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Certified Public Accountant

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) are accounting professionals of the U.S who have passed the CPA exam developed and graded by American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Only CPAs are allowed to state opinions on financial statements. Many states prohibit anyone without a CPA license to call himself an accountant.

CPA exam

Although the exam is uniform, requirements vary slightly by each state. States typically require:

Because of different requirements in each state one has to meet the requirement of the state if s/he wants to practice in another state. Some states also require an additional exam before being licensed in the state.

Until November, 2003

Until November 2003, exams are offered twice a year, in May and November. The four sections are given in a 2-day period.

Beginning April 5, 2004

Beginning April 5, 2004 the exam will be entirely computer based. Research skill as well as use of word processing and database software will be required.

The year will be divided into four windows. On the each three-month window the candidates can take any number of the sections, once for each section on a window, in the first two months (January and February, April and May, and so on).

The sections will be reorganized as follow:

The result will be available in 60 days. The credits for the passed sections are valid for 18 months. If the candidate does not pass all the four sections in the period each section will expire in 18 months.

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