Accountant certification requirements by state: A NEXT Insurance guide

Accountants can perform a wide range of tasks, from creating financial plans and keeping records to maintaining compliance with legal rules and regulations. In addition to helping clients meet their business needs, it’s also important for accountants to make sure they are compliant with accountant certifications and requirements in their state.

If you want to become an accountant, there is no standard path to follow. Most are trained with a college degree and can perform basic accounting tasks including bookkeeping, compliance and planning. However, once you are ready for accountant certifications and licensure, you’ll need to meet the requirements in the state where you do business.

Jump ahead to learn:

• Different types of accountant certifications
• States A-E
• States F-J
• States K-O
• States P-T
• States U-Z

Overview of CPA certification and licensing process

While there are several types of accounting certifications, the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) one is the most common. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) regulates public accountancy in the U.S. and administers the Uniform CPA exam.

A CPA has passed NASBA’s CPA exam and is certified or licensed, if required, by a state board of accountancy. Each state may have different requirements for taking the exam and for getting licensed. Generally, the process is:

1. Review full certification submission requirements in your state, including timing.
2. Gather application paperwork, including education transcripts, work history, out-of-state documents etc.
3. Take the CPA exam. Some states may require you request approval for sitting the exam; others allow you to take the exam as soon as meet exam requirements.
4. Pass all four sections of the exam. The minimum passing score is 75.
5. Pass the AICPA Ethics exam.
6. Receive your certification number.
7. Apply for a license.

The list is in alphabetical order. Find your state below to learn how to get your architecture certification and license.

Alabama

Regulatory board: Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy

In Alabama, the educational requirements to sit for the CPA certification exam include completing 150 semester hours of an accredited college or university education, focusing on accounting. These hours should include at least 24 semester hours in upper-level accounting courses and 24 hours in other non-accounting-related business courses.

The board will also issue reciprocal certifications to applicants who have successfully completed the exam in another state and have four years of experience within the last 10 years as a CPA.

After passing the CPA Exam, certified public accountants in Alabama can register with the state. To maintain their certificate, they need to meet 40 hours of continuing professional education credits each year.

Alaska

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

Alaska requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 150 semester hours in accounting and other related business courses. Candidates must also pass the AICPA’s ethics exam and the CPA exam.

To obtain reciprocity, applicants must have passed the CPA exam, meet Alaska’s experience requirements

Licenses must be renewed every two years and expire on Dec. 31 of odd-numbered years. CPAs must also complete 80 continuing professional education credits within the two-year period with 20 of the credits completed each year.

Arizona

Regulatory board: Arizona State Board of Accountancy

CPA requirements in Arizona include at least 150 semester hours of accounting and related business, communication and math courses toward a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. (At least 36 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses and

30 semester hours of related courses.)

Candidates must also pass the AICPA’s ethics exam with a score of at least 90 within two years of application submission. Arizona’s Board of Accountancy mandates 2,000 hours of paid or unpaid experience in accounting.

You can also get your license via reciprocity of you have passed the Uniform CPA exam and show proof of holding a license in another state.

CPAs are required to complete 80 continuing professional education hours every two years. Licenses are renewed every two years based on the accountant’s birth month and year.

Arkansas

Regulatory board: Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy

Arkansas’ Board of Public Accountancy requires applicants to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. They must have a bachelor’s degree, 30 hours of upper-level accounting, and thirty hours in business, other than accounting. You must also take one hour of Arkansas Board Ethics covering law and board rules.

To obtain a reciprocal license, you must submit a copy of your government ID, current license, your CPA exam scores, certificates of transcripts documenting completion of continuing education, an experience affidavit, background check and college transcripts.
Continued education requirements include 120 hours within 36 months or 40 hours within the first year of license renewal. Licenses are renewed yearly on Jan. 1.

California

Regulatory board: California Board of Accountancy

To become a CPA in California, a candidate needs a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 48 semester units of coursework. Coursework requirements include 24 units each in accounting and general business. You will also need ethics studies and accounting study units, with 150 total semester units.

Aside from passing the CPA exam, California also requires a year of experience gained through public or non-public accounting employment. To get a license, you must complete a minimum of 500 hours of attest experience.

