Certified public accountant (CPA) definition

A certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has met the rigorous statutory and licensing requirements of their state to practice public accounting at the highest level. Certification requirements include:

- Application to the appropriate state (or jurisdiction) board of accountancy
- A minimum education and experience in accounting to qualify to sit for the exam. This varies by state, but could include two years of public accounting, for example.
- Satisfactory completion of the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination

Here are some key things to know about CPAs:

- All CPAs are accountants but all accountants are not CPAs
- Certification is required by state boards of accountancy for licenses to practice
- Only individuals or firms with the CPA designation can perform the audits of publicly traded companies