"Investing in Education": Considering the Long-Term Benefits

Certification is not just a piece of paper; it represents a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.

As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, more and more professionals are using different certifications to gain a competitive edge.

Here is my article about Why did I choose a particular certification and My reason for investing in education for a better future?

As you know, I have recently passed US certified public accountant exam, and here is my perspective,

1- What is CPA?

CPA USA (Certified Public Accountant) is the highest standard of competence in the field of Accountancy across the globe. The exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

To become a CPA in the United States, the candidate must sit for and pass the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination (Uniform CPA Exam), which is set by the (AICPA) and administered by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). The Uniform CPA Exam consists of the following sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), Regulation (REG), and Business Environment Concepts (BEC). 

2-My Reason for Pursuing CPA?

✅Working in Internal audit & exploring different areas helped me to figure out my passion & I realized my interest while giving process improvements through an audit, and back then I was in the process of moving out to a North American country and so

To upgrade my professional skills

To make myself more competitive

To fit in the North American job market

To equip myself, to stand out of the crowd

I decided to invest in a certification that is accepted globally and thought CPA works best for me in all aspects.

Check out other reasons here!

3-CPA Exam Fees?

There are several variables in determining how much the CPA exam costs,

The cost of the CPA Exam will vary based on the licensing state. Below is an overview of possible CPA exam fees a candidate may have to pay,

4-Building a Solid Education Investment Plan

Now that you have an idea about the total estimated cost to become a CPA, if you are a person from Growing middle class background like mine, you can still pursue your dream to become a CPA.

If you take my case, I wanted to do CPA during 2020, but then didn’t have enough money and time back then to pursue, but then I made a consistent recurring deposit for a period of 15 months with 80% of my salary before I started doing CPA,

This may seem to be a simple saving plan for someone or stringent saving plan for someone,

But for me, I was preparing to move to another country that time and all that I can see and want was a “CARRER” in new country I wanted to do what I love, and I was 200% very serious about it.

It was more than the above cost for me as I had to travel to another country, so I made my research on all the estimated costs and consistently made this recurring deposit and set aside a bare minimum amount for living for a period of this 15 months and so was able to raise my target money required for this certification,

If you are someone with a similar background as mine, you can do the same or there are a lot more investment options though you can plan it out,

But if you are a working professional and was serious about upgrading yourself, then raising the required amount may seem to be challenging but it is not impossible,

It may take a longer time, but you can always save extra money by cutting out your current luxury even if that looks small right now.

5. How can you avoid additional expenses?

✅Choosing the Right Review Course

Do your research before you commit to a course or any type of study materials for that matter to make sure that your investment will pay off.

By choosing the right review course you will feel more confident and will not feel insecure to spend on other review courses for additional references.

✅ Prepare for 100% of the syllabus before scheduling your exams

Covering 100% of material content before scheduling your exams will help you to clear the exams on the first attempt and you don’t have to reschedule it again for any failed sections. 

6. Why this money is an investment and not a cost?

I spent every single penny from my previous account for CPA because I thought this will create a long-term path for me and enhance my career to a greater extent.

I was scared and there were even some doubtful days but I supported myself with enough research and I was able to convince myself for investing in this certification for a better future.

CPA was a light at the end of a tunnel for me and it turned out to be my eternal sunshine,

I am so grateful that I chose to pursue CPA despite my financial difficulties and insecurities.

Because it worked for me and paved a better future better than I imagined.

7. The long-term benefits of education are immeasurable!

So, after reading all the above content, if you want to pursue CPA, Know that I will be more than happy to help you because CPA serves my daily bread and butter,

But I didn’t write this article to encourage every one of you to pursue the same certification as mine, but this article intends to emphasize the importance of investing in education for a better future despite your financial situation and insecurities.

We are all in need of luxuries and more money but if you want to go ahead in your life, you need to compromise the small luxuries and invest in education for a better future.

Trust me, the return will be huge! 

8. Key considerations in choosing a certification

Before going for any certification, considering these points may help.

1-analyze where you want to grow (Field of interest)

2-Choose where you want to work (Can be a country /work position)

3- Look around for career choices of people from your field /Interest

4- Analyse the benefits of time and cost that you are going to invest

5- Analyse the current demand for the skills

Your success depends upon your interest, you can’t do something that doesn’t make you happy, choose what works for you, invest in something that you will be excited to work for the rest of your life and then you don’t have to be worried about Monday mornings or extended meetings.