Is the CPA Exam Really Worth It?

Ahhhhh more failure. I know that the AICPA has recently released scores and many people’s results were unfavorable. So if you have found yourself questioning whether or not it makes sense for you to continue on this journey-this video is for you.
As many of you know, I’ve found myself on the failing side of the CPA exam process more than a few times. I too, have questioned whether or not the process would be worth it in the end. Now that I am on the other side of things I can honestly say that it has been worth it. This isn’t necessarily true for everyone though.
The process of becoming a licensed CPA is very strenuous and quite the financial commitment. This process may or may not make sense for everyone. If you are trying to decide if you should continue on this journey or embark on it at all, this video is for you. Ultimately, when you consider what type of career you want in accounting, consider how important it is to you. If having a CPA license is the fastest pathway to that career, it will be worth it in the end.
I have been a licensed CPA for a little over a year and since obtaining my license I have accomplished so much in my career. My salary has increased substantially, I have successfully launched a new business, my online presence has been more impactful, and countless other doors have opened for me.

[@royharper2003]

As an non practicing CPA of about 28 years, your CPA will help you get jobs and promotions over non-CPAs and open doors for you, especially in today's hyper-competitive environment

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

100% agree about it opening doors

[@andrewholland5004]

Guys, get the CPA. Or whatever continuing professional education (CPE) applies to what you want to do. Certified fraud examiner, chartered financial analyst, certified internal auditor, doesn't matter. But it will matter for making a great resume, deepening your knowledge and allowing you to do great work, higher salary, better opportunities/getting interviews, etc. I am imploring you to keep up the momentum you have after graduating and get some sort of CPE. In the grand scheme, the 1-3 years you spend studying, stressed out, and paying for study guides, lectures, reviews, etc. to get the CPE WILL be worth it. Especially if you are fresh out of school with no kids, no 60 hour work weeks - get it now. I know the last thing you want to do after graduating is study more, but I promise NOW is the best time for you to get it. Believe in yourself and reach for that next level. It could quite literally change the trajectory of your career.

[@andrewholland5004]

That said, if accounting isn't your thing - it's not going to get anymore exciting or interesting (lol). Finance or consulting may be better for you, in which case find what CPE you can get. Some are harder than others, but what matters is you get one. It will put you on the top of the resume pile when companies look at otherwise identical candidates. Your goals and needs will change as time goes on, and having the CPE will allow you to achieve your goals no matter how they change, as opposed to not having the CPE could create a ceiling.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I don't think its possible for me to agree more but ditto to everything you said!

[@LWNC]

I got my Associates Degree in 2008 and didn't do anything with it. After years of having regrets I decided to go back to school in 2019 and just two weeks ago I've completed my Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting. Thanks for painting a picture for anyone that's struggling with the "what if" that can be holding us back from success due to the fear of not succeeding in areas where we are doubting ourselves.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Congratulations on finishing! I’m glad you found it helpful

[@domenic_dicato]

I am a year deep, the person that started this journey died and here I am. You will be reborn if you undertake this journey.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Absolutely agree

[@ashleyjohnson5283]

I’ve been binge watching all of your videos today!!! I just finished my bachelors in Accounting in December 2021! However, I also want to start my own virtual accounting firm so I know that I want to become a CPA. Finance is not much of an issue due to me being a retired/disable veteran as I remember you mentioning (in another video) things we should keep in mind when considering doing your own thing! I really appreciate these videos bc they’ve definitely helped in decision making! Thank you!!!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Aww thank you! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the videos and got something out of them. I just had a baby but I’m planning to get back into making videos soon 💕

[@ashleyjohnson5283]

@@TheAccountingStruggle congratulations!!! I’m 10 mos postpartum with my 2nd and last!! 😂 Looking forward to the future videos burn take your time, Motherhood is a job in itself!

[@oinkpiggin]

The CPA itself is worth it, but not as much as it used to be. Also, your CPA return will vary depended on whether or not you have progressive experiences in Big 4. However, a better question is do you really want to stay in accounting and spend time to get CPA or would you rather use that time to learn coding and have a better career in term of salary, flexibility and personal growth ? It is a question that a lot of people working in finance and accounting are struggling with.

[@eliguedez]

I want to learn coding

[@strongdadenergy7586]

The SWE bubble is already starting to burst, mass layoffs in Silicon Valley since this comment. Accounting has never been the road to riches, but it has been paved with time-tested stability.

[@ahandfulofcolors]

I started studying back in 2016 as well and it has been a journey. I sat for the exam a few times and got discouraged but I’m ready to get these exams done and over with. I started studying for AUD again and plan to take it early June!!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Best of luck-you definitely can do this!

