This article aims to shed light on the journey of becoming a CPA in Nevada. We will delve into the specific requirements set by the Nevada State Board of Accountancy, including education, experience, and examination criteria.
There is inherent professional credibility that comes with the CPA license. Accountants choose to pursue this path in order to expand their prospects and increase their earning potential. Embarking on the CPA journey in Nevada is an investment in professional growth and a testament to one’s commitment to excellence in the field of accounting.
Nevada
Aspiring accountants seeking to elevate their careers in the Silver State often contemplate becoming a CPA. In Nevada, a CPA license unlocks a realm of opportunities, providing a competitive edge and opening doors to professional advancement. The Nevada State Board of Accountancy is entrusted with regulating the accounting profession across the state. They set the standards and requirements for individuals aspiring to become CPAs in the state.
There is a growing need for certified public accountants in Nevada. CPAs are highly respected in the business world. Big Four accounting firms prefer and may even require applicants to have their CPA credentials. Nevada is home to many prestigious accounting firms. Deloitte has an office in Las Vegas. Ernst & Young has offices in Las Vegas and Reno.
Here are the Steps to Become a CPA in Nevada:
The Nevada State Board of Accountancy grants CPA licenses to applicants who meet all requirements.
- Getting Your CPA Education in Nevada.
- Taking the Uniform CPA Exam in Nevada.
- Gaining the Needed Experience in Nevada.
- Getting Your CPA License and Continuing Education in Nevada.
What Education Requirements Must I Meet to Become a CPA in Nevada?
Students must complete a minimum of 150 credit hours from an accredited college. A bachelor’s degree is required. Most undergraduate degrees are 120 hours. The remaining hours can be completed through a master’s degree or additional qualifying coursework. Business school advisors can help students ensure they take all required courses. Students should schedule an appointment each semester.
Students must complete at least the following:
- Twenty-four credit hours in advanced accounting courses.
- Twenty-four credit hours in business at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Three credit hours in Business Law.
The accounting classes must include the following:
| Hours | Topic |
|---|---|
| 6 | Financial Accounting |
| 3 | Cost Accounting |
| 3 | Auditing |
| 3 | Federal Income Tax |
| 9 | Accounting electives |
Business courses should provide students with a strong foundation. Content should cover the following:
| Business Finance | Information Systems | Business Law | Legal & Social Environment |
| Communication | Management | Data Analytics | Marketing |
| Data Interrogation Techniques | Oral Communication | Digital Acumen in Accounting | Organizational Behavior |
| Economics | Quantitative Applications | Ethics in Business | Statistics |
Bachelor’s Degree
The BBA, or Bachelor of Business Administration, is a great degree option for aspiring CPAs. The BBA launches with introductory-level business classes. The curriculum progresses to more challenging courses as students become upperclassmen. CPA applicants must select accounting as their undergraduate major or complete 18 hours of advanced accounting courses. Students can often choose a minor that pairs well with their career goals.
Complementary Minors:
- Actuarial Studies.
- Corporate Finance.
- Finance.
- International Business.
- Management.
Graduate Degrees
There are two main routes for graduates pursuing their CPA licenses:
Master of Science in Accounting
The MSA is highly focused on advanced accounting skills. The curriculum includes auditing, data mining, forensic accounting, and taxation courses. These degrees may also offer more affordable tuition rates. Additionally, MSA programs may be the quickest path to becoming a CPA. MSA programs may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Applicants holding a different undergraduate degree may be required to take prerequisite courses. Most students in these programs plan to become CPAs, which allows them to bond over shared goals and form study groups.
Master of Business Administration
An MBA is a more broad-based business degree. Classes will cover many topics, including finance, marketing, and management. Students can customize their degrees by adding a concentration in accounting. Some MBA programs may have a CPA prep course offered as an elective. Due to the leadership courses, it may be easier to attain a management career in accounting with an MBA. Also, the well-rounded curriculum opens possibilities for MBA graduates in multiple career fields. MBA programs generally take about two years to complete. Some programs require applicants to have at least two years of professional work experience.
What Should I Look For in an Accounting Degree?
Business School Accreditation
The business school’s accreditation is an essential factor in choosing an accounting program. AACSB is considered the most prestigious accreditation. Business schools can receive dual business and accounting accreditation. The accounting accreditation demonstrates the accounting curriculum is rigorous. Schools are required to meet six standards specific to the field of accounting. Only 188 colleges worldwide hold this elite accounting accreditation.
ACBSP is another highly established business accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation has also consistently recognized ACBSP accreditation since 2001. In 2009, the ACBSP began granting separate accounting accreditation to business schools. The number of accredited programs has grown steadily but is less widespread than AACSB.
Online
Accounting professionals generally put in long hours at the office. An online program offers the flexibility to complete assignments around students’ schedules. Online programs may also expand students’ professional network beyond the local area. Many online programs provide short residency experiences where students can meet classmates in person. Students can also usually enroll in hybrid programs or face-to-face courses if their schedule permits.
