Advertisements

How Can Finance Majors Get a CPA? Step-by-Step Guide for 2025/2026

by

How Finance Majors Can Get a CPA License: 2025/2026 Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional recognized for their expertise in auditing, tax, and financial reporting. CPAs are regulated at the state level and must pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet educational and experience requirements.

It’s one of the most respected and versatile professional credentials in finance and accounting.

Can Finance Majors Become CPAs?

Absolutely. You don’t need to major in accounting to become a CPA. A finance major can meet the CPA eligibility requirements by completing the right coursework and gaining the necessary experience.

You may need to take a few extra accounting courses, but many finance programs already cover some required topics. With planning and dedication, finance majors can absolutely earn their CPA licenses.

Benefits of Getting a CPA License

Earning a CPA opens doors to higher salaries, more job opportunities, and career advancement. Here are some key benefits:

  • Higher earning potential (CPAs earn 10–15% more than non-CPAs)

  • Stronger job security and demand

  • Ability to sign audit reports and represent clients before the IRS

  • Opportunities in corporate finance, forensic accounting, and government

  • Increased credibility and respect in the finance world

It’s a long journey, but the payoff is big—especially for finance majors aiming to stand out.

CPA Requirements in 2025/2026

Starting in 2024, the CPA licensure process shifted under the new CPA Evolution Model, which continues through 2025 and beyond. The new model is designed to reflect the changing skills CPAs need.

Core + Discipline Model:

All CPA candidates must complete:

  • 3 core sections (Accounting, Auditing, and Tax)

  • 1 discipline section of your choice (Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls, or Tax Compliance and Planning)

General Requirements:

  • 150 semester credit hours

  • Bachelor’s degree (minimum)

  • Specific accounting and business coursework

  • Passing scores on all 4 CPA exam parts

  • 1–2 years of relevant work experience (depending on your state)

Let’s walk through each step to help you, as a finance major, earn your CPA.

Step-by-Step: How Finance Majors Can Get a CPA

Here’s a simplified roadmap for finance majors to become licensed CPAs:

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance

Start by completing a 4-year finance degree from an accredited university. Ensure your coursework includes business foundation classes like economics, statistics, and management.

Step 2: Complete Required Accounting Courses

Most states require 24–30 semester hours in accounting-related subjects. As a finance major, you’ll likely need to take additional classes in:

  • Financial Accounting

  • Managerial Accounting

  • Auditing

  • Taxation

  • Accounting Information Systems

Take these as electives or through a post-baccalaureate certificate.

Step 3: Accumulate 150 Credit Hours

Your bachelor’s degree may only cover 120 credits. You’ll need 30 more hours through:

  • A master’s in accounting or taxation

  • A graduate certificate

  • Community college courses

  • CLEP exams or online accredited programs

Step 4: Choose Your State and Review CPA Requirements

Each U.S. state sets its own CPA rules. Go to your state board’s website and look at:

  • Education requirements

  • Work experience details

  • Exam eligibility and deadlines

Step 5: Apply for the CPA Exam

Create an account with NASBA (nasba.org) and submit:

  • Official transcripts

  • Application fees

  • Any additional forms

Once approved, you’ll receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) and can pick your exam dates.

Step 6: Prepare for the CPA Exam

Most candidates spend 300–400 hours studying over several months. Choose a CPA review course tailored to your learning style.

Popular options include:

  • Becker CPA Review

  • Roger CPA Review

  • Surgent CPA Review

  • Gleim CPA

Stay consistent, build a study plan, and take practice exams regularly.

Step 7: Pass the CPA Exam

You must pass all 4 parts:

  • Core:

    • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

    • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)

    • Regulation (REG)

  • Discipline (choose one):

    • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)

    • Information Systems and Controls (ISC)

    • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Scores range from 0 to 99. A score of 75 or higher is required to pass.

Step 8: Gain Work Experience

You must complete 1–2 years of supervised experience, usually under a licensed CPA. This can be in:

  • Public accounting

  • Corporate finance

  • Government agencies

  • Nonprofits

Check your state board for specifics.

Step 9: Apply for CPA Licensure

Once you’ve passed all exams and completed your experience, you can apply for your CPA license.

Submit:

  • Proof of experience

  • Final transcripts (if needed)

  • Application and fees

Congratulations—you’re now a CPA!

CPA Exam Breakdown

Each section of the CPA Exam tests different skills:

Section Content Area
AUD Auditing concepts, ethics, and evidence
FAR GAAP, financial statements, reporting
REG Taxation, business law, and ethics
Discipline Your specialty—analysis, IT, or tax

Each exam is 4 hours long. You can schedule exams any time of year via Prometric test centers.

