If you’ve spent any time in accounting or finance circles—or even just lurking on Reddit and Quora—you’ve probably seen the heated debates about whether holding a CPA license is worth the blood, sweat, and study sessions. No one denies that the exam is brutal or that it requires a serious time commitment. But is all that effort justified by higher salaries, better job opportunities, and career flexibility?
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Is the CPA worth it? To help you decide if becoming a Certified Public Accountant is the right investment for you, we’ve broken down the CPA-related key factors to consider.
Quick Guide: Is the CPA Worth It?
Deciding whether to pursue a CPA license is a big choice. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
A CPA is worth it for you if:
- You want higher pay and more career opportunities in accounting and finance.
- You’re aiming for leadership roles like senior accountant, controller, or CFO.
- You plan to start your own accounting practice or work as a consultant.
- You want to stay up-to-date on tax laws, audits, and financial accounting regulations.
- You want job security with room for growth in multiple industries.
CPA may not be worth it if:
- You don’t want to work in public accounting, auditing, financial advisory, or at a CPA firm.
- You prefer a less demanding certification or designation like CMA or EA, which may suit your career goals better.
- You’re looking for a quick credential—the CPA takes significant time, effort, and money to earn.
Why Becoming a CPA is Worth It
1. Earn More Money
While location, experience, and role all affect salary, CPAs almost always outearn non-CPAs. The average CPA salary is $79,284 while the non-CPA average salary is $68,3261, and that wage gap widens with experience and seniority. If you get a CPA license, you can qualify for higher-paying jobs like Chief Financial Officer or Senior Vice President in corporate finance.
2. More Job Opportunities and Security
Having a CPA license can help you find stable jobs in public accounting firms, government agencies, corporate finance, and nonprofits. Companies need CPAs to help with financial planning, taxes, and audits, so there is always a demand for them.
3. Start Your Own Business
If you want to work for yourself, getting a CPA credential allows you to start your own practice. You can provide more comprehensive accounting and tax services as you have greater practicing privileges with a license. Having a CPA title also makes you more trustworthy to clients.
4. Keep Learning and Growing
The CPA exam process helps you stay updated on accounting, finance, and tax rules. Many CPAs move up into leadership roles, work as consultants, or even teach accounting. You’ll need to keep learning, but that also keeps your career moving forward by building strategic financial skills.
5. Expand Your Expertise in Key Accounting Areas
Getting your CPA license isn’t just about adding letters to your name—it’s a game-changer for your career. For one, it can lead you into specialized fields like financial management, technical accounting, and forensic accounting. This can leave you with the skills to tackle everything from crunching complex numbers to uncovering fraud.
Whether you’re aiming to provide expert financial advice, work with top firms, or carve out your own niche, the CPA credential gives you the expertise to stand out and succeed.
Is a CPA Exam Review Worth It?
Once you decide to take the CPA exam, the next big question is whether you should invest in a CPA Exam review course. The answer? Yes! A structured review course can make a huge difference in your success.
A CPA Exam review is worth it if:
- You want to increase your chances of passing on the first try—review courses help improve pass rates.
- You need structured study materials like practice tests, video lessons, and study plans to stay on track.
- You have a busy schedule and need a flexible way to study while working or managing other responsibilities in your accounting profession.
- You struggle with self-study and need expert guidance to break down complex accounting topics.
- You’re looking for efficient study strategies that focus on high-yield exam content, saving you time and helping with passing the CPA exam.
A CPA Exam review may not be worth it if:
- You have unlimited time to prepare and don’t mind retaking CPA sections if needed.
- You don’t mind delaying your CPA designation journey—without a review, the process might take longer.
A CPA license is worth it with Becker
Choosing to become a CPA is a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. Becker has helped nearly two million CPA candidates succeed, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate global economic challenges and thrive in their careers.
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