![[Featured Image]: A female CPA, wearing a dark jacket and glasses, is holding a green folder and conversing with a male co-worker in their office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/44bvGIU6u0SVT2NrUTmeee/879b71419f0c43cf8a62dbd3eb57810d/GettyImages-1363698783.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
What Is a CPA and How Do I Become One?
Discover what a CPA is, what they do, and how to become a chartered professional accountant. Learn how to get started on this accounting career path.
April 9, 2024
Article
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Bio
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact-checkers. Our articles are deeply researched and thoroughly reviewed to ensure we are providing trustworthy information and advice for any topic. We understand that taking the next step in your education or career can raise questions. We are here to provide actionable, reliable, and relevant answers so you can achieve your goals.
![[Featured Image] Two graphic designers collaborating on a project, using in-demand graphic design skills.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2jMVBNu6Yk8YfUMAibsKoR/9f15661dfc85107c07975edc1355c6f0/GettyImages-642293251.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A woman works on a laptop in a small store.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5lyTrqlAYogt04MoYtggmi/5471a9b9f0a93ccf3fb7561e38237e53/GettyImages-1303466068.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A person wearing safety goggles sits at a desk and works on a computer during one of their electrical engineering internships.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7oqzjMXljmRhJOCwhxKAzM/dd1334b15d6d2bf7f76a4000a5cd04d6/GettyImages-1278575711.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A man is learning how to become a software developer without a degree on his computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/2xp8lX29OblOW3lk8aUdrk/94fb38ef338bb35d24bee306b2fd2fff/GettyImages-1167494087.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] Woman in glasses interviewing a second woman while sitting on a couch in an office](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/13w1EosIVRoFZiKQR35D92/fda4f4d82220dbdfa989741bfdc0fb49/GettyImages-1184180899__1_.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)