If you’re thinking about becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you’ve probably realized there’s a bit more to it than just passing an exam. While the core CPA requirements are broadly the same throughout the United States (education, exam, experience, and usually an ethics requirement), the specific rules vary depending on the state where you’re applying for your license.
That’s why we’ve created this CPA requirements by state guide, so you can see exactly how to meet the CPA licensing requirements in each U.S. state or territory.
Whether you’re just starting out on your CPA career path, or are already partway through the process, this page gives you a quick, state-by-state breakdown of what you’ll need to become a CPA in every U.S. jurisdiction.
Jump to requirements for:
Summary of CPA requirements by state
State or Juristriction | Education Requirement | Exam Eligibility | Experience Requirement | Ethics Exam Required | CPE Requirement |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 40 hrs/year |
Alaska | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Arizona | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Arkansas | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
California | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Colorado | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
CNMI | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Connecticut | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Delaware | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
District of Columbia | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Florida | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Georgia | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Guam | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Hawaii | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Idaho | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Illinois | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Indiana | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Iowa | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Kansas | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Kentucky | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Louisiana | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Maine | 150 hours | 150 hours | 2 years | No | 40 hrs/year |
Maryland | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Massachusetts | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Michigan | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Minnesota | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Mississippi | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 40 hrs/year |
Missouri | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Montana | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Nebraska | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Nevada | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
New Hampshire | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
New Jersey | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
New Mexico | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
New York | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 40 hrs/year |
North Carolina | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 40 hrs/year |
North Dakota | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Ohio | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Oklahoma | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Oregon | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Pennsylvania | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 80 hrs/2 years |
Puerto Rico | 150 hours | 120 hours | 2 years | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Rhode Island | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
South Carolina | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 40 hrs/year |
South Dakota | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Tennessee | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Texas | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
U.S. Virgin Islands | 150 hours | 150 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Utah | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Vermont | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Virginia | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
Washington | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
West Virginia | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | No | 120 hrs/3 years |
Wisconsin | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 80 hrs/2 years |
Wyoming | 150 hours | 120 hours | 1 year | Yes | 120 hrs/3 years |
CPA education requirement vs. exam eligibility: What’s the difference?
As you may have noticed in the table above, in some states the number of hours needed to meet the CPA education requirement is different to what’s required to be eligible to take the CPA exam. This can be confusing, so let’s explore what it means.
CPA education requirement
This is the total amount of education you need to get licensed as a CPA.
In nearly all states, you must complete 150 semester hours of college-level education. This includes a bachelor’s degree (usually ~120 hours) plus additional credits (30 hours), often in accounting or business.
You don’t get your CPA license until you meet this full education requirement.
CPA exam eligibility
This is the minimum amount of education you need to be allowed to sit for the CPA exam.
Many states let you take the CPA exam once you’ve completed 120 semester hours (the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree). This means you can start the exam process before completing all 150 hours, which helps candidates avoid unnecessary delays.
Why are they different?
The short answer: flexibility.
Letting candidates take the exam at 120 hours allows students to begin the exam process earlier, often while still finishing school. It helps break up the long journey to licensure, making it more manageable and less overwhelming.
It also aligns with the reality of hiring timelines; employers often want to see CPA progress even if you’re not fully licensed yet.
In other words, you can start the exam “early,” but you can’t finish the licensing process until your full education is complete.
As an example, let’s say you’re in California:
You can sit for the CPA exam after earning 120 semester hours (bachelor’s degree). But you can’t apply for your CPA license until you’ve completed 150 semester hours, including specific coursework in accounting and ethics.
CPA one-tier and two-tier states
When talking about CPA licensing, you might hear some states being referred to as “one-tier” and others “two-tier”. But what exactly does this mean?
In the context of CPA certification and licensing in the United States, the distinction between 1-tier and 2-tier states refers to how states handle the issuance of the CPA certificate and the CPA license (permit to practice).
One-tier states: What it means
In a 1-tier state, once a candidate passes the CPA exam, meets the full education and experience requirements, and satisfies ethics obligations (if required), they are granted both:
- A CPA Certificate (credential)
- A CPA License (the legal authority to practice as a CPA)
There is no distinction between being certified and being licensed. Once you’re a CPA, you are fully authorized to practice.
