AI was used in the creation of this article. The article was reviewed, fact-checked and edited by a content review team. We might earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of the links. McClatchy newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) shows a strong commitment and a drive for excellence in accounting. This path typically unfolds over eight years and begins with the foundational step of earning a four-year bachelor’s de