CPA vs. EA: What are the Differences?
Dear Accounting Professor: Can you provide me with an overview of the differences between the CPA and EA credentials? Student Dear Student: Thank you for your question. Assuming that you want to pursue one of these now, I think the table below might help you understand many of the key differences between the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Enrolled Agent (EA) credentials in the United States. (This will not be true outside of the United States because every country determines their own rules.) CPA EA Minimum Education Requirements 150 semester credits (including a Bachelor's degree) for most states (1) None (3) Minimum In-field Experience Requirements At least one year supervised by an actively licensed CPA (2) None (3) Minimum Age Requirements 18-21 years old depending on the licensing state (some states have no age requirements) (1) 18 years old (3) U.S. Citizenship Requirement Most states do not require U.S. citizenship (1) None (14) License Issued By Each State (1)