[yarnim]

I live in one of those last few states (CO) where only 120 (bachelors) hrs is required to sit for an exam.

And that is exactly what I have, just 120 hrs. Now, as I was starting to prepare for my exam (took a long time I know), they have changed the licensure requirement to 150 hrs. Still only 120 hrs required to sit for it though.

At this point, I have no accounting experience and have not started on any parts of the exam yet.

Would you guys recommend going through the masters first and taking the exam or should I take the exam and start looking for jobs?

Would it make any difference at all in job hunting if I have some parts of the exam passed vs none, or whether or not I have masters (candidate for CPA)?

Thank you all for your responses.

[TNCPA16]

I would get the master's degree done first and then sit for the exam. Your classes will help you prepare for the exam, plus it's a lot easier to do a master’s program when you are not working full time (I speak from experience!) If you were applying for a position I was hiring for, I’d rather you be eligible for licensure vs. having some parts passed (if you pass all the exams, but can’t be licensed, then what’s the point really?) In fact, we wouldn’t even interview someone who was NOT eligible…not to say every company is like that, of course.

[MBAin2014]

I would look at how long you have to obtain the experience once you pass the exams to determine whether time allows you to take while pursuing your masters. I am currently pursuing my MBA and have completed 30 credit hours in the past 10 months along with taking and passing two parts of the CPA exam and hopefully I will be able to report three parts passed after score releases next week. I'm on target to finish both up by the end of the year and it will be a relief to have the studying behind me. A few of the MBA classes helped prepare me for the REG (91), AUD (??), and BEC (88) portions. Surprisingly, my internal control class is actually helping me with the FAR material this semester.

It truly is what time allows and individual preference — I just want to be done being buried in books and homework.

BEC 88 (05/14)
REG 91 (07/14)
AUD 83 (08/14)
FAR 90 (10/14)

[Anonymous]

Why not do all three? You know you need your credit hours to get licensed so enroll into masters. You already have enough credits to take the exam so take the exams. And many companies begin interviewing for positions a year in advance so nows the perfect time for you to start looking. Next year you can have all your classes done, all CPA parts passed and already secured an offer to start full time. And don't worry, you definitely have enough time to do all three. 🙂

[yarnim]

Thanks a bunch guys. I am just afraid with my minimum knowledge in the area (I admit, I really dont remember anything from college, its been 4 yrs and I have never really learned, just studied to pass my classes), that I am going to have nothing to say or to impress when I do start looking for jobs and by chance even score a few interviews.

IE are there any negatives if you get rejected at a company and if you try to re-interview with the same guys later on?

OR is that even possible for you to re-apply or re-interview at a firm that has rejected you in the past?

[yarnim]

I mean I would certainly start sending a crap load of my resumes to all sorts of different people, but these things that I am afraid of (mentioned above) are holding me back.

[TNCPA16]

As long as you don't burn any bridges the first time around, I see no problem with applying for positions later on down the road. Not quite the same scenario, but a few years back I interviewed for a position with a company. I wasn't quite qualified for it, but they liked me so they offered me another position (which I turned down). Like a year or two later, they called me back up because another position, similar to the one I had originally interviewed for, had opened up and they wanted to know if I was interested. Company's staffing needs are always changing, and your experience/qualifications will change too.

[Anonymous]

If you really feel like you don't know anything, don't have anything to say or don't have any experience you better do something about it… If you don't do anything about it, what's the chance you'll feel any different next year. I think you should still go apply for jobs. If they look at your resume and think you're not qualified they probably won't interview you. Sometimes there's companies that are willing to train people or just start them with simple tasks. Maybe try applying for internships or other non accounting jobs. As long as the jobs give you experiences that employers will think you're competent. Even a job in retail or something. It doesnt have to be relevant and you dont have to be a genius. Just need something to talk about. Everyone starts somewhere. Don't let your fears hold you back. Good luck!!

[Author]

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