[Nelsonx5]

I am in the process of getting an MA in Accounting, but will be 49 by the time I finish it. I am debating taking the CPA exam at the end. Given that I will be almost 50 by the time I finish taking the exams (assuming I pass all on the first try!), is it worth it at that point? I had a career in my 20’s, then became a stay at home mom for 12 years, then went back to school for accounting. I have been working part time as an accounting assistant for 5 years, but other than that, no real experience.

[Anonymous]

Not to discourage you, I don't see any benefit from it

I'm 29…Passed my exam, 3 yrs of tax and audit experience, waiting for my CPA certificate in the mail

I applied lots and lots of accounting jobs (tax/audit) over the last three months, had 10 interviews, but still can't land a job for myself; Whereas other fresh college grads with no experience before, they were able to find a jobs sooner than me.

I just don't see and don't know why I would sit for the CPA exam.

[Anonymous]

Yes, getting the CPA is worth it. I know a lady who started testing in her 60's. She wanted it, and went for it. You can do it.

[Tawilkins]

I completely disagree with crossovercpa!

If you want it, go for it!!!! I see absolutely no reason at all not to!!!

AUD - Done
BEC - Done
FAR - Done
REG - Oct.

[mla1169]

Finished my MS and got my CPA at 42, and I've seen folks here late 50's and early 60's. Is it worth it to gain the ego boost of passing one of the toughest exams in the US? Is it worth it to do something for YOU after years of raising a family? I think so!

And increasing my income by 40% didn't hurt!

Age is irrelevant. At 49, let's be 100% honest, you likely have close to another 20 years in the workforce unless you're exceptionally lucky. You still have a lot to offer.

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Tncincy]

@nelsonx5,

I am 48, I also went back to school for accounting after raising four children and running my own business. My dream is CPA and that's what I am doing. so age? who cares. I personally think we are being over 40 stereo typed. Seriously, Go for it, make these youngins jealous. I'm in it with you. Congrats on a bold decision!

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

I am 46 and I will pass the cpa exam this year. I had a career before this (owned three businesses) and switched at 41. I did two years at a cpa firm to fulfill the experience requirement (one year in IL) and then switched over to the University where my husband is a professor. If he makes a move, I will have a job where ever he goes and we will retire together. The CPA designation will open a whole new tier of jobs that I currently have the skills but do not qualify on paper. It is NEVER too late to better yourself and strive to reach a goal. Do not limit yourself to CPA firms for the rest of your life…there are other fantastic opportunities on the non-traditional path.

When I was 29, a fella I dated told me that the best years of my life were OVER. I gave him the finger, walked away and met my husband a year later… the best years of my life were YET to come.

Don't let ANYONE discourage you from the dream of a better life!

PS. My mentor is a lady that raised 6 kids and then got her CPA at 55. She currently owns a large firm and is still going to work every day at 82!

[Anonymous]

I also TOTALLY disagree with crossover.

I am 51 and passed my final part in February of this year. If there is a desire in your heart to get your CPA(I sense there is or you wouldn't be asking the question), listen to it and not anyone else. Look to those who encourage and not discourage.

You'll be 50 no matter if you take the exams or not.

Good luck.

[silliepanda]

I'm 29 and I think that you should totally do it. If it's what you want DO IT!!!! Don't let anyone or anything hold you back.

BEC - TOO MANY FAILS TO LIST! July 2015 I WILL GET IT!
AUD - AUG 2015- NEVER PASSED!
FAR - LOST CREDIT
REG - PASSED

[Mohammedt75]

I agree with those of you who are encouraging Nelsonx5. Go for it. I am 38 and i am almost done with my exam. You will have nothing to lose by getting the license. However, you might lose something and regret why you did not go for it when you have the time. Go for it and all the best.

Thank you to all those who provided encouraging words. You shed light on the fact that you do not only ave to be on your 20s to do the CPA. You can do it at any age!

[005]

go for it!!

BEC - ✔
REG - ✔
AUD - ✔
FAR - 11/29/14

CPAExcel, Ninja MCQs, and a sh*t ton of coffee

[Nelsonx5]

Thanks for all the encouragement! I keep waffling back and forth whether it is worth the effort. I know I will have to sacrifice to make it happen, but my kids are all off to college next year (triplets), so my house will be quiet. I keep thinking I will regret it if I don't go for the CPA license. (And I will have a lot of college to pay for!)

[Anonymous]

Turning 48 this year and got licensed last year.

Those young punks have nothing on the wisdom and maturity that those of us over 40 bring to the table (and ability to juggle multiple issues at one time that only moms can do).

I just landed the best job I've had in my accounting career – and with the highest pay. The fact that I am a CPA was important to their hiring decision.

[Nelsonx5]

I have been inspired by all of your posts! Thank you! I am now seriously considering taking the test(s). This may be a silly question, but does anyone else feel overwhelmed when they look at how much information is involved here?

[Jennifer241]

Take it chapter by chapter, don't look at how far the road is, look back at how far you have traveled to get where you are now and reaffirm yourself that you CAN DO IT!

CPA designation means a lot in our industry, and just because one person has had a hard time finding a job doesn't mean that you will (Their accounting market is probably saturated). Keep your head held high and your eyes on your goals.

AUD - Jan 9,13 Pass
REG - Aug 30,13 Pass
BEC - Oct 26,13 Pass
FAR - Dec 4,13 Pass

Licensed CPA in the state of Oregon

[Anonymous]

@crossovercpa – you say that undergrads with a “lack of experience” have taken all your offers? I assume this means you have networked, created a great Linkedin profile, cold called, engaged in an extensive personal marketing plan, and never game up? If all this is true, I will agree with you; however I doubt it is.

I am a recent undergrad; this by no means qualifies me any more than you. What I do have is an unstoppable drive to to succeeded and an unquenchable thirst for learning; your posts sheds lights on an attitude much different from this.

Change your mindset and change your life.

@Nelsonx5 – GO FOR IT!

Best of luck to both of you.

[Author]

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