Two-tier states: What it means
In a 2-tier state, the certification and licensing process is split into two distinct stages:
1. CPA Certificate: This is awarded after passing the CPA Exam and meeting education requirements. However, it does not confer the right to practice public accountancy. It’s more of a recognition that you passed the CPA exam, and allows you to use the desgnation if you work in an industry not related to public accountancy.
2. CPA License (Permit to Practice): This requires additional criteria like work experience, an ethics exam, and background checks. It grants legal authority to use the CPA title in public practice.
In these states you may hold the title of CPA certificate holder without being licensed to practice (e.g., sign audits or tax returns).
Which are the two-tier states?
Most states now operate under a one-tier system. This is a bit more streamlined than a two-tier system because the CPA certificate and license to practice are combined and issued at the same time. Remaining states operating under a two-tier system are:
- Alabama
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
As more states are moving to a simplified one-tier system, it’s always worth checking the latest updates from your State Board of Accountancy before applying for your license, especially if you’re applying in a two-tier state.
CPA requirements for each U.S. state & juristriction
If you’re looking for more information about CPA requirements in a specific state, here are full details about what you need to do to become a CPA in each:
Alabama CPA requirements
Home to a growing tech and finance scene in cities like Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama’s CPA requirements are pretty standard in asking candidates to meet the 150-hour education requirement and pass the CPA exam to get their license. What’s not so standard is that Alabama also requires proof of lawful presence in the U.S. before licensure, and is one of only a few states to have woven immigration compliance directly into the licensing process.
State board: Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy
Alaska CPA requirements
Alaska is one of the more flexible states when it comes to CPA licensure. Notably, it allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam before completing their degree. And like a lot of states, it does not require U.S. residency or citizenship for licensure. If you don’t mind cold weather, these features make AK an option to consider for both domestic and international candidates looking for accessible exam and licensing pathways.
State board: Alaska Board of Public Accountancy
Arizona CPA requirements
Arizona offers an efficient and flexible path for aspiring CPAs, allowing candidates to sit for the CPA exam after earning 120 semester hours. However, CPA requirements in Arizona for full licensure still of course require the standard 150 hours and a year of supervised experience. Perhaps the real draw of the Grand Canyon state though, other than the impressive scenery, lies in its favorable business environment and growing demand for licensed professionals in areas like real estate investment, healthcare, and startup finance.
State board: Arizona State Board of Accountancy
Arkansas CPA requirements
Arkansas, home to the headquarters of Walmart in Bentonville, offers a structured yet accessible route to CPA licensure, with no ethics requirement prior to becoming licensed. The CPA requirements in AR are designed to ensure that candidates are well-prepared for the diverse opportunities in both public and private accounting sectors available here.
State board: Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy
California CPA requirements
California is home to the largest population of CPAs in the United States, particularly in and around major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The requirements for CPAs in CA are designed to ensure that candidates are set to hit the ground running across sectors ranging from Silicon Valley startups to major public accounting firms, making it a prime destination for professionals looking to build a rewarding accounting career.
State board: California Board of Accountancy
Colorado CPA requirements
Colorado’s CPA requirements broadly adhere to the standard “3 Es”: Education, Examination, and Experience. Notably, the state has recently updated its requirements to align more closely with national standards. However, there’s also an additional ethics course that’s a requirement for new CPAs in CO.
State board: Colorado Board of Accountancy
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands CPA requirements
The CNMI follows U.S. licensure standards closely, and its small professional community means CPAs often take on wide-ranging responsibilities early in their careers. From government finance to tourism-related industries, accountants here need to be versatile and hands-on. CNMI CPA requirements inclide straightforward education and experience requirements, and with no local residency or citizenship mandates, it offers a clear path to licensure in a unique island-based economy.
State Board: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Connecticut CPA requirements
Connecticut offers a structured pathway to CPA licensure, and like most states has specific requirements for education, examination, experience, and ethics. The state operates under a two-tier system, distinguishing between certification and licensure, which gives candidates a bit more flexibility to complete their education requirements.
