Who is referred to as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an individual who has met specific education and experience requirements and successfully passed a rigorous examination, allowing them to be licensed by their state board of accountancy to practice public accounting. This designation grants the CPA the authority to offer accounting services to the public, including auditing, tax preparation, and consulting services.

To achieve CPA status, candidates must typically complete 150 semester hours of college education, including coursework in accounting and business, gain relevant work experience, and pass the CPA exam. This professional designation is highly regarded and signifies that an individual has a high level of expertise and adherence to ethical standards in the field of accounting.

While preparing tax returns is one of the functions a CPA may perform, the broader definition encompasses various aspects of public accounting such as auditing, financial reporting, and advising businesses on financial matters. Therefore, the title of CPA is specific to those who are duly certified to provide these services and adhere to the professional requirements set forth by regulatory bodies.