CPA Exam
Preparation to Become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA designation is a widely recognized credential in business and accounting. To become a CPA, generally you must complete:
| • | Education Requirements, |
| • | Experience Requirements, and |
| • | Examination Requirements. |
The requirements to become a CPA are somewhat detailed. However, early planning and consultation with an Accounting Faculty member will enable you to complete the educational preparation necessary to enter this rewarding field efficiently and effectively.
This announcement describes the process for becoming a CPA in State of Michigan and focuses on the Education Requirements. You can also refer to this summary: Click here for futher information
Education Requirements
One of the following two education requirements must be completed to become a CPA:
| • | Complete at least 150 semesters hours of undergraduate education, including at least 30 semesters hours of accounting courses and at least 39 semester hours of other business courses, or |
| • | Complete a master’s degree in accounting or business administration that includes at least 12 graduate semester hours of accounting. Click here for futher information |
Strategies for Completing the Education Requirements
There are several approaches to completing the education requirements to become a CPA. One efficient and effective way to complete these requirements is to complete the BBA with a Concentration in Accounting and the MBA with a Concentration in Accounting. Students earning the BBA complete the requirements for 39 non-accounting Business semester hours. A summary of the accounting coursework under these programs is as follows:
Accounting Course in Business Pre-core (6 credit hours):
Principles of Financial Accounting (201) | 3 |
Principles of Managerial Accounting (202) | 3 |
Required Courses in Accounting BBA Concentration (12 credit hours)
Cost Accounting (320) | 3 |
Intermediate Accounting I and II (321 and 322) | 6 |
Accounting Information Systems (421) | 3 |
Elective Courses to Complete BBA Concentration (3 credit hours)
Recommended: Federal Income Taxation (323) | 3 |
Additional Undergraduate Elective Courses Recommended for CPA Exam Preparation (5 credit hours):
Fundamentals of Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting (324) | 2 |
Auditing (424) | 3 |
Courses in Accounting MBA Concentration (9 credit hours)
Advanced Financial Reporting (525) | 3 |
Seminar in Professional Accountancy (527) | 3 |
Seminar in Managerial Accounting (528) | 3 |
Total | 35 |
Another approach to meeting the education requirement is to complete the BBA Program with a Concentration in Accounting and complete other courses other undergraduate courses to complete 150 total hours and 30 accounting hours. In this case, the courses in the Accounting MBA Concentration (above) would be replaced by any of the following so that at least 30 total accounting hours are completed:
Income Tax Preparation (325) | 2 |
Advanced Accounting (425) – Recommended | 3 |
Financial Statement Analysis (467) | 3 |
Experience Requirements
CPA candidates must complete one year of qualifying audit experience in a CPA firm or government agency under the direction of a licensed CPA Click here for futher infomration
Examination Requirements
Candidates must complete all four parts of the Uniform CPA Exam Click here for futher information
Student who wishes to pursue a CPA license in Michigan are strongly encouraged to meet with an accounting faculty member by early in the junior year to plan the curriculum. The student who wishes to take the CPA exam, and become a CPA in another state must comply with the requirements for education and CPA certification in that state. Accounting faculty members can direct you to licensing information in other states.