Understanding the exam requirements is key to starting your journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). You must not only meet these criteria but also understand their importance and role in advancing your career.
Interested in how many people take this significant step each year? In 2022, 67,000 candidates took the CPA exam, adhering to the detailed prerequisites set by state boards.
As you prepare to join this group of motivated individuals, aligning yourself academically and strategically with the exam’s demands is key. I will guide you through the essential requirements I encountered myself—from educational benchmarks to unique state stipulations—to prepare you effectively for earning the respected CPA title. Let’s examine what you need to know to start this journey.
Key Takeaways
- State-Specific Requirements: The CPA exam requirements vary significantly from state to state, encompassing education, credit hours, and specific coursework. It’s crucial to consult the state’s board of accountancy for precise requirements when you plan to take the exam.
- Educational Prerequisites: A foundational requirement for CPA exam candidates is an undergraduate degree in accounting or a related field. Most states require a total of 150 credit hours, including targeted accounting and business courses.
- Ethics Exam: In addition to the main CPA exam, most states require candidates to pass an ethics exam as part of the licensure process. Some states, like Florida, do not require this part of the process.
CPA Exam Requirements
Education Requirements
To take the CPA exam, candidates must first navigate through the various educational requirements and prerequisites established by state boards of accountancy. While requirements vary by state, most jurisdictions mandate at least a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, emphasizing accounting and business courses.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is required by all states. This degree typically covers essential topics such as financial accounting, management advisory, information systems, and auditing, providing a comprehensive background in business and accounting principles.
Credit Hours
Beyond a four-year degree, most states require candidates to complete 150 credit hours of college coursework, often with an accounting degree or necessitating additional coursework or a master’s degree. This requirement aims to ensure a deeper understanding of accounting practices and business law, equipping aspirants with the knowledge needed for the CPA exam and professional practice.
Specific Coursework
The specific courses required for CPA exam eligibility include advanced accounting topics, ethics, business law, and financial advisory. States often mandate that students take a certain number of credit hours in these subjects to ensure candidates possess a well-rounded educational background.
Minimum Age and Other Requirements
Most states set a minimum age requirement, typically 18 years, for CPA exam candidates. Additionally, some jurisdictions may have residency or social security number requirements.
Ethics Exam
Some states also require candidates to pass an ethics exam as part of the CPA examination process. This requirement underscores the profession’s commitment to high ethical standards and is separate from the ethics requirements for CPA licensure.
Take $1,600 Off UWorld CPA Elite-Unlimited Course
CPA Exam Requirements by State
Given the variability in CPA exam requirements across states, it’s crucial for aspiring CPAs to research and understand the specific prerequisites of the state board of accountancy where they intend to take the exam. Most states offer detailed guides and resources to help candidates ensure they meet all necessary conditions to be found eligible for the CPA examination.
This table provides a comprehensive overview of CPA exam requirements across a spectrum of states, revealing both commonalities and unique state-specific stipulations. Notably, New York stands out with its requirement for both a high number of accounting credits and business credits, reflecting the state’s emphasis on a broad and in-depth educational foundation for its CPA candidates.
| State | Education | Hours | Minimum Age | Residency | Graduation | Ethics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 24 accounting credits | 150 | 19 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alaska | 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona | 36 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas | 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | No |
| California | 24 accounting and 24 business credits | 150 | 18 | No | No | Yes |
| Colorado | 27 accounting credits | 120 | 18 | No | Yes | No |
| Connecticut | 22 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware | 24 accounting credits | 120 | 19 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Florida | 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Georgia | 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Hawaii | 18 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Idaho | 20 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Illinois | 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | No | Yes |
| Indiana | 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | 27 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana | 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | 15 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland | Bachelor’s degree with 27 accounting credits | 120/150* | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Bachelor’s degree with 21 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Bachelor’s degree with no specific accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi | Bachelor’s degree with 48 accounting and business credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | Bachelor’s degree with 33 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Montana | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nebraska | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 19 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Nevada | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 120/150* | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| New York | Bachelor’s degree with 33 accounting credits and 36 business credits | 150 | 18 | No | No | Yes |
| North Carolina | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| North Dakota | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| South Carolina | Bachelor’s degree with 36 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| South Dakota | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tennessee | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | Bachelor’s degree with 30 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Utah | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vermont | Bachelor’s degree with 20 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Washington | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| West Virginia | Bachelor’s degree with 27 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Wyoming | Bachelor’s degree with 24 accounting credits | 150 | 18 | No | Yes | Yes |
As highlighted in these comparisons, the 150-hour rule is a common benchmark. However, the detailed requirements regarding accounting and business coursework, ethics exams, and other criteria vary significantly. This underscores the importance of CPA exam candidates carefully reviewing and adhering to the specific requirements of the state where they intend to practice.
