A "state-licensed accountant" is an individual who has successfully completed the required education and training to become a licensed practitioner of accounting. There are several synonyms to describe a state-licensed accountant, including certified public accountant (CPA), chartered accountant, registered accountant, and licensed accountant. A CPA is a specialized type of state-licensed accountant that has obtained a license to practice public accounting. A chartered accountant is a term used primarily in the United Kingdom, denoting a person who has successfully completed the training and qualification requirements for their professional accountancy body. While a registered accountant is someone who is registered with a professional accounting body. Lastly, a licensed accountant is an individual who has obtained a license from a state board to practice accounting.