CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track)

Advanced AICPA / NASBA Accounting

The gold standard in accounting issued by AICPA (aicpa-cima.com). Required to sign audit opinions in the US. Universally recognized by Fortune 500 employers and Big 4 accounting firms.

Quick Verdict

CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) is a senior-level credential best pursued once you already have hands-on experience in this field — it validates depth employers screen for at senior and lead levels, with typical compensation in the $70K–$130K range.

Overview

The gold standard in accounting issued by AICPA (aicpa-cima.com). Required to sign audit opinions in the US. Universally recognized by Fortune 500 employers and Big 4 accounting firms.

Key topics covered: Auditing & Attestation, Business Analysis & Reporting, Tax Compliance & Planning, Financial Accounting & Reporting, Information Systems & Controls, Regulation & Ethics.

Best suited for: Accounting graduates and professionals in audit, tax, advisory, or corporate accounting.

Common career paths: Certified Public Accountant, Audit Manager, Tax Director, CFO, Controller.

Who This Is For

Accounting graduates and professionals in audit, tax, advisory, or corporate accounting.

Exam Focus Areas

  • Auditing & Attestation
  • Business Analysis & Reporting
  • Tax Compliance & Planning
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting
  • Information Systems & Controls
  • Regulation & Ethics

Study Roadmap

Full step-by-step roadmap coming soon. See the roadmap page for updates.

Career Paths This Supports

Certified Public AccountantAudit ManagerTax DirectorCFOController

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) certification?

The gold standard in accounting issued by AICPA (aicpa-cima.com). Required to sign audit opinions in the US. Universally recognized by Fortune 500 employers and Big 4 accounting firms. offered by AICPA / NASBA, focused on Accounting.

Who offers the CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) certification?

CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) is issued by AICPA / NASBA.

Is CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) a beginner, intermediate, or advanced certification?

CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) is classified as Advanced-level. It generally assumes several years of hands-on professional experience.

How much does the CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) exam cost?

The CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) exam costs $1,000–$2,000. Always confirm current pricing on the official AICPA / NASBA certification page, as fees change periodically.

What salary can I expect with CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track)?

Professionals holding CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) commonly report compensation in the $70K–$130K range, though actual pay varies by employer, geography, and total experience.

What category does CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) fall under?

CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) is categorized under Accounting on CertPlanet, alongside other related certifications you can compare directly.

Is CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) worth pursuing in 2026?

That depends on your current experience level and goals — as an Advanced-level credential, it's a significant time investment best suited to professionals who already have hands-on experience and want formal recognition for it.

How does CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) compare to similar certifications?

See the dedicated comparison page for CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) to view it side-by-side against alternative certifications in Accounting.

Where do I register for the CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) exam?

Registration happens directly through AICPA / NASBA's official certification portal, linked from this page.

What's the best way to prepare for CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track)?

A structured, step-by-step study roadmap for CPA – Certified Public Accountant (Accounting Track) is available on this site, built around the exam's actual focus areas rather than a generic study checklist.