Licenses are renewed every two years based on birth month and year. For continuing professional education credits, 80 hours are needed for renewal with special requirements for accountants who work in governmental agencies or perform audits.

Colorado

Regulatory board: Colorado Board of Accountancy

Colorado has authorized CPA Examination Services (CPAES) to process exams and licensure.

To become certified, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours. These hours must include 33 in accounting coursework and 27 in business administration.

The experience requirement is:

• One year of experience in accounting
• At least 1,800 qualifying hours verified by an active CPA in good standing who has direct knowledge of the work obtained over a period of one to three years
• The qualifying hours must have been met within five years of the CPA application being submitted

Colorado also requires you to pass the AICPA ethics exam with a score of at least 90% within the last two years before your CPA application.

License renewals run every two years, expiring on November 30 of odd-numbered years. To renew, CPAs must accrue 10 hours of continuing professional education credits every quarter up to 80 CPE hours per licensing period.

Connecticut

Regulatory board: State Board of Accountancy

If you want to become a CPA in Connecticut, you must have passed all four parts of the Uniform CPA exam. You must have at least a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours from an accredited college or university. At least 36 of those hours must be in accounting and 30 in business administration.

CPA candidates need to have two years of work experience. You must pass the AICPA ethics exam with a 90% or above. Reciprocal licensing is available with similar requirements.

Licenses are renewed yearly and the state requires 40 hours of CPE.

Delaware

Regulatory board: Delaware Board of Accountancy

To practice in Delaware, you must pass the CPA exam and the AICPA ethics exam. Candidates are required to have at least 150 semester hours with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also have at least one year of qualifying accounting experience — gained after receiving a post-secondary degree.

Reciprocity is available for applicants. If candidates have an NQAS-certified individual substantial equivalency, they only need to submit an evaluation report. However, candidates can still apply via reciprocity if they show proof of education and CPA exam scores and provide an affidavit of supervised work experience.

Licenses are renewed every two years, expiring on June 30 of odd years. Licensees must complete at least 80 CPE hours.

Florida

Regulatory board: Florida Board of Accountancy

While the board regulates CPAs in Florida, most licensure information and services are on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation site.

Applicants need to meet educational requirements that include 150 hours from an accredited college or university and a bachelor’s degree with concentrations in accounting or business. They must pass the CPA exam and have work experience verified by a licensed CPA.

Licensure by endorsement is also available. Applicants must provide proof of education, work experience and licensure in other jurisdictions.

CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education every two years with license renewal.

Georgia

Regulatory board: Georgia State Board of Accountancy

To reach CPA requirements in Georgia, the Board of Accountancy wants a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours of coursework in accounting and general business. They must pass the CPOA exam.

Additionally, candidates must have one year of continuous work experience which is supervised by an active CPA, except for those in governmental or teaching roles, then the supervisor doesn’t have to be a CPA. This work experience must have been earned one year prior to the application.

Licenses are renewed bi-annually. Within the first year of your CPA license, you don’t need to complete continuing professional education hours, after that it’s 80 hours every two years.

Hawaii

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

If you want to qualify for certified public accountant certifications in Hawaii, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university as well as 150 semester hours with coursework in accounting and business. You must pass the CPA exam.

The board requires 1,500 hours performing audits or two years of general accounting work experience. All work must be supervised by a CPA and done on a full-time basis.

Licenses renew every two years on odd-numbered years and 80 continuing professional education hours are required for renewal.

Idaho

Regulatory board: Idaho State Board of Accountancy

The board requires all certified accountant candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, including at least 24 semester hours of accounting courses and 24 hours of business courses. You must also pass the CPA exam and the AICPA ethics course.

Additionally, candidates must have one year of work experience is required and must be vetted by a licensed CPA. Those 2,000 hours can come from full-time or part-time work between one and three years.

Reciprocity is available. Applicants who have less than four years of experience in a ten-year period must submit. Proof of education, experience verification and complete the ethics exam. Those who have been licensed for four years or more in a ten-year period do not need to submit documentation.

Candidates must complete 80 continuing education hours over two years, with a minimum of 30 hours in any one year and a maximum of 50 in any one year.

