A CPA (or certified public accountant) is an important member of the legal and financial industry. Working with a number of clients, such as individuals, small businesses, and large corporations, a CPA must exhibit exemplary qualities of organization and excellent training. If you're looking to begin a career as a certified public accountant, follow the steps below to professional success in the field. First, get the right degree. Complete a bachelor's program that contains at least 24 credit hours pertaining directly to accounting. In addition to The Bachelor's degree that you need in order to be considered for a CPA position, you must complete a minimum of 24 hours of accounting classes and 18 hours of similar classes, including financial management skills and business law. These skills are required because they assist in completing the everyday duties required of a licensed CPA. Take and pass the official CPA examination. Applicants to the exam must present specific information to the State Board of Accountancy. The official CPA exam includes four separate portions. The four sections are: Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment and Concepts. The length of the test is approximately 14 hours and includes multiple choice questions, simulations, and written communication tasks. The materials and information that must be presented to the State Board of Accountancy include the following: passport photos to prove identity and authenticity, college transcripts for determination of grade point averages and require coursework, the completed CPA application, and the required exam fee. Present all of this at the time of your test and pass all four sections to continue in the process of becoming a CPA. After this has been done, pass the professional ethics exam from the American Institute of CPAs with a minimum score of 90. This test is available online as well. Submit letters of recommendation to the State Board of Accountancy, along with applicable work history and documentation of experience related to the field. These references vastly improve the likelihood that you will be considered seriously for a position as a CPA with one of the accounting firms in your area.