Do I need the CPA exam?

I really like accounting, I have always wanted a career with numbers relative to the market (stocks, investments), does that mean I have to have my CPA certification, even if I don't want to be a CPA?

You don't HAVE to have the CPA designation to work in accounting. There are plenty of people that never get it. However, if you want to advance in your career, getting the CPA would be a wise decision!

if you dont want to limit yourself take the exam. let's say you were applying for a job and you had the same credentials as the other guy except that he took his exams, who do you think would be hired or atleast get the priority placement. but as to the question of need, no you don't.

You dont have to have it, Usually after you have a four year fegree in finance, you will apply as an entry level at a corporation. While having taken the CPA is helpful, the company will send you to get licenses like a series 6, 7 ect theres a lot of them, if they are required for the job. But you dont need to take the CPA exam. Plus I dont even know if you have taken a look at the practice test book, but it gives me a headache just looking at it. I got 4.0 in all my finance and accounting classes and it still looks tough, My accounting teachers in college said it takes an average of three times to pass the exam.