Illinois

Regulatory board: Illinois Board of Examiners

If you are trying to become a CPA in Illinois, the board requires 120 semester hours and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Other requirements to become a certified accountant include one year of full-time work in an accounting field or the equivalent of 2,000 hours through part-time work for more than one but less than four years.

Candidates must also pass the AICPA’s ethics exam with at least a 90 test score. Renewals happen every three years and 120 continuing professional education hours must be completed within that time frame.

Indiana

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

In Indiana, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university plus 120 semester hours in general education, including coursework in accounting and business administration. CPA candidates must have one year of work experience, which needs to be verified by an active CPA.

Licenses are renewed every three years and a minimum of 120 hours of continuing professional education must be completed with at least 20 hours per calendar year.

Iowa

Regulatory board: Accountancy Examining Board

Certified professional accountant requirements in Iowa include a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. The degree must have 150 semester hours including 24 hours in upper-level accounting. Candidates must take the CPA exam and also complete the AICPA ethics exam with a minimum score of 90.

Applicants are required to have one year full-time or part-time or 2,000 hours in accounting or similar fields. For those coming from academia, you will need to have taught a minimum of 24 semester hours of accounting courses in higher education.

Applicants holding CPA certificates in other states can submit verification that their license is valid and in good standing.

Licenses are renewed every three years. First-year CPAs don’t need to complete continuing professional education hours, however, after that, 40 hours per year should be completed.

Kansas

Regulatory board: Kansas Board of Accountancy

Kansas’ educational requirements include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 150 semester hours of coursework with a concentration in accounting

According to the board, candidates must have a minimum of one year of related work experience. Candidates must also be Kansas residents or be an accountant at a Kansas-based public accounting firm to sit for the exam.

Licenses are renewed biannually in both even and odd years, depending on your license number. You must complete 80 continuing professional education hours must be completed within the two year period.

Kentucky

Regulatory board: Kentucky Board of Accountancy

CPA requirements in Kentucky include a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting from an accredited college or university. Plus, 150 semester hours of coursework including 27 hours in accounting courses. You must sit for the CPA exam.

The board requires one year or 2,000 hours of related accounting work that is verified by a licensed CPA. This work must come after earning a degree.

Kentucky allows for reciprocity if you pass the CPA exam in another jurisdiction. You need to meet the education and experience requirements, transfer your exam scores from NASBA and submit college transcripts.

Licenses are renewed every two years based on odd or even license numbers. CPAs must complete at least 80 hours of continuing professional education during those two years.

Louisiana

Regulatory board: State Board of Certified Public Accountants of Louisiana

To qualify as a CPA in Louisiana, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework and have at least 24 hours in accounting courses. You must pass the CPA exam.

First-time applicants must submit references who can attest to your good moral character. Additionally, the board requires you to live in Louisiana for at least 120 days of the previous year before applying.

Candidates must have reached one year or 2,000 hours of related work experience, verified by a licensed CPA, within the last four years. You must also complete a course on professional ethics.

You can renew your license every two years and are required to complete 80 hours of continued professional education.

Maine

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

Maine’s board requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of coursework with at least 15 hours in accounting courses. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Two years of accounting work is required under the supervision of a CPA.

Licenses renew yearly and you must complete 40 hours of continued professional education each year.

Maryland

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

In Maryland, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least 150 semester hours of coursework with at least 30 semester hours in accounting and ethics. You must pass all four sections of the CPA exam.

Candidates must have at least 2,000 hours (one year) of direct experience supervised by a licensed CPA or approved supervisor. The experience must be obtained within three years of applying for a license. Candidates must also complete an AICPA ethics course

Licensees must complete 80 hours of CPE credits within each two-year licensing period.

Massachusetts

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

To become a CPA in Massachusetts, the educational requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must complete 150 semester hours of coursework with 21 semester hours of accounting and nine hours of business courses. You must pass the CPA exam.

Candidates are required to submit 2,000 hours of full-time or part-time work experience in public accounting within a one to three-year time period. You must also submit three letters of reference to the board.

Licenses are renewed every two years and you must complete 80 hours of continued professional education during that time.

Michigan

Regulatory board: Michigan Board of Accounting

While the board regulates CPAs in Michigan, most licensure information and services are on Michigan’s Licensing and Regulatory Affairs site.

