5 Ways to get 150 Credit Hours for CPA Exam

Summary

This video offers five strategies for accumulating the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam without pursuing a master's degree. The presenter debunks the myth that additional education must be in accounting, discusses intensive 4+1 master's programs, highlights the benefits and drawbacks of MAC programs that incorporate the CPA exam, and suggests alternative paths such as double majors, minors, and electives. The video also advises high school students to consider dual enrollment opportunities and emphasizes the importance of understanding state-specific CPA requirements.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses five ways to acquire the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam without necessarily pursuing a master's degree.
• 🔍 It's a common misconception that the additional education must be accounting-related; it does not, as long as accounting requirements for the State Board are met.
• 🎓 A popular route is obtaining a master's degree after a bachelor's, with many universities offering 'four plus one' programs that lead to a master's within five years.
• 🏫 Some CPA candidates choose to do a double major, such as accounting and finance, to fulfill the credit hour requirement, leveraging overlaps in business classes.
• 📈 Another option is to pick up an additional minor to gain extra credits, which can be beneficial if only a few more credits are needed to reach the 150-hour mark.
• 🎨 The speaker suggests taking random electives as a way to fulfill credit requirements, allowing for exploration of interests outside of the main field of study.
• 🌐 For high school students planning to pursue a CPA license, dual enrollment opportunities can provide a head start by earning college credits while still in high school.
• 📝 The video emphasizes the importance of checking with the state board and understanding the specific requirements for CPA qualification in the state where one plans to work.
• 🤝 The speaker recommends seeking advice from mentors, guidance counselors, or family members who are CPAs to navigate the complex process of CPA qualification.
• 💼 The video shares the speaker's personal journey of obtaining 150 credit hours by taking random classes at a community college after graduation.
• 🗂️ It's crucial to ensure that additional classes taken at different institutions do not overlap or duplicate courses already completed to avoid disqualification by the CPA board.

Q & A

What is the minimum credit hours requirement to sit for the CPA exam?

The minimum credit hours requirement to sit for the CPA exam is 150 credit hours.

Does the additional education for the CPA exam have to be accounting related?

No, the additional education for the CPA exam does not have to be accounting related, as long as the accounting requirements for the State Board are fulfilled.

What is a common route to fulfill the CPA exam's education requirement?

A common route is to pursue a master's degree after the bachelor's degree, often through a 'four plus one' program where an additional year of classes leads to a master's degree within five years.

What is a MAC program and how does it relate to the CPA exam?

A MAC (Master of Accounting) program is a graduate degree program that often incorporates the CPA exam within its curriculum, allowing students to take the CPA exams alongside their coursework.

What is the drawback of failing a CPA exam while enrolled in a MAC program?

If a student fails a CPA exam while in a MAC program, they may not graduate with their MAC until they pass the CPA exams, which could delay their graduation.

Can you obtain the 150 credit hours by doing a double major?

Yes, obtaining a double major, such as in accounting and finance, is a popular way to fulfill the 150 credit hours required for the CPA exam.

What is another way to get the required credit hours besides a double major or a master's degree?

Another way is to pick up an additional minor, which can provide extra credits, though typically not as many as a double major or a master's degree.

How can taking random electives help in fulfilling the 150 credit hours requirement?

Taking random electives throughout college can help accumulate the necessary credit hours for the CPA exam, especially if they are outside the major requirements.

What advice is given for high school students who want to pursue the CPA license?

High school students are advised to take advantage of dual enrollment opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school, which can contribute to the 150 credit hours needed for the CPA exam.

What was the speaker's personal experience in obtaining the 150 credit hours for the CPA exam?

The speaker graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting and a Bible minor, then took additional random classes at a community college to reach the required 150 credit hours.