If you’ve ever Googled “How hard is the CPA exam?” you know the answer: very. The full exam runs 16 hours and is divided into four sections, each one focused on a core area of accounting: 

  • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)  
  • Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)  
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)  
  • Regulation (REG)  

If you asked a student preparing for the CPA, they’d probably tell you it feels like a part-time job. 

The good news? The University of Texas Permian Basin’s online Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) is built to support that journey. Our coursework aligns with all four CPA exam areas and helps you meet key eligibility requirements—especially if you’re planning to become a CPA in Texas. 

The takeaway: You don’t have to navigate this process alone. The right program can make all the difference. 

How UTPB’s Online Master of Professional Accountancy Helps You Become a CPA in Texas 

UT Permian Basin’s 100% online, AACSB-accredited Master of Professional Accountancy gives you the flexibility and structure you need to move toward CPA eligibility—without pressing pause on your career or personal life. 

This program helps you build a strong foundation in both traditional accounting principles and the modern, tech-forward practices today’s organizations rely on. As you progress, you’ll learn to think critically, communicate clearly, and apply accounting concepts in real business settings. 

And because the entire program is delivered online and asynchronously, you can learn: 

  • Anywhere (your couch, a coffee shop, even a late-night study session after work) 
  • Anytime (early mornings, lunch breaks, weekends) 
  • At a pace that works for you 

Additional program benefits include: 

  • Courses designed for busy schedules—most run just eight weeks 
  • Instruction from the same respected PhD-level faculty who teach on campus 
  • The option to finish your degree in 2 to 4 years

Once you graduate, you’ll have completed key educational requirements needed to sit for the CPA exam, and you’ll hold a graduate degree that helps you stand out in a competitive field. For many employers, that combination—MPA + CPA eligibility—signals readiness, commitment, and advanced training.  

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How to Become a CPA in Texas: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide

6 Great Reasons to Become a Certified Public Accountant  

Accounting is already a stable, respected career. But earning your CPA license takes things one step further. Here’s why so many professionals decide the extra effort is worth it: 

Professional respect: The “CPA” credential carries serious weight. Clients and colleagues see CPAs as experts at the top of their field. 

  1. Higher earning potential: On average, CPAs earn up to 15% more than non-CPA accountants. 
  2. Career advantage: That three-letter credential on your résumé instantly helps you stand out during hiring. 
  3. Strong job demand: Changes in regulations, demographics, and student pipelines mean CPAs remain in high demand across industries. 
  4. More variety in your work: Today’s CPAs aren’t limited to one type of accounting job. Many work in consulting, analytics, technology, or even travel-based roles. 
  5. Industry flexibility: CPAs are needed everywhere—from healthcare and finance to nonprofits, energy, government, and tech. 

Put simply: Earning your CPA opens doors you may not even know exist yet. 

How Long Do You Have to Pass the CPA Exam? 

Once you start the CPA exam, the clock begins ticking. You’ll have 18 months to pass all four sections, in any order you choose. Pass rates typically fall between 50 to 66%, so many candidates retake at least one section. It’s normal—and it’s exactly why strong academic preparation matters. 

The CPA exam isn’t just a test; it’s a journey. Programs like UTPB’s online Master of Professional Accountancy are designed to help you start that journey with confidence. 

Prepare for the CPA Exam With UTPB 

If earning your CPA is part of your long-term plan, now is the perfect time to take the next step. Our online Master of Professional Accountancy can help you meet educational requirements, sharpen your accounting expertise, and prepare to sit for the exam, all while fitting school around your life—not the other way around. 

Your future as a CPA starts with a program designed for where you’re headed. 

Take the next step toward CPA eligibility. Apply here to get started. 

 
Sources: 
https://www.topaccountingdegrees.org/faq/what-benefits-does-a-cpa-certification-give-accountants/
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/cpa-vs-accountant
https://blog.aicpa.org/2019/11/why-did-you-become-an-accountant.html#sthash.PUB0xySi.dpbs
https://www.accounting.com/careers/cpa/salary

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