State board: Connecticut State Board of Accountancy
Delaware CPA requirements
Delaware may be one of the smallest U.S. states by size, but it’s a heavyweight in the business world, being home to more than half of all publicly traded companies in the country. Known for its favorable corporate laws, Delaware is a popular base for CPAs working in corporate finance, compliance, and regulatory reporting. Here’s what you need to know about the CPA requirements in DE:
State board: Delaware Board of Accountancy
District of Columbia CPA requirements
Getting a CPA license in the nation’s capital means meeting high standards, and being ready to work in one of the most policy-driven markets in the country. CPAs in D.C. often serve clients in government, nonprofit, and international sectors, so ethics and regulatory understanding play a central role in the licensure process. CPA requirements in D.C. include a national standard ethics exam and solid experience verification, meaning accountants here are as sharp on integrity as they are on numbers.
State Board: District of Columbia Board of Accountancy
Florida CPA requirements
With its booming tourism, real estate, and healthcare sectors, not to mention having no state income tax, Florida offers CPAs a fairly unique professional landscape. Whether it’s working with small businesses, multinational corporations, or high-net-worth individuals, the Sunshine State presents strong demand for skilled accountants. For anyone planning to launch their CPA career in Florida, here’s what’s required:
State board: Florida DBPR Division of Certified Public Accounting
Georgia CPA requirements
Georgia is home to a thriving business ecosystem, with Atlanta alone hosting the headquarters of companies like Coca-Cola, Delta, and Home Depot. With strong demand for accountants in corporate finance, tech, logistics, and consulting, the state offers plenty of career opportunities for CPAs. Whether you’re aiming to work in public practice or one of the state’s Fortune 500 giants, CPA requirements in Georgia are as follows:
State board: Georgia State Board of Accountancy
Guam CPA requirements
The licensure process and CPA requirements in Guam are tightly aligned with U.S. national standards. The territory allows candidates to sit for the exam with 120 hours, and emphasizes a strong educational foundation and verified experience for full licensure. With a mix of government, tourism, and international business activity, CPAs in Guam often find themselves working across both local and global accounting frameworks.
State Board: Guam Board of Accountancy
Hawaii CPA requirements
Becoming a CPA in Hawaii offers a chance to build a career in one of the most unique economic landscapes in the U.S. With a strong focus on tourism, military contracting, and small business entrepreneurship, Hawaii’s accounting needs are as diverse as its islands. The pace may be more relaxed than on the mainland, but the professional standards are just as high. Here’s what it takes to earn your CPA in the Aloha State:
State board: Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy
Idaho CPA requirements
Idaho is quietly becoming a hotspot for innovation and business growth, especially in sectors like tech, agriculture, and manufacturing. With a lower cost of living than a lot of states, coupled with an expanding economy, it’s an appealing place for accountants looking to build a career with good work-life balance. Whether you’re headed into public practice or industry, here’s what you need to know about CPA requirements in Idaho:
State board: Idaho Board of Accountancy
Illinois CPA requirements
Illinois is home to Chicago’s bustling financial district and a diverse economy, which makes it an attractive choice for accounting professionals. The licensure process and CPA requirements in Illinois are fairly standard, meaning they’re designed to ensure that candidates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of the profession.
State board: Illinois Board of Examiners (CPA exam) / Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (CPA licensure)
Indiana CPA requirements
Indiana is home to a growing number of regional accounting firms, corporate headquarters, and manufacturing giants. With Indianapolis serving as a business and logistics hub for the Midwest, CPAs here often work across industries like healthcare, agriculture, education, and tech. The state demands a slightly longer work experience period than most, which is something those wanting to know how to become a CPA in Indiana should be aware of.
State Board: Indiana Board of Accountancy
Iowa CPA requirements
Iowa is often recognized for its robust agricultural sector, but it’s also home to an evolving business landscape with a growing emphasis on technology, finance, and education. Iowa’s CPA requirements provide multiple pathways to licensure, accommodating various educational and professional backgrounds. Iowa offers some flexibility in regards to when you can site the CPA exam, enabling candidates to take the exam before completing their degree.
