What is a CPA?
WebCE Staff
By
May 5, 2025
A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a licensed accounting professional who is authorized to offer services like audits, tax planning, and business consulting after meeting rigorous exam, education, and experience standards.
CPAs do far more than crunch numbers—they serve as trusted licensed professionals who help individuals, businesses, and organizations make strategic financial decisions, remain compliant with complex regulations, and plan for long-term success. Their license is not a one-time milestone, but a long-term commitment to integrity, competence, and continuing professional education (CPE).
What Does CPA Stand For—and What Does It Mean?
The CPA credential is awarded by state boards of accountancy and represents both deep technical knowledge and a commitment to public trust.
Licensed CPAs are legally authorized to perform audits, issue attestation reports that confirm accuracy of information, and, in certain cases, represent clients before the IRS. They must also follow strict codes of ethics set by governing bodies such as the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), and individual state boards of accountancy.
How to Become a CPA
To become a CPA, candidates must:
Earn a bachelor’s degree (most states require 150 total credit hours)
Pass the four-part Uniform CPA Exam
Complete verified work experience under a licensed CPA (requirements vary by state)
Meet ongoing CPA continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, including ethics training
To determine eligibility for the exam, candidates can take the CPA Exam Quiz created by NASBA.
Common Misconceptions About CPAs
“CPAs only do taxes.”
While tax services are a key offering, CPAs are also leaders in audit, consulting, financial reporting, and risk management. Many hold strategic roles in government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.
“Once you pass the CPA Exam, you’re set for life.”
Earning the license is just the beginning. CPAs must regularly complete continuing professional education to maintain their credentials and stay current with changing laws and industry standards.
“Anyone with an accounting degree can call themselves a CPA.”
Only individuals who have completed the full licensing process and stay compliant through ongoing CPA CPE are legally permitted to use the title.
What Do CPAs Actually Do?
CPAs provide critical services in virtually every area of finance.
These responsibilities can include:
Auditing: Verifying financial records for accuracy and regulatory compliance
Tax planning and preparation: Minimizing liabilities and preparing returns for individuals and organizations
Consulting: Offering financial advice to support business growth and risk management
Forensic accounting: Investigating financial discrepancies, fraud, or misconduct
Financial reporting: Creating and interpreting reports to guide strategic decisions
You’ll find CPAs in roles like:
Managing internal audits at large corporations
Guiding small businesses through tax strategy
Teaching accounting courses at universities
This breadth of service—and the ethical and legal accountability that comes with it—is what makes CPAs uniquely trusted professionals.
Where CPAs Work
The CPA credential opens doors in nearly every part of the economy. CPAs can work in:
Public accounting firms, including the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and local practices
Corporate finance, managing compliance, forecasting, and strategic planning
Government agencies, such as the IRS or Government Accountability Office
Nonprofits, ensuring accurate financial management of donor or grant funds
Entrepreneurial roles, launching their own firms or consulting independently
Thanks to CPA mobility laws, many CPAs can practice across state lines without obtaining a new license. You can learn more, including which states have adopted mobility legislation, by visiting NASBA’s CPA Mobility page.
Why Continuing Professional Education Matters
CPA licensure is not a one-time achievement. To keep a CPA license active and valid, CPAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) on a regular basis. CPE ensures they stay sharp, knowledgeable, and compliant as tax codes evolve and regulatory standards shift. While states requirements vary, every CPA must complete ethics training—underscoring the profession’s core values of integrity and public trust.
Typical CPA continuing education requirements include:
While state requirements vary, but most CPAs must complete an average of 40 hours per year
Ethics coursework to maintain the integrity and trust central to the profession
Take CPE from an approved provider, like WebCE
Many CPAs complete their requirements with online CPE, which offers flexibility and customization.
Topics may include:
Taxation: Stay current on complex tax laws and compliance strategies
Auditing: Deepen skills in auditing standards and procedures
Financial planning: Enhance advisory capabilities for individuals and businesses
Ethics: Fulfill mandatory ethics requirements with up-to-date guidance
Whether you’re looking to meet compliance or expand your expertise, CPA CPE courses are a vital part of maintaining your license and credibility. Plus, when selected with client preferences, shifting regulations, or new technologies in mind, they become a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
The CPA designation is more than a credential—it’s a career-long commitment to ethical leadership, technical excellence, and ongoing professional development. CPAs support financial integrity in every industry and help shape the decisions that move organizations forward.
Whether you’re planning your path to licensure or preparing for your next round of CPE, the journey begins with knowledge—and continues with action.
Already Licensed? Stay Current with Online CPA CPE
Whether you need a single course or a full year of learning with CPA All Access, WebCE’s online CPA CPE options help you stay compliant and stay competitive—on your schedule.