Everything you need to know about the Certified Public Accountant exam (CPA). Useful articles for potential and current candidates on how to pass the CPA exams.
To become a CPA in New Jersey, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: New pathway from 11 February 2026 (S4493/A5598): New Jersey now offers a second route to CPA licensure. Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree can qualify for a license with two years of work experience, without completing 150 semester hours. New Jersey is …
To become a CPA in Washington, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Washington introduced three CPA licensure pathways on 20 November 2025, making it possible to qualify for a license with just a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience. Washington also uses a 36-month credit window rather than the 30-month standard used bymost …
To become a CPA in Massachusetts, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Massachusetts has not yet adopted the alternative 120-hour + 2 years experience pathway being introduced in many other states. As of June 2026, the full 150-hour education requirement remains in place for licensure. The Massachusetts Society of CPAs has been advocating for …
To become a CPA in Virginia, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Virginia removed minimum total credit hour requirements from 1 January 2026, making it one of the few states where you can qualify for a CPA license based purely on degree level and accounting coursework, without needing a specific number of total credits. …
To become a CPA in Ohio, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Ohio was the first state in the US to offer a pathway to CPA licensure requiring only 120 semester hours, effective 1 January 2026 under House Bill 238. Which rules you follow depends entirely on when you first sit for any exam …
To become a CPA in North Carolina, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: North Carolina introduced three CPA licensure pathways from 1 January 2026, making it possible to license without the traditional 150-hour requirement. The sections below cover education, the exam itself, experience, ethics, international candidates, ongoing CPE, and answers to frequently asked questions …
To become a CPA in Georgia, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Georgia introduced three CPA licensure pathways from 1 January 2026, removing the previous single 150-hour route and making the path to licensure more flexible. The sections below cover education, the exam itself, experience, ethics, international candidates, ongoing CPE, and answers to frequently …
To become a CPA in Illinois, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Illinois is introducing two new education and experience pathways from 1 January 2027, running alongside the existing 150-hour requirement. The sections below cover education, the exam itself, experience, ethics, international candidates, ongoing CPE, and answers to frequently asked questions in detail. Illinois …
To become a CPA in Pennsylvania, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Pennsylvania offers three separate pathways to certification based on your education level, each with a different experience requirement attached. Choosing the right pathway for your situation can mean the difference between 1 year and 2 years of required work experience. The sections …
To become a CPA in Florida, you’ll need to meet the following requirements: Florida gives you only 3 years after passing your last exam section to complete your full licensure application – miss this deadline and your exam credit expires entirely, requiring you to reapply through licensure by endorsement instead. The sections below cover education, …