The CPA is worth it for most accounting professionals seeking advancement, but not universally. CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs at the same level, and the credential unlocks roles like audit partner and controller that require licensure. However, the investment is significant: $3,000-$5,000 in exam costs, 300-400 study hours, and the 150-credit-hour education requirement. Skip it if you're leaving public accounting early or pursuing non-audit career paths.
- The documented CPA salary premium vs. non-CPAs
- Total cost of becoming a CPA (time, money, opportunity cost)
- CPA exam pass rates and difficulty by section
- Which careers require or benefit most from CPA certification
- When getting a CPA might NOT be worth it
- Alternative certifications: CMA, CFE, EA compared
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Is getting a CPA worth it?
For most accounting professionals in public accounting or seeking controller/CFO roles, yes. CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs and unlock roles requiring licensure. However, the investment is substantial (300-400 study hours, $3,000-$5,000), so evaluate your specific career goals.
How much more do CPAs make than non-CPAs?
CPAs earn approximately 10-15% more than non-certified accountants at the same experience level, according to industry salary surveys. The premium compounds over a career: a 12% premium over 30 years represents hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime earnings.
How hard is the CPA exam?
The CPA exam is challenging. 2025 pass rates range from 42% (FAR) to 78% (TCP). Most candidates require multiple attempts to pass all sections. The exam requires approximately 300-400 hours of study total, typically spread over 12-18 months.
Can I be an accountant without a CPA?
Yes, many accounting roles don't require CPA licensure. Staff accountants, bookkeepers, industry accountants, and many corporate finance roles don't require the CPA. However, you cannot sign audit opinions, and advancement to partner at CPA firms typically requires licensure.
"Should I get my CPA?" is the defining career question for early-career accountants. The answer requires honest analysis of costs, benefits, and your specific career trajectory — not generic advice.
The CPA credential commands respect and unlocks opportunities, but it demands significant investment. Let's examine whether that investment makes sense for you.
The CPA Salary Premium: What the Data Shows
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
A CPA is an accountant who has passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met state-specific education and experience requirements. CPAs are licensed by individual states and can perform services that non-CPAs cannot, including signing audit opinions and representing clients before the IRS.
CPAs consistently earn more than non-certified accountants at equivalent experience levels.
Documented Salary Differences
The premium varies by role and experience:
Lifetime Earnings Impact
The CPA premium compounds over a career. A conservative 12% salary premium over 30 years represents:
- At $80,000 base: $288,000 additional lifetime earnings
- At $120,000 base: $432,000 additional lifetime earnings
- With promotions unlocked by CPA: Potentially $500,000-$1,000,000+
The salary premium understates the CPA's value. Many high-paying roles (audit partner, controller, CFO) require or strongly prefer CPA licensure. Without the credential, these roles may be inaccessible regardless of experience.
CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs at the same level. Over a career, this compounds to hundreds of thousands in additional earnings — plus access to roles that require licensure.
The True Cost of Becoming a CPA
The CPA requires substantial investment across three dimensions: education, examination, and experience.
1. Education Requirements
- 150-Hour Rule
Most states require 150 semester hours of education (equivalent to a bachelor's degree plus 30 additional hours) to become a CPA. This is 30 hours more than a standard 120-hour bachelor's degree and often requires a fifth year of education or a master's degree.
2. CPA Exam Costs
Total exam-related costs: $3,000-$5,500 (assuming no retakes)
3. Time Investment
Most candidates study 15-25 hours per week while working full-time. This requires significant sacrifice of personal time.
4. Experience Requirements
Most states require 1-2 years of work experience under a licensed CPA's supervision. This experience is typically gained during normal employment, so it's not an additional cost — but it does mean you can't use the CPA credential immediately after passing the exam.
Total Investment Summary
Many accounting firms pay for CPA review courses and exam fees, and offer bonuses for passing. If your employer offers these benefits, your out-of-pocket cost may be minimal. Ask about CPA support before starting the process.
The CPA costs $18,000-$55,000 (including education) and 300-400 study hours. Most candidates recover this investment within 3-5 years through higher salary.
CPA Exam Difficulty and Pass Rates
The CPA exam is one of the most challenging professional certifications. Understanding the difficulty helps set realistic expectations.
Current Exam Structure
The CPA exam consists of three Core sections that all candidates must pass, plus one Discipline section chosen based on career focus:
Core Sections (Required):
- AUD (Auditing and Attestation)
- FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting)
- REG (Regulation — Tax and Business Law)
Discipline Sections (Choose One):
- BAR (Business Analysis and Reporting)
- ISC (Information Systems and Controls)
- TCP (Tax Compliance and Planning)
2025 Pass Rates
CPA Exam Pass Rates by Section (2025)
Cumulative pass rates for all CPA exam sections
What the Pass Rates Mean
With FAR and BAR pass rates around 42%, many candidates fail at least one section. Plan for potential retakes in your timeline and budget. Failing a section doesn't mean you won't become a CPA — it's a normal part of the process.
18-Month Window
Candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window. If you pass FAR in January, you must pass AUD, REG, and your discipline section by June of the following year — or FAR expires and must be retaken.
Choose your order strategically
Most candidates start with FAR (hardest, most content) while motivation is high. Others prefer starting with a higher-pass-rate section to build confidence.
Plan for busy season
Avoid scheduling exams during busy season if you work in public accounting. Most candidates test between May and December.
