How to Become a CPA without a Degree in Accounting

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a significant career milestone that opens the door to numerous professional opportunities.

As a CPA, you can work in a variety of industries, providing financial advice, auditing services, tax planning, and more.

Many believe that it is mandatory for you to have a degree in accounting to pursue this certification, but this is not entirely true.

If you're in Nigeria and you don't have an accounting degree, you can still become a CPA.

While the traditional path typically requires an accounting background, there are alternative routes available to you.

This article guides you through the steps and strategies to achieve your CPA certification without a formal degree in accounting.

Understanding the CPA Certification

Before diving into the specific steps, it’s essential to understand what it means to become a CPA.

CPAs are recognized as trusted financial experts who provide essential services like auditing, tax consulting, and financial management.

In Nigeria, the certification is typically recognized as becoming a chartered accountant through bodies like ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), both of which are highly respected.

While having a degree in accounting can make the journey easier, many accounting bodies allow for flexibility in how you meet their educational and experience requirements.

Step 1: Choose the Right Accounting Body

In Nigeria, the most common route to becoming a CPA or Chartered Accountant is through ICAN or ACCA. Both offer pathways to becoming a chartered accountant even if you don’t hold a degree in accounting.

The key is selecting the one that aligns best with your career goals and your current educational background.

The following are some pathways to becoming a CPA without a degree in accounting

ICAN Pathway

ICAN offers the Accounting Technician Scheme West Africa (ATSWA) programme, which allows you who has no accounting degrees to begin your accounting journey.

This programme is designed to equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to pass the ICAN exams.

Once you complete the ATSWA, you can proceed to ICAN’s professional level, where you eventually earn your CPA designation.

ACCA Pathway

ACCA offers more flexibility for individuals without accounting degrees.

With ACCA, you can apply as a student member regardless of your academic background, though some additional exams or preparatory courses are required if you lack formal training in accounting or finance. You're going to be required to complete exams in financial management, auditing, taxation, and other core areas, which can take time, but are entirely achievable with dedication.

Step 2: Bridge the Knowledge Gap with Professional Training

Since you don’t have a degree in accounting, it’s crucial to build your foundation through structured learning.

Many organizations in Nigeria offer preparatory courses that can help you bridge this gap and prepare you for CPA exams, whether through ICAN or ACCA. You need to develop a strong understanding of financial accounting, auditing, tax laws, and ethics.

Look for courses or tutorials from recognized institutions like:

The Nigerian College of Accountancy
Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN)
Local universities and colleges offering part-time or online accounting programmes

If you have the option, choose evening or weekend programmes that fit into your schedule.

These courses cover everything from bookkeeping basics to advanced financial management principles, making it easier to pass the CPA exams.

Step 3: Gain Practical Accounting Experience

One of the most critical requirements for becoming a CPA is real-world experience.

In Nigeria, both ICAN and ACCA require you to gain relevant work experience in accounting or finance.

This experience is not just a formality, it’s a critical part of your journey to becoming a skilled accountant.

Even if you’re not working in an accounting role right now, start looking for entry-level positions that can provide you with relevant experience.

Some roles you can consider include:

Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk
Junior Financial Analyst
Bookkeeper
Assistant Auditor

Many firms in Nigeria are open to hiring individuals without accounting degrees as long as you show a willingness to learn and develop your skills.

If you can’t find a full-time position, look for internships, contract roles, or freelance opportunities where you can gain hands-on experience.

Volunteering to handle the financial records for a small business or NGO is another way to gain valuable accounting experience.

Step 4: Prepare for the CPA Exam

Passing the CPA exam is a challenge for anyone, but it can be especially daunting if you don’t have an accounting degree.

However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can succeed.

The key here is to stay disciplined and committed.

For ICAN, you need to pass several levels of exams, including:

Foundation Level: Covers basic financial accounting, business law, and economics.
Skills Level: Focuses on advanced financial reporting, performance management, and audit.
Professional Level: The final stage that tests in-depth knowledge of strategy, governance, and advanced auditing.

For ACCA, the structure is similar, with papers covering areas like financial reporting, audit, corporate and business law, and performance management.

Step 5: Meet the Ethical and Experience Requirements

Aside from the exams, becoming a CPA also requires you to meet certain ethical standards and practical experience requirements.

Both ICAN and ACCA have specific ethics modules you need to complete before you can be fully certified. These modules teach you how to handle complex financial situations with integrity, which is critical for any professional accountant.

In addition to passing the ethics module, you need to document your work experience to prove you have gained the necessary practical knowledge.

This typically involves working under the supervision of a certified accountant for a certain number of hours or years.

Be sure to keep a record of your duties and responsibilities, as you need to submit these to your chosen accounting body.

Step 6: Continue Professional Development

Once you’ve earned your CPA designation, the journey doesn’t end there.

Accountants, especially CPAs, are expected to engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to stay current with changing regulations and industry standards.

ICAN and ACCA require you to earn CPD credits each year, ensuring that you remain knowledgeable and competent in your field.

You can earn CPD credits by attending conferences, taking additional courses, or completing certifications in specialized areas such as tax, forensic accounting, or financial management.

Tips to Pass the CPA Examination

To prepare, follow these tips:

Study regularly: Set aside time each day for focused study.

Use a combination of textbooks, online resources, and practice tests.

Join study groups: Collaborating with others studying for the same exams can provide motivation and help clarify challenging concepts.
Take mock exams: Test yourself under exam conditions to build confidence and identify areas where you need more practice.

Conclusion

Becoming a CPA without a degree in accounting is not only possible, but it’s also a realistic goal if you’re willing to put in the effort and stay committed.

While the path can be long and challenging, there are numerous resources available to help you succeed.

Start by choosing the right certification body, such as ICAN or ACCA, and take advantage of professional training programmes to build your accounting knowledge. Gain practical experience by working in entry-level accounting roles, and prepare thoroughly for the CPA exams.

Once you’ve passed the exams and met the experience requirements, you are going to be well on your way to a rewarding career as a CPA in Nigeria.

Remember, your determination and persistence are just as important as any degree.