To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California without an accounting degree, you will need to follow a specific set of steps that meet the state’s requirements. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Education Requirements
California requires CPA candidates to have a minimum of 150 semester units of education. This does not necessarily require an accounting degree, but the courses must meet certain criteria:
- Bachelor’s Degree: You must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
- Accounting Coursework: You need 24 semester units in accounting courses and 24 semester units in business-related courses. This can include courses in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business law.
- Additional Coursework: If you do not have an accounting degree, you can meet the required units by taking additional courses in accounting and business subjects at a community college, university, or other accredited institutions.
2. Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Once you’ve met the educational requirements, you need to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. The exam consists of four sections:
- AUD (Auditing and Attestation)
- BEC (Business Environment and Concepts)
- FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)
- REG (Regulation) The exam is rigorous, and you must pass each section with a score of at least 75.
3. Gain Experience
California requires CPA candidates to have at least 1 year (or 2,000 hours) of work experience in accounting. This experience must be gained under the supervision of a licensed CPA. Your experience can be gained through work in public accounting, private industry, government, or academia.
4. Ethics Exam
California requires CPA candidates to pass an ethics exam, which is offered by the AICPA (American Institute of CPAs). This exam tests your understanding of professional ethics and conduct.
5. Submit Your Application
After meeting the educational, examination, and experience requirements, you need to submit your application to the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). You’ll provide all your transcripts, proof of experience, and pass the ethics exam before the CBA grants your CPA license.
Example Pathway:
If you have a degree in a non-accounting field but have taken some accounting and business courses, you can supplement your education by taking accounting classes at a community college or online program. After completing your coursework, you would then pass the CPA exam and gain the required work experience.
Summary:
While an accounting degree is not strictly required in California, you must still complete the required coursework in accounting, pass the CPA exam, gain the necessary work experience, and meet all ethical standards. This pathway allows individuals with non-accounting degrees to pursue a CPA career in California.
