[Anonymous]

This is just my rant for the day since no one at my work really cares…

I just received an e-mail from my state board that my application for becoming certified has been recommended for approval by a committee, and the board will make it’s decision at the end of the month. In the e-mail, it references a registration packet that will be mailed to me and then she proceeded to say something about if the registration fee isn’t paid timely…. From their website, I thought I had paid what I needed to until it is time to renew in a little over a year (based on their renewal schedule)

That’s the background for this rant. It just costs so much to become licensed, I almost feel it’s excessive. Between the fees to the state board, the fees for the exam, and the test prep materials, I can’t imagine how I could do this if I wasn’t working, which just made the process more difficult. I know it can be looked at as investing in your future and you’ll earn more money and on and on…. but still.

Okay, rant over.

[Andyred04]

It definitely is ridiculous but in my opinion the best investment you'll ever make in your life is in yourself and in your education. The CPA designation is said to be a $1 million designation in that, on average, a CPA will make $1 million more over the course of their career than a non-licensed accountant. If you ask me, that's a pretty safe investment.

FAR: 80 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
REG: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
BEC: 87 (Gleim, Ninja Notes, Ninja MCQs)
AUD: 8/27/16

PA Candidate

[Jakecpa]

I would pay ten times as much just to avoid having to pass the exams, after passing all 4 the least of my worries will be the fees. Passing the tests is like 99% of my worries. The other 1% is piece of cake.

[Track55]

It takes money to make money …

AUD - 74, 99 !!
REG - 74, 92
BEC - 83
FAR - 73, 86

Studying for Ethics exam

California candidate
Business and Industry

[nadroj]

State licensing fees < Exam fees << Tuition and fees

[thebigguy1992]

it takes money to make money. its an investment in the rest of your life. would you rather spend $50 on beer or alcohol or spend $50 on a multiple choice software that will help you pass?

[Missy]

How much value do you think a CPA license would have otherwise? If the exams were easier and cheaper it would be valued little more than a bachelor's in accounting.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[GitRDone2017]

OP, oh I hear your pain!!! No argument that it is an investment worth making but damn!!!! If I had not been working there is no way that I could afford this! I am irritated that I spent so much time and effort in school only to have to turn around after graduating and purchase a CPA review course! Why can't our education system just help us out a little here? I was on a CPA track concentration yet still am not prepared enough for the exam $25,000+ later. I was a 3.5+ student so it's not because I didn't acquire the knowledge from school. I just keep telling myself I WANT that certificate on my office wall!!!! Good luck everyone

"Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking tartar sauce with you" - Zig Ziglar
Ninja book + Ninja MCQ + Roger
AUD Oct 2016
FAR Nov 2016
BEC ?
REG?

[iamonloose]

studying for CPA is costing me my hair.

[Trees202]

^^iamonloose ha!

You can get money from some of the “societies”. And make sure you write off what you can!
I applied for a 50% Becker “scholarship” and got it. All I had to do was fill out a form and write 3 sentences why I needed it. Easiest $1500 I ever made. I think most people just don't spend the time to look for the free money.

[golfball7773]

How does one place a value on cost of emotional distress and anxiety caused by the exams?

Oh and the cost of pepto bismo…..

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Author]

Replies