[@lulut2746]

I will be honest, I want this for me. I am excessively blessed and don't need it, but I want it! Our son is 23 and our daughter is 14 and I want to show them that mom is about that life outside of their lives! #MarriedFor25YearsAndCounting

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yesssss I totally relate. I needed to prove to myself that I could do it. You’ve got this

[@lulut2746]

@@TheAccountingStruggle Thanks! I am studying for FAR... still!

[@aureliocam6308]

Hell ya

[@elijahcory4848]

You prolly dont care at all but does anybody know a tool to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any tips you can give me.

[@Chapter19_]

@@elijahcory4848 Don't you have an option that says forgot password?

[@joshuawillis4019]

Can you do a comparison of the CPA vs. CFA and how they/either can contribute to economic development & entrepreneurship? We truly need more of both professions to consult and lead our entrepreneurs. Thanks & great work. All the best to you.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Will do thanks you for the suggestion!

[@lunamorris2091]

I like your video presentation. It is informative too, at the same time. Thanks a lot for your guidance!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@mathematicaleconomist4943]

​@@TheAccountingStruggle What sounds harder to your ears? 1. Certified Public Accountant or 2. Masters Degree in Statistics?

[@JTCCG]

Thanks for this video. At 50 years old and graduating from community college this May, I've been thinking about this quite a bit. Still wondering if I should continue on for my Bachelor's degree or stay with the Associate's and get a job. Hard decision, especially since I'm the only earner in our household of 4. The extra money I could earn long-term with it may not outweigh the cost and time commitment since I'll only probably be working another 15-20 years. It's a hard choice, especially since I'm not sure what "job" I'll be doing.

[@wendyalban]

"Its a walk in... Jurassic Park" LOL

[@cecilias6902]

You’re such an inspiration! I’m an accounting student and your videos have definitely helped me and I can’t wait for my future I know it’s going to be hard but I’m excited! ♥️ keep making these videos I love seeing a strong feminine woman in accounting 👏🏽

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you so much! ☺️☺️😍

[@alexbui5728]

Hi Courtney, thank you for your video, it really gives me more motivation to keep pushing studying. At the end, it is worth it.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you 😊 definitely worth the push

[@mra.4466]

Ive heard many older accountants without cpas tell me they regret not getting the cpa younger.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Yeah I’m not exactly “older” but Lord knows it was harder as time went

[@anothersomebody8195]

You might want to consider what this means. It means the CPA doesn't have anything to do with real world experience. An accountant of 30 years will have a harder time getting the CPA than a new graduate for a reason. It's purely an academic exercise for you to "prove yourself" to employers who will value that kind of work life balance (or lack thereof). Public accounting blows.

[@DreamFirms]

This is something to ponder on!

[@KristenaWitherspoon]

Great video. Thank you!

[@johnsondailysports1341]

I subscribed and hit the bell! Keep up the good work!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thank you!

[@Loreyna32]

I’m unsure about getting it, it’s just feel like something I’m forced to do. *shrugs

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

If you’re not sure you will use it and you don’t have a strong desire....maybe you should go without. It’s a lot of effort to just have it

[@Loreyna32]

@@TheAccountingStruggle I will try and apply to big 4 but I really don’t know if I want it or not. Thanks for the advice though. And I’m only applying for big 4 because it looks good on my resume.

[@brianaunderwood8971]

I'm currently working towards my bachelor's in accounting. I plan on going the corporate or nonprofit accounting route, but I first want about 1-2 years experience in public. Do you think it's still possible to obtain an internship at a public accounting firm if you don't plan on taking the CPA? (I've heard some employers mention that, among other qualities, the ideal candidate is someone who plans to take the CPA.)

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

CPA firms typically want CPAs so it’s a huge priority to them. Now if you will be on the consulting side that isn’t necessarily the case, but some other certification related to your work will still be encouraged

[@LazarusStirs]

Having a CPA is great. Having it is better than not having it. Yet people don't realize that two-thirds of all working accountants in the US simply do not have a CPA. Two-thirds of accounting grads do not get their CPA. The vast majority of people never get their CPA. If you feel you have the time and the financial resources and ability to get it by all means get it. But don't feel that you have to. For some reason people make you think that 99% of all accountants are CPAs when the fact of the matter is 2/3 aren't.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

You’re absolutely correct!

