Professional Accounting Certificate

Career Certificate
Cost
TBD

Strengthen your accounting credentials

Become a certified public accountant (CPA) and get promoted. With a bachelor’s degree (in any area), you can earn a certificate in Professional Accounting within 2 years and qualify to take the CPA exam. Most students who complete this certificate at CLC pass the CPA exam on their first sitting—at nearly an 80% higher pass rate than the national average!

What can you do with a Professional Accounting Certificate?

Complete this certificate to advance your career in accounting. Many students take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination after graduation to become licensed CPAs.

After becoming a licensed CPA, you can begin a career in any of the following roles:

  • auditor
  • controller
  • financial analyst
  • staff accountant
  • tax accountant

Becoming a CPA: The exam and what else you need to know

After completing the certificate, you’re eligible to take the uniform CPA exam. This exam protects the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals become CPAs. There are four parts to the exam:

  • Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Auditing and Attestation
  • Taxation and Regulation
  • Choice of one of the following exams:
    • Business Analysis and Reporting
    • Information Systems and Controls
    • Tax Compliance and Planning

Before you embark on a career as a CPA, you also need to pass an ethics exam and work under the mentorship of a CPA for one year. Learn more about the CPA exam and requirements in Illinois.

Highlights

Career Outlook

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. View degree requirements in the college catalog.

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.




Female student taking notes in class

Accounting at CLC: Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study accounting. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Accounting Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

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