Yeo, Which state are you in? ========== CPA EXAM: Rules for the CPA exam varies from State to State. Some states does not require you to have 150 Cr. hrs or job experience to sit for the exam. (most states do not require you to have the job experience before you sit for the exam). Its only when you pass and apply to get "certified"; then you will need to fullfill the criteria prescribed by the state. These days you will need to get certified in every state that you will be working in. (This is pretty easy.. just paper work.. well not sure about CA coz they have one of the hardest req. for CPA). So, basically you can take the exam and wait until u have the all the requirement fullfilled to get "certified". An Honest advice ... Take it right out of college!!! If I were you, I would start studying for it now and take it this summer before start working. As I mentioned earlier, you will get reembursed for the exam cost and prep cost by the firm. most of the Big 4 will reemburse your money once you pass the 4 sections. For more info on CPA exam call 1-800- CPA - EXAM or go to this website for more info: http://www.cpa-exam.org/ For the list of states.. go to : http://www.nasba.org/NASBAWeb.nsf/CBT?OpenFrameset click on the states and it will show you the req. for that state. for example MN does not req. you have 150 cr. but after July you will need to have 150 to be able to sit for the exam.. ND, SD, WI has similar req. but double check in the link I just gave you... ========= CPA Prep: To prepare for the exam, you can choose from many resources (approx cost $2,000 - $5,000) 1. Bisk 2. Becker (Popular but expensive) 3. Kaplan see www.cpaexam.com, thats BISK one.. ======== Public Accounting Industry: BTW whats your major in college? These days because of SOX, all the firms are hiring many individuals right out of college. However, this is expected to decrease as most of the firms have already been through 1st year of SOX. but as you might know; public accounting industry has one of the highest turn out rate, so they are always looking for people. Peace Out!