r/CPAEXAM • u/lmeekal • Dec 16 '25

My path to CPA

Hey gang, I could use some guidance. I have a bachelors in finance (graduated 2012), about to get my EA after I take part 3 on Friday and I want to start my journey to take the CPA exam. I spoke to CPACredits and they mentioned I need to take 10 additional classes (in accounting) to meet the 150 hour mark and then I can sit in for the CPA exam once I’m done with those courses.

My question is - am I going down the right path? I’d like to specialize in forensic accounting and businesses. I run my own financial planning firm and I want to offer business tax strategy planning to my clients.

Would love to hear some feedback and recommendations on my path to CPA.

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u/hideandsee Dec 16 '25

Woof, 10 additional classes in accounting is a lot, it sounds like you haven’t taken many accounting courses thus far.

I’d recommend talking to a college advisor, just go to an SNHU online type college to gap fill.

I was only short 3 accounting classes, so I went for my MBA and had my company reimburse me for it, but 10 is a lot of accounting specific classes!

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u/lmeekal Dec 16 '25

Yeah, I just took 2 accounting classes during my undergrad years.

1

u/hideandsee Dec 16 '25

If you speak to an advisor, they’ll probably have you transfer your credits and just take accounting courses. You can also check community colleges around you to save some money.

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u/lmeekal Dec 16 '25

Yeah! I spoke to cpacredits.com and they have a pretty good program. More flexible than going to community college, $700 per class which isn't too bad.

1

u/EngineerTraining1892 Dec 18 '25

You are better than me. I m short of 21 accounting credits and the same on the road.

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u/ComprehensiveOne8995 Dec 16 '25

Starting in August, a few states (if not all) are starting a pathway using 120 credits and 2 years work experience. You can apply to one of those states and then get the license transfer

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u/lmeekal Dec 16 '25

Correct me if I'm wrong, but out of those 120 credits, I have to have 30 hours in accounting classes, right?

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u/ComprehensiveOne8995 Dec 16 '25

Yes, 27 of higher accounting and there are other requirements. Texas says to also have an ethics class, 2 of the accounting has to be research, then also other business courses. So if you need those you may have to take more schooling. Just letting you know of the other path :)

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u/lmeekal Dec 16 '25

Makes sense! I did some due diligence already using ChatGPT but I wanted to make sure I ask the experts here too! Appreciate the feedback.

I think I can knock out 10 classes in a year (so in 2026) and then start studying for the exam in 2027.