The CPA is generally considered harder due to its rigorous, technical exam, while an MBA is more intensive in terms of time, cost, and networking. The CPA requires passing four complex, 4-hour exams with a ~50% pass rate. Conversely, an MBA involves two years of coursework, requiring high tuition fees and professional,, leadership-driven,, networking-intensive, and, to, 150 credit hours, making it more about strategic,, of, 150 hours.
In reality, it's not as if you have to make a decision between an MBA vs. accounting licensure. You can do both! Many of our MBA candidates take advantage of our CPA Exam prep, offered by Becker Professional Education, to prepare for the CPA Exams immediately after graduating from our MBA program.
Average pass rates are around 50% for the CPA Exam and 70% for the Bar Exam, reflecting differing levels of difficulty. CPA candidates need a degree in accounting and relevant work experience, while Bar candidates must graduate from an accredited law school.
How hard is the CPA Exam? From Q1 2024 - Q3 2025, the overall pass rate was just over 50%, which shows that the exam is difficult, but certainly not impossible.
An MBA can help students who wish to take the CPA exam meet the educational requirements with a broad approach that encompasses many aspects of business. This is often a desirable route to CPA licensure because of the many benefits of a comprehensive MBA degree.
Con: Accounting Can Be Stressful at Times
Accountants are under high “stress during busy seasons, especially during tax season, when the hours can be very long,” says Dr. Machuca. Despite the benefits, an accounting career often brings tight deadlines, long hours, and high volumes of work during the annual tax season.
In the end, do what's right for you
You may find that the only letters you want and need in your career are C-P-A. “It's not necessary for our CPA-eligible students to go get an MBA,” says Amanda Brown, National Recruiting Manager for MBA and Law at KPMG. “They don't need that to make partner.
Becoming a CPA is challenging. It's difficult to meet the various state requirements, and passing the test is one of the most challenging obstacles you will encounter.
The value of an accounting master's degree extends far beyond education. It's also a great way to ensure future job security and land a high-paying job. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) takes preparation and commitment, and earning a master's degree can empower you along the way.
Yes, you can get a CPA without a master's degree, but you must still meet your state's specific education requirements, primarily the 150 semester hours of college credit and specific upper-level accounting/business courses, which a master's often fulfills easily but can also be achieved through additional undergraduate study or community college courses.
Salary Potential: Both credentials can significantly enhance earning potential; however, CPAs tend to see a higher salary in accounting roles, while MBA graduates may have a broader salary range depending on their industry and position.
Top CPA Career Options after MBA in Finance
With a diverse skill set in business and technical skills, CPA holders after completing an MBA in finance can take up multiple roles.
Of the top 100 people in the Forbes Billionaires list, 11 have MBAs, though there are more business school alumni included in the list who pursued other degrees—for instance Warren Buffett, the third richest man in the world, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.
Entrepreneurs Without MBAs: Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg.
The CPA credential remains a cornerstone of the profession, but new data indicate its prominence is steadily declining. Between 2020 and 2024, the average percentage of staff holding CPA licenses across all firms dropped from 56.0 percent to 48.4 percent.