To put “CPA Eligible” on your resume effectively, clearly state your progress towards CPA licensure in a dedicated section or under your education, highlighting completed exams and remaining requirements.
Navigating the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an exciting journey, but knowing how to showcase your progress on your resume can be a bit tricky. Many aspiring CPAs wonder exactly where and how to mention their eligibility or progress. It’s a common point of confusion, especially when you’re eager to land that first accounting role that values your dedication to this prestigious certification. Don’t worry, though! I’m here to help you present your qualifications clearly and confidently. We’ll break down the best ways to highlight your CPA eligibility, ensuring recruiters see your commitment and readiness.
Understanding CPA Eligibility and Your Resume
The CPA designation is highly respected in the accounting world. To become a CPA, you generally need to meet specific educational requirements (often 150 semester hours of college credit), pass the rigorous Uniform CPA Examination, and gain a certain amount of relevant work experience. Each U.S. state and territory has its own specific requirements, which can vary slightly. This is why it’s crucial to know the rules for the jurisdiction where you plan to be licensed.
When you’re applying for jobs, especially in public accounting firms or corporate accounting departments, employers often look for candidates who are actively pursuing or have achieved CPA status. It signals a commitment to the profession, a strong understanding of accounting principles, and a willingness to go the extra mile. So, how do you translate your hard work and progress into resume-speak that impresses hiring managers?
Why It Matters to Employers
- Commitment to the Profession: Pursuing CPA eligibility shows dedication and a long-term interest in accounting.
- Knowledge Base: Passing sections of the CPA exam indicates a solid grasp of accounting concepts.
- Skills Development: The process itself hones analytical, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
- Future Value: Employers often invest in employees who are on the path to becoming CPAs, as they become valuable assets to the firm or company.
Where to Place CPA Eligibility on Your Resume
There are several strategic places on your resume where you can effectively mention your CPA eligibility or progress. The best spot often depends on how far along you are in the process and what other qualifications you have.
1. Dedicated “Certifications” or “Licenses” Section
This is often the most straightforward and professional place to list your CPA status, especially if you have already passed all sections or are very close. If you’ve passed all four sections, you can list it as “Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Candidate” or simply “CPA Candidate” if you are awaiting final licensure requirements (like experience). If you’ve passed some sections, you can detail that here.
Example:
Certifications CPA Candidate Passed: AUD, FAR, REG Waiting for: BEC
2. Education Section
If you are still working on meeting the educational requirements or have recently completed your degree and are about to start the exam process, placing your CPA pursuit within your education section can be very effective. This highlights your academic foundation and your immediate plans for professional development.
Example:
Education University of Accounting Excellence, Anytown, USA Master of Science in Accounting | May 2023 GPA: 3.8/4.0 CPA Eligible: 150 credit hours completed. Actively preparing for the CPA Exam. Bachelor of Science in Accounting | May 2022 * GPA: 3.7/4.0
3. Professional Summary or Objective
For recent graduates or those early in their career, weaving your CPA aspirations into your summary or objective can immediately signal your career goals and commitment. This is a great way to grab the recruiter’s attention right from the start.
Example Summary:
Highly motivated and detail-oriented accounting graduate with a strong academic record and 150 credit hours completed. Actively pursuing CPA licensure, having successfully passed the AUD and FAR sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. Seeking to leverage analytical skills and dedication to contribute to a dynamic accounting team.
Example Objective:
Enthusiastic and driven recent accounting graduate with 150 credit hours seeking an entry-level Staff Accountant position. Eager to apply academic knowledge and develop practical skills while actively working towards CPA certification.
4. Skills Section
While not the primary place, you can briefly mention your CPA progress in your skills section, particularly if you’re highlighting specific knowledge gained from studying for the exam. However, it’s generally better to give it more prominence elsewhere.
Example:
Skills Financial Accounting, Auditing, Tax Preparation, GAAP, IFRS, Microsoft Excel (Advanced), QuickBooks, CPA Exam Candidate (AUD, FAR passed)
How to Phrase Your CPA Eligibility
The wording you use is important. It needs to be clear, accurate, and professional. Here are some common and effective ways to phrase your CPA status:
- CPA Candidate: This is a widely accepted term for those who intend to pursue or are actively pursuing CPA licensure.
- Actively Pursuing CPA Licensure: Clearly states your intent and ongoing effort.
- CPA Exam Progress: Good for detailing which sections you’ve passed.
- 150 Credit Hours Completed: Essential if you meet the educational requirement but haven’t started or passed exams yet.
- Passed [Section Name] of the CPA Exam: Specific and demonstrates achievement.
Phrasing Examples Based on Progress
Let’s look at specific examples for different stages of your CPA journey:
- Just Graduated, 150 Hours Completed, Not Yet Started Exams:
- “CPA Eligible: Completed 150 semester credit hours required for CPA licensure. Actively preparing for the Uniform CPA Examination.”
- “Education: Bachelor of Science in Accounting, [University Name], [Year]. Possess 150 credit hours; pursuing CPA certification.”
- Passed One or More Sections:
- “CPA Candidate: Passed AUD, FAR, and BEC sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. Currently studying for the REG section.”
- “Certifications: CPA Exam Progress – Passed AUD, FAR, REG. Awaiting experience requirement for licensure.”