Education Requirements for Finance Majors

If you majored in finance, you may be short on required accounting courses. Here’s what many states look for:

Accounting Topics (24–30 credits):

  • Intro to Accounting

  • Intermediate Accounting I & II

  • Cost/Managerial Accounting

  • Auditing

  • Taxation

  • Advanced Accounting

Business Topics (24 credits):

  • Finance

  • Business Law

  • Economics

  • Statistics

  • Marketing

Talk to an academic advisor about filling any gaps before you apply.

How to Earn the Extra 150 Credit Hours

Finance majors often need more credits. Here are the best ways to earn them:

  • Master of Accounting (MAcc): Adds credibility and satisfies all requirements.

  • Graduate Certificate in Accounting: Cheaper and quicker than a full degree.

  • Second Bachelor’s: Especially if you want to pivot into accounting.

  • Online or Community College Courses: Flexible and affordable.

  • Continuing Education or Bootcamps: Useful for supplemental credits.

Plan wisely so your extra credits count toward CPA eligibility.

Best CPA Exam Prep Courses for Finance Majors

Finance majors may be less familiar with accounting-heavy content. Consider these top-rated review courses:

  • Becker CPA Review – Comprehensive and used by Big Four firms.

  • Roger CPA Review – Engaging lectures and dynamic format.

  • Surgent CPA – Adaptive learning based on your strengths.

  • Gleim CPA – Affordable with lots of practice questions.

  • Wiley CPAexcel – Short video lessons and mobile access.

Most offer free trials. Pick one that fits your learning style.

Work Experience Requirements

Experience rules vary by state, but generally include:

  • 1–2 years of accounting-related experience

  • Supervised by a licensed CPA

  • Work can be full-time or part-time

  • Can be in audit, tax, consulting, or financial analysis

Many finance jobs in banks, corporations, or investment firms count—especially with CPA oversight.

State-by-State CPA Requirements

Each state has its own CPA board. Check your specific state’s website for:

  • Education requirements

  • Accepted coursework

  • Experience criteria

  • Fees and deadlines

Use NASBA’s CPA Candidate Resource to find your state board easily.

How Long It Takes to Become a CPA

Here’s an estimated timeline:

  • Bachelor’s degree: 4 years

  • Extra coursework: 1 year (can be concurrent)

  • CPA Exam prep: 6–12 months

  • Experience: 1–2 years

Most finance majors earn their CPA in 5–6 years total, depending on how quickly they complete their requirements.

Cost of Becoming a CPA

Getting your CPA isn’t free, but it’s a solid investment.

Approximate Costs:

  • Application fees: $100–$300

  • Exam fees: $900–$1,200 total

  • CPA review course: $1,000–$3,000

  • Additional education: Varies ($2,000–$20,000)

  • Licensing fees: $100–$500

Total estimated cost: $3,000–$6,000+

Many employers reimburse exam and prep costs—check your benefits.

Is CPA Worth It for Finance Majors?

Yes—especially if you want to work in:

  • Public accounting

  • Corporate finance

  • Forensic accounting

  • Investment banking

  • Government or nonprofit sectors

  • Financial consulting

Even in roles that don’t require a CPA, the license proves your expertise and dedication. It’s a great asset for finance majors looking to level up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Watch out for these pitfalls:

  • Waiting too long to start CPA coursework

  • Not checking state-specific requirements

  • Failing to schedule exam sections properly

  • Trying to cram last-minute for the exam

  • Overlooking experience documentation

  • Skipping low-cost education options

Plan ahead. Stay organized. Ask questions.

FAQs for Finance Majors Pursuing CPA

Q1: Can I take the CPA Exam with just a finance degree?

Yes, if you meet the credit and course requirements.

Q2: Is a Master’s required?

No, but it’s the easiest way to meet the 150-hour rule.

Q3: What’s the best discipline for finance majors?

Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) is usually the most relevant.

Q4: How long does it take to pass the CPA Exam?

Most people pass all 4 sections in 12–18 months.

Q5: What’s the pass rate?

About 50% pass each section on the first try—prep matters!

Final Thoughts

Earning your CPA as a finance major is totally doable—and highly rewarding. With smart planning, you can complete the coursework, pass the exams, gain experience, and get licensed without switching majors.

Whether you’re still in college or already working, now is the perfect time to start. The CPA credential is your ticket to greater opportunities, better pay, and long-term success in finance.

So take the first step today—start preparing for your CPA journey in 2025/2026!