The board requires CPAs to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a concentration in accounting and 150 semester hours completed. One year or 2,000 hours of work experience that’s been verified by a CPA is required.

Licenses are renewed in odd-numbered years. New CPAs don’t need to complete continued professional education hours in their first year. After that, 40 hours are required each year.

Minnesota

Regulatory board: Minnesota Board of Accountancy

If you want to become a CPA in Minnesota, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university as well as 150 semester hours, of which 24 must be in accounting courses. You must pass the CPA exam and the AICPA ethics exam.

The board also requires you to live or work in Minnesota, or have acquired a residency at least 90 days before or directly after the CPA Exam.

Candidates must have at least 2,000 relevant work experience hours over a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years.

Licenses must be renewed yearly. There are both single reporting year and rolling three-year CPE requirements. A minimum of 20 continued professional education hours is required each year and in a three-year reporting period, you must have a minimum of 120 hours.

Mississippi

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

Mississippi’s board requires CPA candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 150 semester hours of education, with at least 24 of those being accounting coursework. License applicants must pass the CPA exam.

Applicants must have at least one year of qualified experience under the supervision of a CPA and that experience must be within three years before submitting the application. Mississippi also requires candidates to live or work in-state and you might have to take an ethics course.

Reciprocity is available through substantial equivalence.

Licenses renew every year, and CPAs must have 40 continued professional education hours completed within that period.

Missouri

Regulatory board: State Board of Accountancy

Those seeking to be a certified accountant in Missouri must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major or concentration in accounting and 150 semester hours of coursework. Missouri also requires candidates to pass an ethics exam in addition to the CPA exam.

CPA candidates also need 2,000 hours of related work experience, within one year if full-time or three years if part-time. You will also need to meet certain residency requirements set by the board.

Missouri allows for license reciprocity. Applicants may apply if they have a current license and at least one year of licensure.

Licenses are renewed every two years and licensees need to complete a minimum of 40 continued professional hours per year (80 hours total).

Montana

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountants

To get a CPA license in Montana, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution and complete 150 semester hours of coursework. At least 24 of those hours must be in accounting courses. Applicants must pass the CPA exam.

Candidates need to complete at least 2,000 hours of related work experience, verified by a licensed CPA, within three years of your licensing application.

Montana requires licenses to be renewed every year. Permit holders must complete 120 continued professional education hours every three years.

Nebraska

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

In Nebraska, CPAs need to graduate with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, have at least 150 semester hours completed and at least 30 of those hours need to be in upper-level accounting classes. You must also take the AICPA ethics exam in addition to passing the CPA exam.

The board requires 4,000 hours from those working in public accounting firms or at the Nebraska Department of Revenue over the past two years. Those with government, private industry or academic experience will need 6.000 hours over the last three years. Candidates must be employed, have a business or live in Nebraska.

License renewals are every two years and you will need 80 hours of continued professional education completed during that time.

Nevada

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

Nevada’s board asks that CPA candidates have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete at least 150 hours of semester coursework with 24 of those in upper-level accounting classes.

Candidates need to complete at least 2,000 hours of related work experience, verified by a licensed CPA. Candidates must also have taken any professionally-administered ethics exam within the past three years.

Reciprocity applicants should submit an application and submit a minimum of 20 credits of continuing education.

Licenses are renewed every year. Eighty continued professional education hours must be completed on a rolling basis every two years.

New Hampshire

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

In New Hampshire, to get a CPA license, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework, including 30 hours in accounting subjects.

The board also requires three character references along with 1,500 hours of full-time experience or 2,080 of part-time experience in accounting.

Reciprocity candidates have the same requirements.

All CPA licenses get renewed every two years. CPAs must complete 120 continued professional education hours every three years.

New Jersey

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

For CPA candidates in New Jersey, the board requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework. At least 24 of those hours need to be in accounting. Applicants must pass the CPA exam.

Every applicant must provide proof of one year of experience All work must be verified by a CPA. Within six months of getting a CPA license, you will need to complete an ethics course.

Licenses are renewed every three years and require 120 continued professional education hours.

New Mexico

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

To get a CPA license in New Mexico, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework, including 30 hours in accounting. You must pass the CPA exam.

At least one year of related work experience is required and must be overseen by a licensed CPA. The board requires you to take the AICPA ethics exam.