State Board: Iowa Accountancy Examining Board
Kansas CPA requirements
While Kansas may be known for its wide-open landscapes and agricultural roots, it’s also home to a growing base of CPA professionals serving industries like aviation, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing. The state sets the bar high with a full 150-credit-hour requirement just to sit for the CPA exam, making it one of the stricter jurisdictions in that regard. Kansas is a two-tier state which means you don’t need experience to take the CPA exam, but must gain experience to earn your license.
State Board: Kansas Board of Accountancy
Kentucky CPA requirements
Kentucky offers a pretty streamlined path to CPA licensure. The state’s approach is notably flexible, allowing candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours and requiring no separate ethics exam for licensure. This makes meeting the CPA requirements in Kentucky an attractive option for those seeking a straightforward route to certification.
State Board: Kentucky Board of Accountancy
Louisiana CPA requirements
CPA requirements in Louisiana reflect a commitment to high standards; candidates must complete 150 credit hours before even sitting for the exam, making the Bayou State one of the more rigorous jurisdictions at the outset. However there’s no separate ethics exam needed for licensure, with ethics covered in CPE requirements once licensed.
State Board: State Board of CPAs of Louisiana
Maine CPA requirements
Unlike many other states, CPA requirements in Maine include two full years of experience for licensure. It’s also necessary to complete 150 credits of education prior to taking the exam. That makes it one of the stricter states in terms of experience needed, although there isn’t a separate ethics requirement. Here’s exactly what you’ll need to become a CPA in Maine:
State Board: Maine Board of Accountancy
Maryland CPA requirements
Maryland offers one of the most detailed and well-defined CPA qualification paths in the country; fitting for a state that borders Washington, D.C. and which houses a large number of government contractors, federal agencies, and major consulting firms. CPA requirements in Maryland include a specific breakdown of coursework in accounting and business, ensuring its CPAs are exceptionally well-rounded.
State Board: Maryland Board of Public Accountancy
Massachussetts CPA requirements
Massachusetts offers a well-balanced pathway to CPA licensure, reflecting the state’s reputation for academic rigor and professional excellence. Candidates can sit for the CPA exam after earning 120 semester hours, but must complete 150 to become licensed. With Boston serving as a hub for finance, biotech, education, and public accounting, Massachusetts provides CPAs with diverse and high-caliber career opportunities in both traditional and emerging industries.
State Board: Massachusetts Board of Public Accountancy
Michigan CPA requirements
Michigan offers a flexible framework for aspiring CPAs, allowing candidates to sit for the CPA exam at 120 credit hours while requiring 150 for licensure. With major industries anchored in cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor, CPAs in Michigan can find opportunities in both traditional accounting roles and specialized advisory work. The state’s combination of affordability and economic diversity makes it a practical and strategic place to start your CPA career.
State Board: Michigan State Board of Accountancy
Minnesota CPA requirements
Minnesota blends Midwestern practicality with serious professional opportunity. While you’ll need 150 semester hours for licensure, Minnesota’s CPA equirements let you jump into the CPA exam once you hit 120. With the Twin Cities anchoring a thriving business ecosystem that includes everything from global healthcare firms to retail giants like Target, Minnesota offers CPAs the chance to work in big business without losing that work-life balance the region is known for.
State Board: Minnesota State Board of Accountancy
Mississippi CPA requirements
Mississippi’s CPA requirements offers a pretty straightforward path to licensure, with clear requirements and no unnecessary red tape. The state’s accounting landscape is largely driven by small to mid-sized firms, government agencies, and regional businesses, making it an ideal place for CPAs who value tight-knit professional communities and meaningful client relationships over high-rise hustle.
State Board: Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy
Missouri CPA requirements
Missouri is a crossroads of opportunity for aspiring CPAs, blending Midwestern sensibility with big-market access. From the corporate towers of St. Louis to the entrepreneurial energy of Kansas City, Missouri offers a diverse professional landscape. You can sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours, and licensure requires the standard 150; just enough structure to keep you on track without overcomplicating the process. Here’s what you need to know about CPA requirements in Missouri:
State Board: Missouri State Board of Accountancy
Montana CPA requirements
Montana often offers CPAs a quieter, more personal professional track. The state’s accounting community is pretty tight-knit, and CPAs often wear multiple hats, whether working with ranchers, startups, or local governments. While Montana’s licensing requirements are aligned with national standards, the real appeal here is the opportunity to build deep client relationships in a setting where your work is valuable to the businesses, organisations, and individuals where you live. Requirements for how to be a CPA in Montana are as follows:
State Board: Montana Board of Public Accountants
Nebraska CPA requirements
Nebraska offers a solid route to CPA licensure in a state where agriculture, finance, and logistics quietly power the economy. Whether you’re working in Omaha’s growing financial sector or supporting small businesses elsewhere, Nebraska’s CPA requirements and licensing process are clear and well-structured, making it a dependable place to launch a career that values consistency, integrity, and long-term relationships.
