Accounting Certifications

The Zimpleman College of Business School of Accounting prepares students for careers as accounting professionals and business leaders, as well as further graduate study. The school also assists students in preparing for CPA and other professional certification examinations through classroom coverage, expert faculty advising, and access to a CPA exam review course. Zimpleman accounting students and graduates qualify for discounted tuition for the exam review through Becker CPA Review.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

While an accounting degree opens many opportunities, professional certification is the next step. The most prestigious and recognizable is Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Unlike other certifications, the CPA designation is a state-granted license. Every jurisdiction (the 50 states and five other jurisdictions), has a board that licenses and regulates CPAs. For an overview of the process of becoming a CPA, visit This Way to CPA.

Becoming a licensed CPA requires completion of three steps: education, examination, and experience (the 3 E’s). A CPA applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree with specified coursework in accounting and business. Most states require 150-credit hours of total coursework before certification. Additionally, an applicant must successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination. The final requirement is to obtain one to two years of relevant work experience. For more information, visit the American Institute for CPAs.

Licensing requirements differ among the states so it is important to verify the requirements for the state where you seek licensure. Individual state CPA requirements can be found on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website.

Other Certifications

Additional certifications include: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM). These certifications, sponsored by private organizations, generally have education, examination, and experience requirements.