The certified public accountant (CPA), the certified management accountant (CMA), and the certified internal auditor (CIA) are all important license and certification credentials for accounting professionals. Many students do not understand or appreciate the nuances to obtaining each certification and which offers the most benefit for a students chosen career path. Required: You are to prepare a research report in which you outline the steps toward obtaining each professional certification (e.g., exam, education) and additional requirements for professional certification or licensing that must be fulfilled. In your discussion include the sponsoring organization that governs the certification process. If an examination is required, provide what candidates need to take the exam and what is covered in the examination. In the summary paragraph, indicate which professional certification you would pursue. Support this decision with information from your research.

Summarize what you discovered in your research in your own words do not simply copy and paste from your sources. The research report should be typed, single-spaced and no longer than two pages in length. You should follow APA Style in formatting quoted material and sources.