline. Requires 150 credit hours and 1-2 years of supervised experience. Overall pass rate is ~50% per section. State-regulated with varying requirements.
What are the requirements for CPA certification in 2026?+
To earn the CPA certification, candidates typically need: A bachelor’s degree and 150 semester hours of college credit. One to two years of accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA. Candidates must also pass the official certification exam and adhere to a professional code of ethics.
How much does the CPA certification exam cost in 2026?+
The CPA certification exam costs $1,000-$1,500 (4 sections). This includes the official proctored examination fee. Renewal costs approximately $50-250.
What is the CPA certification salary in 2026?+
Professionals holding the CPA certification typically earn a starting salary of $115,000 or more per year. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and specific job role, with senior positions commanding significantly higher compensation.
How many jobs require CPA certification?+
As of 2026, there are 6,533 active job postings requiring or preferring CPA certification. The job market for this certification is currently stable.
What is the CPA exam pass rate?+
The CPA certification exam has an estimated pass rate of ~50% per section. Most successful candidates study for 400-600 hours total before attempting the exam.
How long does it take to prepare for CPA certification?+
Most candidates need 400-600 hours total of study time to prepare for the CPA certification exam. The exam itself is 16 hours total long.
What is the CPA exam format?+
The CPA exam is 16 hours total exam with AUD, FAR, REG + 1 Discipline questions. A passing score of 75/99 per section is required. Remote proctoring is available.
How do I renew my CPA certification?+
The CPA certification must be renewed every 1-2 years. You need to earn 40 hours per year to maintain your certification. Renewal costs approximately $50-250.
Ready to Get Certified?
Start your CPA certification journey today and open doors to new opportunities in finance.