AICPA

If only the rest of your life had an outline.

It's all right under your nose: the ultimate blueprint to growing your dreams as a CPA—whether you're a high school student looking to invest your talents into something great, or a college student itching to get your foot in the door. Just mosey on down this page to find all the information and resources you need to start charting your path to the big time. Because when you have dreams the size of yours, you can never start planning early enough.

High School

• Speak with guidance counselors.
• Join Student Business Clubs.
• Contact your state CPA society and other associations (NABA).
• Take Business Classes:
  • Intro to Business
  • Intro to Accounting
• Take Communications Classes:
  • English and creative writing courses
  • Computer Courses focused on desktop office suites
• Research colleges and universities with strong business schools and accounting programs:
  • Research Accounting Scholarships
  • Speak to career counselors at universities/colleges that interest you
• Research the industry:
  • Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Forensic Accounting, Auditing and Taxation
  • Computer Courses focused on desktop office suites
    • Start networking
    • Explore summer jobs opportunities in accounting related positions
  • Begin reading business magazines and newspapers: Forbes, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal
• Check out the rest of StartHereGoPlaces.com. There's a lot more great information.

Early College

• Take classes/courses in the following:
  • Introductory level accounting, economics and finance
  • Business law, business management and international business
  • Public speaking, communications skills and marketing
  • Behavioral sciences, ethics and social environments
  • Information systems, risk management and statistics
• Research required classes for sitting for the CPA exam:
  • Sit with a faculty of the accounting department to know what the specific CPA exam requirements are for your state
• Join the AICPA with a Student Affiliate Membership.
• Join an accounting club or Beta Alpha Psi or other student professional organization.
• Get involved in accounting related summer internships: CPA firms, nonprofits, etc.
  • Contact your school's career center
  • Look at listings with staffing firms like CareerBuilder.com or Monster.com
• Develop a professional resume.
• Contact you local State CPA society and network—become a student member if available.

Late College

• Finish all core business and accounting class requirements.
• Research information about sitting for the CPA exam in your state:
  • Click here to find information about education requirements by state (the educational requirements to sit for the exam can vary from state to state).
  • Sit with a member of the accounting faculty at your school to make sure you understand all of the necessary requirements.
• Research information on CPA review courses and take practice tests.
• Begin networking and applying for a post graduation full time or internship accounting position.
• Begin a dialog with your school career counselor and/or Accounting faculty member to find a good place to start.
• Read business and accounting related periodicals: AICPA's Journal of Accountancy magazine, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Business Week, and others.
• Apply for accounting related scholarships.

Post College

• Sign up for the CPA Exam.
• Study for the CPA Exam and take practice tests.
• Stay current with industry issues through continuing education classes and industry periodicals.
• Get involved with your local CPA society.
• Become a mentor for accounting students in your Alma Mater.
• Continue to read accounting and business related magazines and newspapers.