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Accounting CPA Exam Qualification, Certificate

At a Glance

Carroll’s CPA Exam Qualification Certificate program gives persons who already have a Bachelor’s degree the necessary additional coursework to apply for licensure to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Maryland.

Total Credits:

3-52 (depending on student’s needs)

Helpful Resources

About the Certificate

If you already possess a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study and plan on preparing to sit for the Maryland CPA Exam, our CPA Exam Qualification Certificate program is for you.

Faculty assist students with the process of applying for the CPA Exam, giving practical knowledge recommended by the Maryland State Board of Public Accountancy on law, economics and financial statements, as well as professional guidance on career options.

With our flexible courses offered on-campus, online and/or through self-study, you are on your way to an exciting career in the business world!

What is a CPA?

Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, are accountants who are licensed by a state board of accountancy. In Maryland, the Department of Labor Licensing Regulation (DLLR) is responsible for the licensing procedures. DLLR’s mission is to establish standards of competence and conduct of certified public accountants in providing financial services for Marylanders. This is accomplished through a framework of examination and enforcement of state law and regulations.

The CPA Exam is actually four separate exams given over a period of time. In order to qualify to take these exams, applicants need, among other things, to have successfully completed 120 semester hours (earning a Bachelor’s degree in any field) and 150 semester hours of certain types of coursework.

Often, applicants can review the coursework they have already completed to see which of the specific 150 semester hours they have already satisfied. If an applicant still needs to complete certain courses of the 150 semester hours required by DLLR, such coursework is available, at a modest cost, in the CPA Exam Qualification program at Carroll Community College.

Who is a typical applicant for Carroll’s CPA Exam Qualification program?

  • You have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; and:
    • You want to get ahead in your career by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maryland; or
    • You want to change careers by becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Maryland.

What is the process?

  1. Obtain the transcript of coursework you took to earn your Bachelor’s degree.
  2. Make an appointment with the Admissions department at Carroll.
  3. Speak with experts in the Business & Accounting department for guidance on the application process for the exam.
  4. Work with them to create a customized track of coursework to fulfill the remaining educational requirements for you to sit for the exam.

Advisory Board

Our curriculum is designed and continuously reviewed by an advisory board of industry experts and business leaders, ensuring the program meets all current skill and knowledge requirements. You can visit our Advisory Boards page to see the list of Business and Accounting Advisory Board members, as well as advisory board members for our other programs.

Curriculum

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Transfers & Careers

Discover Your Passion

Find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work.

Career

Accountants, auditors and tax professionals prepare and examine financial records. Accounting professionals have the opportunity to work fulltime and have flexible schedules.

More than 135,000 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of accountants and auditors will grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. Obtaining a certification, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), may improve your job prospects.

The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in May 2021.

Transfer

Carroll has transfer agreements with virtually every public college and university in Maryland, as well as many other schools throughout the state and across the country.

Learn more about transferring your courses to a different institution or explore Transfer Agreements by Area of Study.

Faculty

Carroll’s faculty are scholars and distinguished leaders who have industry experience, academic excellence and a passion for teaching. They possess a wealth of skills and knowledge to share with you.