The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the national professional organization of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the United States. AICPA members are CPAs who have met education and experience requirements and have passed an examination administered by the AICPA. The AICPA provides guidance to CPAs on ethical and professional standards and provides educational opportunities to help CPAs maintain their skills and knowledge. Is a CPA better than an accountant? A CPA is a certified public accountant. An accountant is someone who works in accounting. A CPA has met certain requirements, including passing an exam, and is licensed by a state board of accountancy. What is the definition of accounting according to ASC? The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) defines accounting as "the art of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions to provide information that is useful in making business and economic decisions." Can you be an accountant without a CPA? Yes, you can be an accountant without a CPA. In fact, most accountants are not CPAs. However, if you want to be a CPA, you must meet the requirements of your state's CPA board, which generally include passing the CPA exam. What percentage of people pass the CPA Exam the first time? According to a recent survey, the average pass rate for first-time test takers of the CPA Exam is 50%. Is AICPA free for students? Yes, the AICPA offers a free membership for students. This membership provides access to a variety of resources, including academic support, networking opportunities, and discounts on CPA exam prep courses.