A CPA is an individual who has completed the undergraduate degree and has passed the certified public accountant exam. While being certified public accountants is not mandatory, it is a professional field that is growing in popularity as more individuals are becoming self-employed. A Certified Public Accountant is required to have a four-year college degree and pass a test given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or AICPA. Certified Public Accountant Tulare