State Board: Nebraska State Board of Public Accountancy
Nevada CPA requirements
Nevada’s business climate is as distinctive as its skyline; no state income tax, a thriving hospitality and gaming industry, and growing appeal as a home for startups and corporations alike. For CPAs, that means plenty of opportunities in areas like regulatory compliance, auditing, and corporate finance. The state also requires a separate law course for licensure, which is understandable due to its fairly unique regulatory environment. If you’re looking to build an accounting career in a fast-moving, business-friendly state, here’s what’s required to be a CPA in Nevada:
State Board: Nevada State Board of Accountancy
New Hampshire CPA requirements
CPA requirements in New Hampshire offer a streamlined path to CPA licensure without a separate ethics exam. The state’s accounting professionals often support a mix of small businesses, regional banks, and growing tech firms, especially in areas close to the state border and Boston (considered the financial center of the New England area). With no state income tax and a reputation for independence and fiscal responsibility, New Hampshire is a great fit for CPAs who value clarity, autonomy, and a strong regional economy.
State Board: New Hampshire Board of Accountancy
New Jersey CPA requirements
New Jersey is a fast-moving, high-demand state for CPAs, thanks to its dense corporate presence and proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia. That means it offers access to major markets without needing to live in the heart of Manhattan. The CPA requirements in New Jersey are aligned pretty closely with national standards, other than a state specific ethics course that new CPAs need to complete.
State Board: New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
New Mexico CPA requirements
New Mexico offers a distinctive blend of professional opportunity and cultural richness, making it an appealing place to launch or grow a CPA career. New Mexico’s CPA requirements and licensing process are clear, and there’s often a slower pace of life here than coastal markets. That makes New Mexico attractive for those seeking meaningful work as a CPA in a setting that combines tradition, work-life balance, and innovation.
State Board: New Mexico Public Accountancy Board
New York CPA requirements
The Empire State is a U.S. and international heavyweight in the accounting world, home to Wall Street, the Big Four, the AICPA headquarters, and a nonstop flow of financial activity. CPA requirements in New York mean meeting high standards, but licensure opens doors to some of the most prestigious and diverse opportunities in the profession. Whether you’re navigating hedge funds in Manhattan or running audits upstate, becoming a CPA in NY offers an unmatched environment for those who thrive under pressure and aim high. Here’s how to go about it:
State Board: New York State Board for Public Accountancy
North Carolina CPA requirements
North Carolina has quietly become a magnet for business and finance, with cities like Charlotte and Raleigh drawing banks, tech companies, and startups in equal measure. For CPAs, this means a wealth of opportunities in corporate accounting, consulting, and audit, without the cost of living you’d find in bigger metro markets. The CPA licensing process in NC includes some unique features, like a state-specific ethics course, reflecting its commitment to professionalism and public trust.
State Board: North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners
North Dakota CPA requirements
While the accounting community in North Dakota is smaller than in more populous states, that often means broader responsibilities and faster professional growth. If you’re looking to make an impact in a close-knit market where your skills are in real demand, especially in stable industries like energy, agriculture, and public service, the CPA requirements in North Dakota provide a clear and rewarding path to licensure.
State Board: North Dakota State Board of Accountancy
Ohio CPA requirements
With a strong mix of Fortune 500 companies, regional accounting firms, and public sector opportunities spread across cities like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, Ohio has a strong demand for CPAs. The licensing process and Ohio CPA requirements are well-structured, with a focus on ethics and real-world experience.
