The Institute of Certified Management Accountants，an affiliate of the Institute of Management Accountants(IMA)，sponsors the Certified Management Accountant (CMA)program.The CMA certificate is evidence of competence in management accounting.To become a CMA requires a college degree，two years of experience，and successful completion of a two-day's examination.Continuing professional education is required for renewal of the CMA certificate.

In public accounting，an accountant may practice as an individual or as a member of a public accounting firm.Public accountants who have met a state's education，experience，and examination requirements may become Certified Public Accountants(CPAs).

The requirements for obtaining a CPA certificate differ among the various states.All states require a college education in accounting，and most states now require 150 semester hours of college credit.In addition，a candidate must pass a two-day's examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).How difficult is the CPA examination?Approximately 30%of the candidates pass each the four parts of the CPA examination.Only about 10%to 20% pass the entire examination at one time.

Most states do not permit individual to practice as CPAs until they have had from one to three-year's experience in public accounting.Some states，however，accept similar employment in providing account as equivalent experience.

All states require CPAs to obtain continuing professional education.CPAs who do not comply may lose their certificates and their right to practice.Although the details of this requirement may vary，most states require at least 40 hours of continuing education per year.