Yes, you can absolutely call yourself an accountant without a CPA license, as "accountant" describes a broad profession, not a certification; many roles like corporate, management, payroll, or bookkeeping don't require it, though a CPA is needed for certain public accounting tasks like auditing public companies or representing clients before the IRS. While a bachelor's degree in accounting is common, the CPA is an advanced license for higher authority and earning potential in some areas, but not essential for general accounting work.
While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs. In fact, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and CPA licensure data, only about 50% of accountants in the United States are actively licensed CPAs.
Most jobs available to private accountants only require a bachelor's degree, but to work in public accounting, professionals must earn their CPA license. Licensing requirements can vary by state, but they typically include: Additional education – many CPAs earn a master's degree.
While you can start working in an accounting firm with no qualifications whatsoever (albeit in a non-technical role), to work in a technical role you will likely need qualifications from awarding institutes such as the Association of Accounting Technicians (more commonly referred to as 'AAT').
A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is typically required to become an accountant or auditor. Completing certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), may improve job prospects.
All CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs; the key difference is that a CPA has a state license, requiring extra education, experience, and passing the rigorous CPA exam, granting them the legal authority to perform advanced tasks like signing audit reports for public companies, representing clients before the IRS, and acting as fiduciaries, which non-certified accountants generally cannot do. While accountants handle daily financial records and tax prep, CPAs offer broader expertise in complex financial planning, external audits, and regulatory compliance.
The title of accountant isn't a protected term, meaning you don't have to obtain specific qualifications to use it. An accountant may have studied accountancy at foundation level through the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) or have gained their knowledge through years of professional experience.
You cannot generally represent yourself as a CPA. Some jurisdictions, however, permit you to refer to yourself as a “CPA but not in public practice.” Others, though, do not let you use the title in any form.
No, an accounting degree is not useless without a CPA; it opens many doors in corporate, government, and non-profit sectors (like financial analysis, management accounting, and internal audit), but a CPA is often essential for public accounting (especially auditing), high-level management roles (like CFO/Controller), and roles requiring public attestations, with the CPA providing a significant career boost, higher earning potential, and faster advancement, according to Bellevue University, Franklin University, Post University, and SuperfastCPA.
Education requirements for a tax preparer
You don't need the credentials of a CPA or EA to become a tax professional. In fact, many successful tax preparers operate their tax practice without any formal qualifications. However, the IRS advises taxpayers to be selective when choosing someone to prepare their taxes.
The short answer is no. While all states do stipulate at least a bachelor's degree from a higher learning institution and 150 semester hours (225 quarter hours) of earned credit,1 there are five states that do not require your degree to be in accounting: Alaska. Georgia.
Research indicates that from 2020 to 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses at said firms fell from 56% to 48.4%.
Absolutely not. Many accounting roles don't require CPA certification. In fact, our Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Science in Accounting are designed as non-licensure programs. That means they provide the essential accounting knowledge and skills needed for a variety of accounting careers.
The standard education requirement for accountants is a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. You may also become an accountant with a related major like business. During your undergraduate accounting education, you learn the fundamentals of being an accountant by taking courses on topics like: Tax law.
Legally anyone can call themselves an 'accountant' – they don't need any qualifications, training or experience. ICAEW Chartered Accountants are trained professionals you can trust.
CPAs are distinct from unlicensed accountants in the following ways: CPAs are licensed by the state, where they maintain their firms. CPAs are also subject to continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. Accountants are held to their professional standards and code of ethics.
Look for recognised certifications
Apprenticeship overview
BPP's Level 7 Accounting Apprenticeships help you become technically qualified by passing professional exams, whilst developing the complementary skills and behaviours to succeed in your career.