{"id":2841,"date":"2024-11-15T11:01:32","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T16:01:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/?p=2841"},"modified":"2026-06-16T18:55:02","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T23:55:02","slug":"how-to-get-cpa-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get a CPA License: Requirements for Certification"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earning my CPA license was a game-changer\u2014not only did it boost my career, but it opened doors to opportunities I hadn\u2019t even considered.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Are you thinking about becoming a CPA yourself? You\u2019d be joining over <a href=\"https:\/\/nasba.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Annual-Report-2023_Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">672,000<\/a> licensed CPAs in the U.S. alone.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s the reality:<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting that CPA license takes commitment, from mastering the challenging exam to fulfilling specific state requirements. But if you\u2019re ready to dive in, let\u2019s break down the steps you\u2019ll need to reach this powerful milestone in launching your accounting career.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li><strong>Education requirements<\/strong>: 150 semester hours are typically required, though some states allow candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours completed.<\/li> <li><strong>Pass the CPA exam<\/strong>: Candidates complete three core sections (FAR, AUD, REG) and select one discipline section (BAR, ISC, or TCP) to demonstrate specialized knowledge.<\/li> <li><strong>Work experience<\/strong>: Most states require CPA candidates to gain around two years of supervised, relevant experience with a licensed CPA.<\/li> <li><strong>State-specific requirements<\/strong>: Each state may require additional ethics exams, specific coursework, or residency\u2014check your <a href=\"https:\/\/nasba.org\/stateboards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">state\u2019s Board of Accountancy<\/a> for details.<\/li> <li><strong>Continuing education<\/strong>: CPA licensure means lifelong learning, so continuing professional education (CPE) credits are necessary to maintain an active license.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-education-requirements-150-semester-hours\"><strong>Education Requirements: 150 Semester Hours<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step to getting your CPA license involves meeting specific education requirements, often around 150 semester hours. Most undergraduate accounting programs only provide about 120 hours, meaning CPA candidates may need additional courses. These upper-level business courses can be completed by taking extra classes or pursuing a master\u2019s degree in accounting or business administration.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-the-right-coursework\"><strong>Choosing the Right Coursework<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s essential to select courses that align with the Board of Accountancy\u2019s guidelines. The required accounting and business courses include subjects like auditing, tax compliance, financial accounting, and possibly forensic accounting. In some states, students also need classes in business analysis and information systems, so you\u2019ll want to plan your course load wisely. While a bachelor&#8217;s degree in accounting is the route most take, you can also<a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-become-a-cpa-without-an-accounting-degree\/\"> become a CPA without an accounting degree<\/a>.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-master-s-degree-for-cpa-licensure\"><strong>Master\u2019s Degree for CPA Licensure<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many CPA candidates choose a master\u2019s in accounting or a related field to complete the extra semester hours required for CPA licensure. A master\u2019s degree can also help provide deeper knowledge, opening up additional job opportunities and paving the way toward more specialized fields within accounting, like financial reporting or public accounting.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-passing-the-cpa-exam-core-and-discipline-sections\"><strong>Passing the CPA Exam: Core and Discipline Sections<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam, known as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/cpa-exam\/\">Uniform CPA Examination<\/a>, has been restructured as of January 1, 2024, requiring all candidates to complete three core sections and select one discipline section. This updated structure allows candidates to demonstrate specialized knowledge in a specific area.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-core-sections\"><strong>Core Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These sections are required for all CPA candidates:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)<\/strong>: Focuses on U.S. GAAP and IFRS standards, covering financial statement preparation for public, private, and governmental entities.<\/li> <li><strong>Auditing and Attestation (AUD)<\/strong>: Emphasizes data-driven auditing, with content on emerging technologies like data analytics and cybersecurity.<\/li> <li><strong>Taxation and Regulation (REG)<\/strong>: Includes federal tax laws, ethics, and business law, with updated content on post-2021 tax regulations and digital assets.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-discipline-sections\"><strong>Discipline Sections<\/strong><\/h3> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Candidates choose one of these sections:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)<\/strong>: Covers financial statement analysis, including valuation techniques, and focuses on business performance evaluation.<\/li> <li><strong>Information Systems and Controls (ISC)<\/strong>: Concentrates on IT system controls, cybersecurity, and data privacy laws.