Can you take CPA exam without accounting degree?
James Olson
Updated on March 30, 2026
Do you need an accounting degree to be a CPA? The short answer is no. When exploring how to become a CPA without a degree in accounting, know that you will need to adjust your study strategy to your situation. The CPA Exam is difficult for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the breadth of tested material.
What is the hardest section of CPA Exam?
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
What is the Hardest Section of the CPA Exam? Students often report that Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) is the most difficult part of the CPA Exam to pass, because it is the most comprehensive section.
How many accounting hours do you need to sit for the CPA exam?
150
To sit for the CPA Exam, CPA candidates must meet the 150-credit hour requirement. Within these 150 credit hours, a specific number of accounting and business administration courses must be taken. Since you already have an undergraduate degree, you have already fulfilled the majority of the 150-credit hour requirement.
Is CPA useful outside of accounting?
Every business needs accountants, and the FBI is no different. Plus, being a Certified Public Accountant exempts you from the FBI entrance exam. CPAs can work as special agent accountants or in staff forensic accounting positions.
What state is the easiest CPA?
Colorado
With no requirement to be a US Citizen, a resident of CO, or a certain age, it makes Colorado one of the easiest states to sit for the CPA exam and become licensed.
Can you become a CPA without an accounting degree?
There, you can sit for the CPA exam without an accounting degree if you have at least a year’s experience working in public accounting under a CPA. Now, this is where things get more complicated.
What happens after you take the CPA exam?
Once the state board receives them, they will keep them on file and wait for your application. A lot of people do this backward: applying for the CPA exam first and waiting to send in their transcripts. Then the board has to wait to review the application until the transcripts are received.
Which is the least accounting state to become a CPA?
The most logical way to get around is to pick a state that requires the least accounting courses: Maine. They have lenient accounting educational requirements, but much stricter experience requirements. Maine asks for at least 2 years of public accounting experience with 4,000 hours of audit compilation. Georgia.
What are the requirements for the CPA exam?
Trying to understand the CPA exam requirements can make you want to pull your hair out since requirements vary by state.