[@ericeandco]

Honestly, probably not. Be very clear about the costs involved and the pay back and your path. It takes a bachelors and basically a masters now then a huge exam that you may not pass the first time. You’ll probably need a review course to try and pass that exam, there’s two or three thousand easily. For close to the same amount of time you can be a doctor. For less time you can do something else and make the same or better money.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I went over all this in t he video-except the doctor part because a medical degree is a far more expensive pursuit.

[@anothersomebody8195]

@@TheAccountingStruggle But it pays back more than the CPA... like 3 times more right off the bat. Personally a nursing degree is tge perfect middle ground. 4 year degree making 100k with experience and flexible schedules

[@ericcarson342]

As a 44 year old recent econ grad I have to carefully weigh going back to get a masters in accounting then CPA. I think my cost benefit analysis is very different from a fresh 22 year old. If I did get a masters in accounting I would have to go all the way and get the CPA. I keep hearing that CPA, while great to have, is not worth as much as it used to be. Can anybody comment on that? Or what are some experiences from older students who obtained their CPA.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think the designation still holds weight and is a requirement for certain roles but I would agree that experience is just as important now.

[@tony8356]

Hey I really enjoyed ur video! I was just wondering if the cpa is worth it for me. Because I just want a good stable career and not be a manager or anything higher. Cause I keep hearing people say I need a cpa in accounting.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Thanks! I think it’s better to get it early because you may find once you are a few years into your career that you do in fact want more. It depends on what you want out of your career

[@tony8356]

Thanks for the reply, I was also wanted to ask ur opinion on automation and if staff accountants are going to be out of jobs.

[@versacejazpineaples]

yes hunny i missed yuh!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

😘😘😘

[@shwetaram4702]

Hi I had a question, if I fail a cpa exam, and want to retake it will I have to pay for the whole course again or just a smaller amount for the exam retake only?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Your exam study materials are still good unless they have just expired. You have to repay for the exam but not the study materials.

[@tintureake2537]

Babe did you say study a couple of years, a dub? 😭😭😭😭 your encouraging me 😭😭😭 2 years.

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I’m just saying do what it takes to get there-if it’s faster than 2 years that’s great!

[@silentninja4850]

Thanks Courtney, I’m debating on getting my CPA. I have some scholarship money to take the exam and obtaining the 150 credits won’t be a financial burden. But field-wise, I have no interest in pursuing audit or tax. I am much more interested in the finance industry, especially FP&A. I think the CPA would be helpful for my career advancement as I want to become a finance manager one day. I have a finance internship lined up for the summer and I am eager to see how it goes. Do you think getting the CPA license will be worth it? If I get an offer from the company I am interning at I am considering working part-time until I pass all 4 sections instead of delaying an offer. Do you think this is a good idea?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think if Finance is more your focus then you may enjoy the benefits of CFA or CFP better. The CPA would still open doors for you but it’s less finance focused than the other two. If you don’t plan to work on accounting at all ever and plan to go into finance, opt for the CFA

[@silentninja4850]

@Dadrian Woodfine Thank you for the reply, I’ve considered it but haven’t done enough research on it. At the time I was looking at the CFP but it seems like it has several hidden fees to maintain it. Still on the fence about it since I am looking at higher education degrees which may be more useful.

[@silentninja4850]

@@TheAccountingStruggle Thank you! This is pretty unlikely but if I still decide to take the CPA, would the above idea about working part time until I pass all sections be wise?

[@Found_your_Rachel]

Can I do the work experience after clearing the exams or it has to be done in the same 18 month period I mean the scores won't expire if I don't get licenced withing those 18 months right 😐

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

The license part comes after passing all 4. So you have to pass all 4 within 18 months and then apply for the license

[@hurricane0885]

Where did you get your wig it is goals

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Lol thanks so much. It’s custom made by my beat friend but the hair is from Eleven11 extensions

[@ellene.8558]

What do you think about the automation in the accounting industry? Will the future prospects of accountants will be adversely affected?

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

I think lower level positions will be eliminated so certifications and technical skills are becoming critical. We won’t be eliminated completely though....not anytime soon

[@ellene.8558]

@@TheAccountingStruggle Do you think accountants are always subject to the fluctuations of economic cycle？ Not as secure as nurses?

[@marriejames01]

@@ellene.8558 In what sector are Accountants not needed? I can’t think of any.

[@Dani-fc1hc]

Studying for Far right now

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Whew what a time to be alive lol. Good luck with it!

[@MarbellaRodriguez]

skip till 1;40

[@lulut2746]

Hey Girl Hey!!!!!

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Oh heyyyy

[@01michellehall]

Hey 👋🏾

[@TheAccountingStruggle]

Oh heyyyy