License renewals are yearly. You’ll need to complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) within a rolling three-year cycle.

New York

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

New York’s board requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of coursework with at least 33 hours in accounting courses. Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, and pass the CPA exam.

At least one year of accounting work is required under the supervision of a CPA.

Licenses renew every three years. You must complete at least 24 or 40 hours of continued professional education each year, depending on how you concentrate the hours.

North Carolina

Regulatory board: North Carolina Board of CPA Examiners

If you want to meet North Carolina’s certified public accountant requirements, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in accounting from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours with coursework in accounting and business. Applicants must pass the CPA exam.

The board requires one year of accounting work verified by a CPA, four years of experience teaching accounting at an accredited four-year institution, four years of experience in accounting or a combination of the above.

If you are currently licensed in another jurisdiction, reside or plan to reside in North Carolina and meet licensure requirements, the board may grant reciprocity.

Licenses renew every year. Forty continued professional education hours are required for renewal. CPA candidates will also need to complete a North Carolina ethics course.

North Dakota

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

You must have a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours from an accredited college or university with a concentration in accounting to become a CPA in North Dakota. You must pass the Uniform CPA exam.

The board also requires CPA candidates to have 2,000 hours of related work experience within four years, and you must complete the AICPA ethics course.

Licenses are renewed yearly. You must complete 120 credit hours of continued professional education in three years, with at least 20 credit hours each year.

Ohio

Regulatory board: Accountancy Board of Ohio

CPAs in Ohio will need 150 semester hours with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. At least 30 of those hours must be in accounting.

The requires at least one year of accounting experience. Candidates must pass a board-approved course in professional standards and responsibilities. Applying via reciprocity is available.

Licenses are renewed every three years with at least 120 continued professional education hours.

Oklahoma

Regulatory board: Oklahoma Accountancy Board

In Oklahoma, CPAs must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and must have completed 150 semester hours of coursework with at least 30 hours in accounting. You must also complete the AICPA ethics exam in addition to passing all four parts of the CPA exam

Candidates must have 1,800 hours of related work experience within the last four years of applying, verified by a licensed CPA or someone approved by the board. Application for reciprocity is available.

Licenses are renewed yearly based on your birth month. The state also requires 120 continued professional education hours within the preceding three reporting years or a minimum of 20 CPE a year.

Oregon

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

The Oregon board requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least 150 semester hours of coursework with at least 48 hours in accounting courses.

You must have at least one year or 2,000 hours of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience with an approved supervisor. Candidates must also complete an ethics course and get an ethics sponsor.

Additionally, you must complete 80 hours of continued professional education credits within each two-year licensing period, with at least 24 hours per year.

Pennsylvania

Regulatory board: State Board of Accountancy

To become a CPA in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework. Coursework requirements include classes in accounting and general business.

You must pass the CPA exam and submit three character references, including one from a CPA.

The board requires 1,600 working hours of experience acquired over no more than five years and that period has to have been immediately before submitting your application.

Licenses are renewed every two years. 80 hours of continued professional education are needed for renewal, with a minimum of 20 hours each year.

Rhode Island

Regulatory board: Board of Public Accountancy

Rhode Island’s board requires CPA candidates to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and complete at least 150 hours of semester coursework with 24 hours of accounting classes. They must pass the CPA exam.

The work experience requirement is one year, with a minimum of 1,820 hours completed and verified by a licensed CPA.

Candidates must pass the AICPA comprehensive ethics course with at least a score of 90%, as well as, be a resident, work or have a business in the state.

Licenses are renewed every three years and 120 CPE hours of continued professional education must be completed at that time.

South Carolina

Regulatory board: Board of Examiners

The South Carolina board requires 150 semester hours with at least 24 hours of accounting courses and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates must pass the CPA exam and an ethics exam.

The work required to become a certified accountant includes one year of full-time work in an accounting field under the review of a licensed CPA. 24 semester hours of teaching accounting at an institution of higher education is also acceptable. Experience must be verified by a CPA.

Renewals happen every year and 40 hours of continued professional education must be completed within that period.

South Dakota

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

In order to meet the CPA requirements in South Dakota, the board asks for a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours of coursework and 24 in accounting.