<\/li> <li><strong>Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)<\/strong>: Examines tax planning strategies, case-based scenarios, and estate planning.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each section remains four hours long, consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and task-based simulations (TBSs). The weighting for MCQs and TBSs is 50\/50 in all sections except ISC, which is weighted 60% for MCQs and 40% for TBSs. Skills are evaluated based on application and analysis rather than memorization, reflecting the shift to real-world, application-focused assessments.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cpa-exam-structure-and-study-time\"><strong>CPA Exam Structure and Study Time<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The CPA exam is known to be challenging. Most candidates spend about 100 hours preparing for each exam section, though the time needed can vary. When I was preparing to sit for the CPA exam, I clocked over 400 hours in total. <\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Courses <span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">such as Bec<\/span>ker, Gleim, and other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/best-cpa-review-courses\/\">top CPA study materials<\/a> can help break down complex topics through simulations and practice questions that mirror the actual CPA exam structure.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exam-fees-and-scoring\"><strong>Exam Fees and Scoring<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s good to know that CPA exam fees can add up, typically ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 for all CPA exam sections, depending on your state\u2019s requirements. Each section of the exam requires a minimum score of 75 to pass. Achieving this score or higher is a milestone toward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/become-a-cpa\/\">becoming a CPA<\/a>, so give yourself the time and resources needed to succeed.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-gaining-work-experience-with-a-licensed-cpa\"><strong>Gaining Work Experience with a Licensed CPA<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-pass-the-cpa-exam\/\">Passing the CPA exam<\/a> is only one piece of the puzzle. Another essential part is gaining practical experience under the guidance of a licensed CPA. Most states require CPA candidates to accumulate about two years of relevant experience in fields such as public accounting, auditing, or financial reporting.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During this supervised period, CPA candidates develop skills in reviewing financial records, preparing financial statements, and other hands-on tasks. This experience is also an opportunity to build critical thinking and communication skills. While the technical knowledge gained from your education is invaluable, the on-the-job experience makes sure you\u2019re ready to apply that knowledge to real-life scenarios, whether in public accounting or other settings.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-examples-of-state-specific-cpa-requirements\"><strong>Examples of State-Specific CPA Requirements<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the CPA exam and general requirements are consistent across the board, each state has unique rules for obtaining a CPA license. Here are some state-specific examples of what might be required:<\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>California<\/strong>: Requires the PETH ethics exam, 10 hours in ethics courses, and 20 hours in accounting study as part of the 150-credit hour requirement.<\/li> <li><strong>Texas<\/strong>: Mandates 30 hours of advanced accounting coursework, 24 hours in business, and a state-approved 3-hour ethics course. One year of supervised experience under a licensed CPA is also required.<\/li> <li><strong>Florida<\/strong>: Allows candidates to take the CPA exam with 120 hours but requires 150 hours for licensure, including 24 hours each in accounting and business courses, plus a year of experience under a CPA.<\/li> <li><strong>New York<\/strong>: Requires 150 hours, including 33 in accounting and 36 in business. One year of experience in public accounting under a CPA in New York is necessary, with no additional ethics exam.<\/li> <li><strong>North Carolina<\/strong>: Candidates can sit for the exam with 120 hours but need 150 hours for licensure, including 30 hours in accounting. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/north-carolina-cpa-requirements\/\">North Carolina CPA requirements<\/a> include passing an ethics exam and completing a year of supervised experience.<\/li> <\/ul> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each Board of Accountancy has specific guidelines, so be sure to check your state\u2019s requirements to stay on track.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-continuing-education-and-maintaining-your-cpa-license\"><strong>Continuing Education and Maintaining Your CPA License<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congratulations! You\u2019ve conquered the CPA exam, met the education and work requirements, and obtained your initial CPA license. But the journey doesn\u2019t end there. Maintaining an active CPA status requires completing continuing professional education (CPE) credits. This ensures that CPAs stay up-to-date on changes in accounting standards, regulations, and best practices.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most states require around 40 hours of CPE credits per year to keep your CPA license in good standing. These CPE requirements cover topics like ethics, financial accounting updates, and new developments in tax compliance. This ongoing education is a reminder that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/what-does-a-cpa-do\/\">being a CPA involves<\/a> a continuous commitment to excellence.