Student Organizations
Students can establish connections in accounting by joining student and professional organizations. Many of these clubs offer mentorship programs and networking opportunities. The Young CPA Network is an excellent organization for CPAs under 40 to join. Current students can join as student affiliates. Members receive discounts for conference and continuing education credits. There are also opportunities to volunteer with more than 180 organizations.
Career services can also be a valuable resource for finding internships. Internships will provide students with hands-on relevant work experience. Many accounting firms visit college campuses for panel discussions. Accounting professors can schedule job shadowing events or consulting projects with actual firms. Students who want to become a CPA in Nevada should focus on accumulating as much experience as they can.
What Work Experience is Required to Become a CPA in Nevada?
CPA candidates must complete at least 4,000 hours of work experience over at least two years. An active CPA is required to provide supervision for the candidate seeking licensure. The supervising CPA must sign a verification of experience. The applicant must submit the verification to the board. Graduate career services can help place students in positions that meet the work experience requirement.
These hours can be completed in a variety of settings, including:
| Government | Industry |
| Nonprofit organization | Public practice |
The tasks performed should become increasingly difficult. Candidates should gain practice using sound judgment. Examples of tasks include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting internal audits.
- Creating financial reports.
- Fraud examinations.
- Preparing and filing income taxes for individuals and corporations.
Tasks that will not count toward required hours:
- Administrative work.
- Recruiting.
- Actuarial services.
- Litigation support.
- Valuation services.
- Bookkeeping.
- Routine accounting transactions.
What Steps are Needed to Apply for the CPA Exam in Nevada?
First-time applicants must fill out an initial exam application and pay a $100 application fee. Official college transcripts with all accounting courses should be sent to the Nevada State Board of Accountancy. Eligible applicants will receive Authorization to Test through the National Candidate Database. Applicants have six months to pay fees for the section of the CPA exam they wish to sit for. Each section costs $238.15.
CPA Exam Sections
| Auditing (AUD) | Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) |
| Business Environments and Concepts (BEC) | Regulation (REG) |
Once payment has been made to the NASBA, applicants will receive a Notice to Schedule. Applicants must schedule their test date at a Prometric test site within six months. Applicants who fail to schedule within this time frame must reapply to take the exam. Nevada Prometric testing sites are located in Reno and Las Vegas.
Study Tips
All test sections must be passed within 18 months. Candidates may space the exam sections out and study one at a time. Designated study time should be set aside weekly. There are many exam review preparation programs offered. Many prep programs are expensive, but free options are also available.
CPA candidates can receive six free months of access to AIPCA. AIPCA offers professional CPA literature and a free exam. Students can complete this practice test to see what areas they must focus on when studying. Many MBA programs provide free or discounted CPA prep courses for current students. Sometimes these courses are even offered for credit hours toward the degree.
Test Day Tips
Plan to arrive at the Prometric testing site thirty minutes early. Eat a meal before arrival because the exam will take approximately four hours. Bring a government-issued identification and your testing confirmation email. All personal belongings, including jackets, must be placed in a locker. Dress comfortably. It may be chilly, so you should wear a long-sleeved shirt.
Scores
Scores will be posted electronically within one to two weeks. Scores are only available on the portal briefly, so candidates should save their score reports. The scale for each exam section ranges from 0-99. Applicants must score at least 75 on each section to pass.
The exam consists of multiple-choice questions classified as “medium” or “difficult.” Difficult questions receive a higher weight than medium questions. Task-based simulations are also embedded into the exam. These case studies require examinees to analyze spreadsheets and literature. The Business Environment and Concepts section also requires written responses. Multiple-choice questions count for 50% of each section of the test. Task-based simulations count for 50% of all sections except for the BEC, which is only 35%. The other 15% of the BEC scoring comes from written responses.
Certification
CPA candidates must complete the Nevada Examinee CPA Certification Application Packet upon passing the exam.
A completed application includes the following:
- A $240 application fee.
- A recent photo.
- Verification of CPA Examination Grades.
- Fingerprints for a background investigation.
- All official college transcripts.
- Rules of Professional Conduct (Ethics) exam.
- Moral character reference forms.
Becoming a CPA in Nevada
Becoming a fully licensed CPA in Nevada is a process that starts long before the exam. Candidates must complete undergraduate and graduate accounting education requirements and professional work experience. The four components of the exam can take up to 18 months. These steps will require dedication and discipline.
Becoming a CPA is attainable with the guidance of college and career advisors. Lucrative salaries, promotions, bonuses, and job stability are a few of the rewards CPAs enjoy. The median annual wage for accountants in 2021 was $77,250. CPAs are among the highest-paid accountants. The highest 10% earned more than $128,970 in one year.
Becoming a CPA in Nevada can provide many benefits. With the growing demand for qualified accountants in the state, obtaining a CPA license can set you apart in the competitive job market and open up a world of possibilities for your accounting career.
Related Resources:
Highest Paying Accounting Careers
Guide to Online Accounting Degrees
Best Online Master’s in Accounting Programs