Steps to Apply for the CPA Exam
Applying for the CPA exam involves several detailed steps. Each step is crucial for ensuring you meet all requirements and are fully prepared for the exam process. Here’s a clearer and more detailed roadmap:
- Verify State-Specific Requirements: Verify your state requirements in the table above and double-check your State Board of Accountancy website when you plan to take the exam.
- Gather Your Transcripts: Request official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended. Ensure these transcripts reflect the required credit hours and specific courses in accounting and business necessary for exam eligibility. It’s important to start this process early, as gathering transcripts can take time.
- Submit Your Application and Fees: Complete the CPA exam application through your state board’s designated process, which may be online or through a paper form. Along with your application, you will need to submit the application fee. Fees vary by state, so check the exact amount required on your state board’s website.
- Pay the Examination Fees: After your application is reviewed and approved, you will be asked to pay an examination fee for each part of the CPA exam you intend to take. These fees also vary by state and can be found on the state board’s website.
- Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS): Once your fees are processed, you’ll receive an NTS via email or mail. This document is essential for scheduling your exam parts and is valid for a limited time (usually six months). Keep this in mind, as you must schedule and sit for your exam sections within this validity period.
- Schedule Your Exam with Prometric: Visit the Prometric website to find your nearest testing center and schedule your exam sections. It’s advisable to schedule as soon as you receive your NTS to secure your preferred dates and locations. When scheduling, consider your study plan and personal commitments.
By following these detailed steps, you can navigate the application process for the CPA exam effectively. Each phase is designed to guide you toward meeting all requirements and achieving the best possible outcome on your journey to becoming a CPA.
Conclusion
Achieving CPA certification is not just about passing an exam; it’s about meeting comprehensive education requirements, gaining relevant experience, and adhering to ethical standards. The journey from obtaining an undergraduate degree in accounting to becoming a licensed CPA requires dedication, planning, and a commitment to the profession’s highest standards. Remember, the CPA exam is the gateway to a world of opportunities in accounting and finance, opening doors to roles that require a keen analytical mind, ethical integrity, and the ability to provide valuable financial advice.
FAQs
Candidates need an undergraduate degree in accounting or related fields. Most states require 150 credit hours, including specific accounting and business coursework.
Securing a CPA license requires additional steps, such as fulfilling work experience requirements or passing an ethics exam. Only then can you officially apply for licensure beyond passing the CPA exam.
Some states permit candidates to take the CPA exam before finishing all educational prerequisites. However, the required credits must still be earned for licensure.
Typically, CPA licensure demands one to two years of work. This must be under a licensed CPA, and the exact requirements vary by state.
Yes, an ethics exam is generally a mandatory part of the CPA licensure process in most states. Some states, like Florida, do not require an ethics exam.
Choose a CPA prep course that aligns with your learning preferences and provides comprehensive exam material and practice questions. Feedback from recent candidates can also guide your choice.
No, CPA exam requirements vary by state, including differences in education, credit hours, and specific coursework. It’s essential to check with the state board where you plan to take the exam.
Yes, international candidates can sit for the CPA exam, but they must meet the specific requirements of the state board where they intend to take it, which may include evaluating foreign transcripts. Keep in mind that not all states accept these documents.
Yes, you can take different sections of the CPA exam in different states. However, you must meet the licensure requirements of the state where you intend to apply for your CPA license.
