Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) typically takes about 5 to 7 years, depending on your educational path, exam preparation, and work experience.

Breakdown of the Timeline

• Education:
  Most states require 150 semester hours of post-secondary education, which usually means completing a bachelor's degree plus additional coursework or a master's degree. A bachelor's degree typically takes 4 years, and the extra credits to reach 150 hours can take about 1 additional year, totaling around 5 years of education

• CPA Exam:
  The CPA exam consists of four sections. Preparing for and passing all sections usually takes between 6 months to 2 years, with many candidates averaging about 1 year of study

• Work Experience:
  Most states require at least 1 to 2 years of relevant accounting work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA before granting the CPA license

Summary

Step| Typical Duration
---|---
Education| 4–5 years
CPA Exam Preparation| 6 months to 2 years
Work Experience| 1–2 years
Total Time| 5 to 7 years

You can often overlap some of these steps, such as taking the CPA exam while completing the education or work experience requirements. The exact timeline varies by individual circumstances and state requirements

. In conclusion, becoming a CPA is a multi-year commitment involving education, passing a rigorous exam, and gaining practical experience, typically taking about 5 to 7 years in total.