Invest in quality review materials
A comprehensive review course (Becker, Roger, Surgent, Gleim) significantly improves pass rates. The $1,500-$3,500 investment is worthwhile.
CPA exam pass rates range from 42% to 78% depending on section. Plan for 12-18 months and potential retakes. Quality preparation and strategic timing improve your odds.
When the CPA Matters Most
The CPA provides the greatest return on investment in specific career paths:
High-Value CPA Career Paths
- Public accounting career (Big 4, mid-market, small firms)
- External audit — CPA required to sign opinions
- Tax practice — representation before IRS
- Aspiring controllers and CFOs
- Forensic accounting and litigation support
- Government accounting (some agencies require/prefer)
- Consulting to clients requiring certified professionals
Roles Requiring CPA
Certain roles legally require or practically mandate CPA licensure:
If you aspire to partner at a CPA firm, the credential is non-negotiable. You cannot become an equity partner at most firms without CPA licensure, regardless of your performance or client relationships.
The CPA is essential for public accounting advancement, audit work, and controller/CFO positions. These paths offer strong compensation and the credential provides clear ROI.
When CPA Might NOT Be Worth It
The CPA isn't universally valuable. Skip it if:
CPA May Not Be Worth It If...
- You're leaving public accounting after 1-2 years for industry
- Your career path is in FP&A, corporate development, or banking
- You're pursuing entrepreneurship or non-accounting business roles
- You're in bookkeeping or basic accounting and not pursuing advancement
- Your state doesn't require CPA for your specific work
Industry Accounting Consideration
Many industry (corporate) accounting roles don't require CPA licensure. If you:
- Left public accounting after 1-2 years
- Work in FP&A, corporate accounting, or finance
- Don't plan to return to public accounting or become controller
...the CPA may provide minimal return on investment. The premium is smaller in industry, and advancement often depends more on business acumen than credentials.
The Opportunity Cost
The 300-400 study hours represent significant opportunity cost. That time could be spent:
- Building technical skills in data analytics or automation
- Networking and relationship building
- Pursuing an MBA or other credentials
- Side projects or entrepreneurship
Ask yourself: In 5 years, will having the CPA meaningfully change my career trajectory? If the answer is unclear, consider whether the time investment is worthwhile.
The CPA provides less value for non-public accounting careers, non-audit roles, and those leaving accounting entirely. Evaluate your specific trajectory before committing.
Alternative Certifications: CMA, CFE, EA
If the CPA isn't right for your path, consider these alternatives:
CMA: For Industry/Corporate Finance
The CMA is administered by the Institute of Management Accountants and focuses on:
- Financial planning and analysis
- Strategic management
- Decision making and cost management
- Performance management
It's particularly valuable for accountants pursuing corporate finance careers rather than public accounting.
CFE: For Forensic Accounting
The Certified Fraud Examiner credential is offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. CFEs earn approximately 32% more than non-certified fraud professionals.
EA: For Tax Specialists
Enrolled Agents are licensed by the IRS and can represent taxpayers before the agency. The EA is less expensive and easier to obtain than the CPA, making it attractive for tax-focused careers outside of public accounting.
These certifications aren't mutually exclusive. Many professionals hold CPA + CMA, or CPA + CFE. Consider which combination aligns with your career goals.
The CMA is ideal for corporate finance, the CFE for forensic accounting, and the EA for tax specialization. These provide targeted value without the CPA's broad (and costly) requirements.
Key Takeaways
- 1CPAs earn 10-15% more than non-CPAs at the same level, compounding to $300,000-$500,000+ over a career
- 2Total investment is $18,000-$55,000 (including education) and 300-400 study hours
- 3CPA exam pass rates range from 42% (FAR) to 78% (TCP) — plan for potential retakes
- 4The CPA is essential for public accounting partner track, audit, and controller/CFO roles
- 5Consider alternatives (CMA, CFE, EA) if your path is industry finance, forensics, or tax-only
- 6Most candidates recover their investment within 3-5 years through higher salary
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA?
After meeting education requirements, most candidates take 12-18 months to pass all four exam sections while working. Add 1-2 years of experience requirement before licensure. Total timeline from starting college: typically 6-7 years.
Can I take the CPA exam without 150 hours?
Some states allow you to sit for the exam with 120 hours (bachelor's degree) but require 150 hours before licensure. Check your state board's specific requirements. You may be able to start testing while completing additional coursework.
Is the CPA harder than the bar exam?
They're different types of difficult. The CPA covers broader technical content across four sections, while the bar exam is more intensive but shorter. CPA pass rates (42-78%) are generally comparable to bar exam pass rates (varies by state).
Do I need a CPA to be a CFO?
Not legally required, but strongly preferred for public company CFOs and most controller roles. Many CFOs have CPAs, MBAs, or both. For private companies and startups, experience and business acumen may matter more than credentials.
Should I get my CPA or MBA first?
If you're in public accounting, CPA first — it's expected and employers often pay for it. MBA can come later if needed for business leadership roles. If you're in industry, evaluate which credential your target roles require.
Is the CPA worth it at 30, 40, or older?
The ROI calculation changes with age — fewer career years to recoup the investment. However, if the CPA unlocks a specific role you want (controller, return to public accounting), it may still be worthwhile. Evaluate your specific goals rather than age alone.
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Sources & References
- Learn more about CPA Exam scoring and pass rates — AICPA & CIMA (2026)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Accountants and Auditors — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Managers — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025)
- Uniform CPA Examination — AICPA & CIMA (2026)