Is the US CPA worth pursuing in your 30s? I got my CPA back home over 10 years ago and moved to the US 3 years ago. I know age is just a number we always say but I just can't help but feel like it's too late for me. Any advice?

Yes, I was in my 30s when getting my license and my salary has quadrupled since then. In my mid 40s now and don’t regret it.

I graduated from college age 40, got my CPA age 41 - yes it’s worth it if you’re in public accounting. Your promotions are limited without it.

Dude, seriously, just do it. Most people start martial arts at 5 or 6. I didn't start until 40. I am a 3rd degree black belt in taekwondo at 58 getting ready to be promoted. Go for your CPA

Let’s be honest. The CPA is not a meaningful certification, the way it’s glorified is ridiculous.

1: it was designed decades ago to make the profession look “more prestigious” and an alternative to a law degree, which obviously did not come to fruition.

2: the exam itself is so broad and all-encompassing. An accountant focused on international tax has to learn and be tested on inventory costing and not for profit accounting?

3: back to point 1. They enacted the 150 credits to again try to make the profession look more prestigious. Even though that extra 30 credits can be in basket weaving and art history.

4: see article below. Just choose TCP instead of BAR as your discipline since it’s easier and you still get the credit even though it won’t necessarily apply to your specialization. See point 2.

https://www.goingconcern.com/what-tf-is-going-on-with-cpa-exam-pass-rates/

5: consultants don’t need CPAs to progress. Tax accountants can be an EA (a much more meaningful certification for them). That alone tells you a CPA is not meaningful for everyone.

6: Accountants from India can now be a US CPA. Students from a country that doesn’t follow US GAAP now certified to audit US GAAP companies… That’s the AICPA, the accounting lobbyist, trying to keep their membership fee income from drying out.

The only real benefit the certification brings is that it forces us to be up to date with new guidance (CPE credits). But even then, a non-CPA can take the same courses a CPA does and all firms mandate that all employees, CPA or not, attend the same courses and obtain the same amount of credits yearly.

It’s always worth getting. Any age, never too late. Ever

I was 48

I got my license recently being 40ish, a few fails, two teenage kids and work full time in public accounting. All depends on you goals and if you have the resources to help you out. I wanted the CPA so bad. It is almost ridiculous. I got it now and while it definitely released some pressure, life goes on and I am a bit lost at what my next career step should be. Taking it easy for now to find my inner peace.
Good luck to you. I would really think about why you think you need it and then decide.

I am going to do it in my late 40s

I got my CPA at 36 and am now entering the PPMD process at a Big4 firm. If your goal is to stay in accounting, get the license; it’s a requirement for almost all of the better jobs. I don’t think having a CPA actually should mean much (I know lots of incompetent CPAs), but not having it will hurt you in your career.

The CPA is always worth pursuing

Love all the motivating comments here. ❤️

10,000x yes! It doesn’t make you smarter, but it makes you credentialed! Which in turn gives you more earning power

Worth it, and I got licensed in my mid-30s. There's a career progression ceiling without it. If you have a comparable license overseas, you may not need to start from scratch to get licensed. For example, licenses from some countries only need to take audit and tax (unless things have changed).

It's definitely not too late. You'll probably work for at least 30 more years so you should try to maximize your earnings.

Not sure if it’s “worth it” but I just turned 50 and I decided to take it. Just passed AUD. 😊 I say go for it!

I chose to go the private route instead of pursuing a CPA career - that was over 25 years ago. I have a number of CPA friends who are having a very hard time because so many of their clients have opted to hire overseas bookkeeping and accounting services. Much of this work does not conform to our U.S. GAAP and FASB standards and will end up causing these U.S. Companies more later on down the road, plus it makes for messy books for the CPA to work with.

I say go for it. Got my CPA at 32 and also got my CPA 10 years ago from my home country. I think getting started and finding a good study habit will help a lot!

I became a CPA at 35

Absolutely! I got mine at 32, multiple mergers led to layoffs. Had only 5 years of experience in public accounting after laid off had offers 2 weeks later with 30% increases in salary and bonuses so much bigger.

I'd say go for it but with a caveat. You need to back that CPA license with audit experience otherwise its just a piece of paper.