Candidates must have one year of work experience verified by a licensed CPA and they must pass a board-approved ethics exam.

Licenses are renewed every three years. You will need to complete 120 hours of continued professional education during that time.

Tennessee

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

Requirements for CPA candidates in Tennessee include the completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with at least 150 semester hours of education. 30 semester hours must be in accounting and 24 semester hours in related business courses. You must pass the CPA exam and the AICPA ethics exam.

At least one year and no more than three years of full-time or part-time related work experience totaling 2,000 hours are required by the board.

CPAs are required to complete 80 hours of continued professional education every two years when licenses are renewed.

Texas

Regulatory board: Texas State Board of Accountancy

CPAs in Texas need to pass a background check and meet educational requirements that include 150 hours from an accredited college or university and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in accounting.

The board requires two years of work experience verified by a licensed CPA. Other work situations are permissible but need to be approved by the board. Candidates must complete an ethics exam every other year.

CPAs must complete 120 hours of continued professional education every three years with a minimum of 20 CPE hours per year. Licenses renew every three years on your birthday month.

Utah

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

To qualify as a CPA, the board requires at least 150 semester hours with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. At least 24 of those hours must be in upper-level accounting courses. All candidates need to pass the CPA exam and the AICPA ethics exam and have good moral character.

At least one year of full-time employment that totals 2,000 hours in accounting is required and the work must be supervised by a licensed CPA.

Licenses are renewed every two years. You are required to complete 80 hours of continued professional education for renewals.

Vermont

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

For aspiring CPAs in Vermont, the board requires 150 semester hours with at least 42 semester hours of accounting courses and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must pass the CPA exam and also complete a state ethics course.

Other requirements to become a certified accountant include one year of full-time work in an accounting field or the equivalent of 2,080 hours. This work must be monitored by a licensed CPA.

Renewals happen every two years and 80 hours of continued professional education must be completed within that period.

Virginia

Regulatory board: Virginia’s Board of Accountancy

In Virginia, to get a CPA license, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework and a concentration in accounting. You must pass the CPA exam. You must also take and score above 90% on the AICPA Professional Ethics Comprehensive Course for Licensure as well as a state-specific ethics course.

The board also requires 2,080 hours of full-time experience, equivalent to one year of relevant work.

All CPA licenses get renewed annually. CPAs must complete 120 hours of continued professional education during a rolling three-year period.

Washington

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

In order to meet the CPA requirements in Washington, the wants a bachelor’s degree with 150 semester hours of coursework and 24 hours in accounting.

Additionally, candidates must have one year and 2,000 hours of full-time, part-time, paid or unpaid work experience which is supervised by an active CPA. Those in teaching roles can ask for exemptions.

Licenses are renewed tri-annually. You will need to complete 120 continued professional education hours in each three-year period.

West Virginia

Regulatory board: Board of Accountancy

CPAs in West Virginia will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework. That includes a minimum of 30 hours of accounting courses.

The board in West Virginia requires a minimum of one year of accounting, auditing or related experience. Those who work in public or private practice, academia, governmental or not-for-profit organizations will need their experience reviewed by a licensed CPA.

Licenses are up for renewal every year. CPAs must complete 120 hours of continued professional education over that three-year period. Newly licensed CPAs must complete a minimum of 40 CPE hours in their first year.

Wisconsin

Regulatory board: Accounting Examination Board

In Wisconsin, the board requires 150 semester hours with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. At least 24 of those course hours must be in accounting. Candidates must pass the CPA exam and an ethics exam.

CPA candidates must have one year of public accounting experience. The board can also approve equivalent experience.

Licenses are renewed every two years with at least 80 hours of continued professional education.

Wyoming

Regulatory board: Wyoming Board of CPAs

For CPA candidates in Wyoming, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with 150 semester hours of coursework and a concentration in accounting.

You’ll also need 2,000 hours of related work experience that is approved by a licensed CPA. The board also requires you to live in the state to apply.

Licenses can be renewed every three years and you must complete 120 hours of continued professional education during that period.

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This information has been provided as a service. It is correct and up-to-date to the best of our knowledge; however, it is in no way intended to offer legal advice and you must always consult with local authorities before you make any business decisions. Regulations and requirements may change at any time.