How Long Does It Take to Be an Accountant? The amount of time it takes to become an accountant depends on your present level of education and experience, the sort of accounting you intend to follow, and whether or not you plan to pursue certification. A bachelor's degree in accounting typically takes four years to complete. Internships are another way to obtain experience. To become a CPA, you must complete 150 college courses, which is approximately 30 credits more than typical bachelor's degrees. A portion of these credits must be graduate level, and some accountants also pursue a master's degree. You must also have approximately 2,000 hours of experience working with a registered CPA (about a year or more full-time work). Finally, you must pass the CPA exam, which is separated into four components that can be taken and retaken in any sequence over the course of an 18-month period. Other certifications for specific specializations are also available. If all you want is a BS in accounting, you should be able to do it in four years if you study full-time. If you choose to pursue a master's degree or other certifications, you should plan to devote more time to coursework and study. If you already have a degree in accounting or experience in a similar profession and want to get started in your career, visit our website to see what roles are currently available!