Why is the CPA Designation Important?

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Author: Gia Tims, Communications & Digital Media Specialist
Posted: May 26, 2026

Being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is something to be proud of. Having those three letters following your name signifies hard work, trustworthiness and prestige. But is it really advantageous to have a CPA designation? Without a doubt, absolutely!

Oftentimes, your name and designations precede you when it comes to business. Picture it – a hiring manager reviews your resume, or a client finds you through a recommendation online, and the first thing they read is your first and last name, followed by ‘CPA’. Talk about a great first impression! The CPA designation signals technical competence. It lets the world know that not only are you a skilled professional, but that you worked extremely hard to pass the CPA Exam and pursue CPA licensure. Having the designation immediately establishes a sense of trust and signifies your commitment to maintaining a high level of integrity and professional standards.

Notably, CPAs typically earn more than non-licensed accountants. According to the AICPA, “earning a CPA license can potentially increase your earning potential by hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of your career.” Most workplaces recognize the work ethic and skillset it takes to pass the Exam and earn a CPA license and are likely to hire these individuals for higher roles like management positions.

Are you ready to start your journey to licensure? Click here to learn more: https://nasba.org/exams/becomingacpa/