- “Summary: Dedicated accounting professional with a Master’s in Accounting and passed three sections of the CPA exam (AUD, FAR, BEC). Seeking to leverage expertise in financial analysis and reporting.”
- Passed All Sections, Awaiting Experience/License:
- “CPA Candidate: Passed all sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. Currently fulfilling the experience requirement for licensure in [State].”
- “Licenses & Certifications: CPA Candidate (All Sections Passed). Licensed Enrolled Agent.”
- Have the License:
- “Licenses & Certifications: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of [State], License # [Your License Number]”
When to Mention CPA Eligibility
Timing is key. You should mention your CPA eligibility when:
- Applying for accounting roles: Especially those that prefer or require CPA certification.
- Networking: When discussing your career goals with professionals in the field.
- Updating your LinkedIn profile: To ensure your professional brand is aligned with your aspirations.
Even if a job description doesn’t explicitly mention CPA requirements, including your progress can set you apart. It shows initiative and a commitment to professional development that many employers value.
Key Sections to Consider
Let’s recap the best places to put this important information:
| Resume Section | When to Use | Example Phrasing |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications / Licenses | When you have passed at least one section or have completed all requirements and are awaiting licensure. | CPA Candidate (Passed AUD, FAR) |
| Education | When you have completed the required credit hours and are preparing for or have just started the exam process. | CPA Eligible: 150 credit hours completed. Preparing for CPA Exam. |
| Professional Summary / Objective | For early-career professionals to highlight career goals and commitment upfront. | Motivated accounting graduate actively pursuing CPA licensure… |
| Skills | As a secondary mention, to briefly note expertise gained from study. | CPA Exam Candidate (AUD passed) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While it’s important to highlight your CPA progress, there are a few pitfalls to sidestep:
- Misrepresenting your status: Never claim to be a CPA if you haven’t passed all exams and met all requirements. Use accurate terminology like “CPA Candidate.”
- Being vague: Instead of just “Working on CPA,” specify your progress (e.g., “Passed FAR and AUD sections”).
- Overemphasizing if you’re early in the process: If you haven’t started studying or passed any sections, focus more on your education and foundational skills, mentioning CPA eligibility as a future goal in your summary.
- Ignoring state-specific requirements: Ensure your resume reflects the requirements of the state where you intend to be licensed.
External Resources for CPA Requirements
The requirements for becoming a CPA are set by individual state boards of accountancy. It’s always best to refer to the official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Here are a few helpful links:
- AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants): The AICPA is a valuable resource for information on the CPA profession and the exam. You can find general information about the CPA Exam and its structure here: AICPA CPA Exam Guide.
- NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy): NASBA plays a crucial role in CPA licensure. Their website can help you find information specific to your state’s board of accountancy: NASBA Directory of State Boards.
- Your State Board of Accountancy: For precise details on educational requirements, exam application processes, and experience verification, always consult your specific state’s board. For example, the California Board of Accountancy or the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
FAQ: Your CPA Resume Questions Answered
Let’s tackle some common questions aspiring CPAs have about their resumes.
1. Can I say “CPA Eligible” if I only have my bachelor’s degree?
Generally, “CPA Eligible” refers to meeting the educational credit hour requirement (usually 150 hours). If you have met this requirement, you can state “CPA Eligible” and clarify that you are preparing for the exam. If you haven’t met the credit hour requirement, it’s better to say you are “Pursuing CPA Certification” or “Working towards CPA licensure.”
2. What if I’ve passed some sections of the CPA Exam but not all?
This is excellent progress! You should clearly state which sections you’ve passed. For example: “CPA Candidate: Passed AUD, FAR, and REG sections. Currently preparing for BEC.” This shows significant achievement and commitment.
3. Should I include my CPA license number on my resume?
If you are already a licensed CPA, yes, you can include your license number, typically in a “Licenses & Certifications” section. For example: “Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of New York, License #123456.”
4. How do I list my CPA progress if I’m changing careers?
If you’re a career changer, highlight your CPA progress prominently, perhaps in your summary, to draw attention to your new professional direction. For example: “Transitioning into accounting with a Master’s in Accounting and passed three sections of the CPA Exam. Seeking to leverage analytical and problem-solving skills from [previous career] in a challenging accounting role.”
5. Is it okay to put “CPA Track” on my resume?
“CPA Track” isn’t a standard or widely recognized term. It’s better to use more formal and clear phrasing like “CPA Candidate,” “Actively Pursuing CPA Licensure,” or “CPA Eligible.” This ensures clarity and professionalism.
6. Do I need to mention the specific state’s requirements I’m meeting?
It can be beneficial, especially if you’re applying for jobs in a specific state. You might say, “CPA Eligible: Meeting the 150-credit hour requirement for licensure in California. Preparing for the Uniform CPA Examination.”
Conclusion: Your Path to CPA Clarity on Your Resume
Showcasing your progress toward CPA licensure on your resume is a powerful way to demonstrate your dedication and qualifications to potential employers. By strategically placing this information in sections like “Certifications,” “Education,” or your “Professional Summary,” and using clear, accurate phrasing, you can effectively communicate your commitment to the accounting profession. Remember to always be truthful about your status and refer to official state board of accountancy resources for the most accurate requirements.
Your journey to becoming a CPA is a significant professional achievement. By presenting it clearly and confidently on your resume, you’ll undoubtedly catch the eye of hiring managers and move one step closer to your career goals. Keep up the great work, and best of luck!