Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) can significantly enhance one’s career prospects in the ever-evolving field of accounting. The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program prepares students for the updated CPA exam and provides the necessary credit hours to meet the 150-hour requirement for the exam. This article explores the updated CPA exam, the CPA Evolution Initiative and how TAMU-CC’s MAcc program equips students for success.

Why Become a Certified Public Accountant?

Earning a CPA designation brings numerous advantages, such as better career opportunities, higher salaries, and enhanced professional reputation. Investopedia notes that CPAs are in demand across various sectors, including public accounting, corporate finance, government, and nonprofit organizations.

Forbes highlights that CPAs play critical roles in financial reporting, auditing, tax preparation, and compliance, ensuring the integrity and transparency of financial information. This credential opens up diverse opportunities and is a testament to one’s expertise and dedication in the field of accounting.

The Importance of the CPA Exam

The CPA exam is a challenging evaluation designed to ensure that candidates have the essential knowledge and skills to excel as professional accountants. Passing the CPA exam is a critical step in obtaining licensure and demonstrating competence in accounting principles and practices. According to Forbes, the CPA credential is highly valued and recognized globally, making it a significant milestone for accounting professionals.

The CPA Evolution Initiative — a collaborative effort between the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) — is designed to modernize the CPA exam. According to the Journal of Accountancy, this initiative aims to ensure that CPAs possess the skills required in today’s complex and evolving business environment.

The Updated CPA Exam: Structure and Content

The updated exam structure, launching in 2024, includes competencies in business analytics, information systems, and data management to reflect the changing needs of the accounting profession. Becker highlights that the revised exam will also emphasize technology integration and data analytics, ensuring CPAs are well versed in these critical areas.

The NASBA Candidate Guide provides comprehensive details on the exam’s content and structure. The revised CPA exam format includes four main sections:

  1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
  2. Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
  3. Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
  4. Regulation (REG)

These sections cover critical areas such as auditing processes, financial reporting standards, regulatory frameworks, and business concepts. New topics like business analytics and information systems have been integrated to align with the CPA Evolution Initiative.

To sit for the CPA exam, candidates must meet specific educational requirements, including a bachelor’s degree and 150 credit hours of coursework in accounting and related fields. TAMU-CC’s online MAcc program helps students fulfill these requirements, offering courses that provide the necessary credit hours and in-depth preparation for the exam.

Preparing for the CPA Exam With TAMU-CC’s MAcc Program

TAMU-CC’s online Master of Accountancy program offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for the CPA exam. The program includes courses like Advanced Accounting Problems and Advanced Auditing & Assurance Services, which align closely with the CPA exam’s content areas and provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills.

Courses such as Information Systems in Accounting and Professional Accounting Research offer essential skills in modern accounting practices and research methodologies, ensuring students are well prepared for the CPA exam. The program’s flexible online format caters to working professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments while fulfilling the 150 credit hours required to sit for the CPA exam.

The online Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi is a top choice for those pursuing CPA certification. This program equips graduates with the essential knowledge in types of accounting and credit hours needed for the updated CPA exam, ensuring they are well prepared for a thriving career in accounting.

Learn more about TAMU-CC’s online MAcc program.