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-conclusion\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earning your CPA license is a challenging but rewarding process. It requires dedication, extensive studying, and a drive to meet rigorous standards. But once you\u2019re licensed, the opportunities are well worth it\u2014from higher salaries to the respect of other accountants and professionals.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re ready to embark on this path, remember to tackle each requirement one step at a time: complete your education, take the CPA exam, gain practical experience, and meet your state\u2019s licensing requirements. With determination and focus, you can join the ranks of CPAs who make a difference in businesses, accounting firms, and government agencies across the country.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731569222856\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How long does it take to get a CPA license?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The CPA journey can take about seven years on average, considering the time for education, passing the CPA exam, and gaining the required work experience.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731569229326\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I sit for the CPA exam before I finish my college education?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, many states allow you to sit for the CPA exam after completing a bachelor\u2019s degree. However, you will still need to complete 150 semester hours before becoming licensed.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731569236094\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is a master\u2019s degree required to become a CPA?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">No, but many candidates choose a master\u2019s in accounting to meet the 150-hour education requirement, as it provides both depth in accounting knowledge and additional college credit.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731569242071\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Which CPA exam section is the hardest?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The answer is subjective but many find FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting) challenging due to its detailed focus on financial statements and other accounting concepts.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1731569248192\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I have to take an ethics exam to get my CPA license?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Maybe. Many states require passing an ethics exam, often administered by the AICPA, as part of the CPA licensure process.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Earning my CPA license was a game-changer\u2014not only did it boost my career, but it opened doors to opportunities I hadn\u2019t even considered. Are you thinking about becoming a CPA yourself? You\u2019d be joining over 672,000 licensed CPAs in the U.S. alone. Here\u2019s the reality: Getting that CPA license takes commitment, from mastering the challenging [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":2842,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,241],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2841","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education","category-accounting"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/11\/How-To-Get-Your-CPA-License-768x427.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Get a CPA License: Requirements for Certification<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Guide to CPA License: Steps to Certification and Career Success. Explore education, exam, work experience, and state requirements for your CPA journey.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Get a CPA License: Requirements for Certification\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Guide to CPA License: Steps to Certification and Career Success. Explore education, exam, work experience, and state requirements for your CPA journey.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/how-to-get-cpa-license\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Charlotte Observer - Careers &amp; Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-15T16:01:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-16T23:55:02+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.charlotteobserver.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2024\/11\/How-To-Get-Your-CPA-License.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"7500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"4170\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"image\":false,\"name\":null,\"jobTitle\":\"Writer\",\"url\":false,\"description\":\"\"},\"headline\":\"How to Get a CPA License: Requirements for Certification\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-15T16:01:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-16T23:55:02+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1499,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/8\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/How-To-Get-Your-CPA-License.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Careers &amp; Education\",\"Accounting\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/\",\"name\":\"How to Get a CPA License: Requirements for Certification\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/how-to-get-cpa-license\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.charlotteobserver.com\\\/careers-education\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/8\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/How-To-Get-Your-CPA-License.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-15T16:01:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-16T23:55:02+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"\"},\"description\":\"Guide to CPA License: Steps to Certification and Career Success. 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