State Board: Accountancy Board of Ohio
Oklahoma CPA requirements
Oklahoma’s CPA requirements blend traditional structure with a touch of flexibility. The state allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with just 120 semester hours, though as you’d expect, 150 hours are required for full licensure. With a diverse economy driven by energy, agriculture, and finance, CPAs in Oklahoma often find themselves working across both rural and urban business sectors. It could be a great place to launch your career if you’re seeking broad experience early on.
State Board: Oklahoma Accountancy Board
Oregon CPA requirements
Known for its progressive policies and quality-of-life appeal in cities like Portland and Eugene, Oregon attracts CPAs interested in sustainability-driven business, nonprofit finance, and emerging tech. It’s an ideal setting for professionals seeking a career with both purpose and versatility. Oregon CPA requirements adhere to the standard 150-hour education rule and additional ethics exam for licensure.
State Board: Oregon Board of Accountancy
Pennsylvania CPA requirements
Pennsylvania combines deep historical financial roots with a modern, diversified economy, which makes it a solid launchpad for any CPA career. From the financial hubs of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to the many mid-sized cities and rural communities in between, CPAs here serve clients across healthcare, manufacturing, education, and beyond. The CPA requirements in Pennsylvania are pretty straightforward, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and foundational accounting knowledge.
State Board: Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy
Puerto Rico CPA requirements
The accounting landscape in PR often blends public and private sector work, with a strong demand for bilingual professionals familiar with both U.S. GAAP and local tax law. It’s a rewarding path for CPAs looking to work at a unique economic and cultural crossroads. CPA requirements in Puerto Rico are aligned with U.S. standards, offering a straightforward licensure process.
State Board: Puerto Rico Board of Accountancy
Rhode Island CPA requirements
Rhode Island may be the smallest U.S. state, but its CPA requirements are full-sized. With many professionals serving both public and private clients in close-knit local markets, CPAs here often become trusted advisors to businesses, nonprofits, and government alike. CPA requirements in Rhode Island include 150 hours of education before sitting the exam, making it one of the stricter states in that regard. There’s also an emphasis on ethics, which makes becoming a CPA in Rhode Island a good fit for those who value integrity and long-term relationships in their accounting careers.
State Board: Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
South Carolina CPA requirements
South Carolina offers a compelling blend of southern hospitality and professional growth, especially for CPAs working in its expanding finance, manufacturing, and real estate sectors. With Charleston’s entrepreneurial energy and Columbia’s government presence, the state presents a broad range of opportunities for new and seasoned accountants alike. South Carolina’s CPA requirements also stand out for the ethics requirements, which include a state-specific rules course.
State Board: South Carolina Board of Accountancy
South Dakota CPA requirements
South Dakota is a hidden gem for CPAs seeking a stable, low-regulation environment with real impact. Known for its business-friendly tax structure and strong banking sector, the state offers opportunities that punch above its population size, especially in finance, insurance, and agriculture. The CPA requirements in South Dakota include 150 hours to sit for the exam, but it’s a good choice for those who want a straightforward licensure process and a chance to grow quickly in a respected professional community.
State Board: South Dakota Board of Accountancy
Tennessee CPA requirements
Tennessee strikes a rare balance: a fast-growing economy paired with a relaxed, business-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re crunching numbers for a music label in Nashville, a healthcare giant in Memphis, or a logistics firm in Chattanooga, CPAs here are in high demand. The CPA requirements in Tennessee also emphasize ongoing ethics education, reinforcing a strong foundation of trust in a region known for relationship-driven business.
State Board: Tennessee State Board of Accountancy
Texas CPA requirements
Everything’s bigger in Texas, including the expectations for CPAs. But the Lone Star State rewards CPAs with some great career opportunities. From energy and real estate in Houston to tech in Austin and finance in Dallas, becoming a CPA in Texas offers accountants the chance to operate on a massive scale in some of the country’s most dynamic industries.
State Board: Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
U.S. Virgin Islands CPA requirements
CPA requirements in the U.S. Virgin Islands provide a pretty straightforward path to CPA licensure, although 150 hours of education are required to sit the exam. With an economy centered around tourism, government, and offshore financial services, CPAs here often handle work that blends public accountability with international compliance. If you’re looking for an opportunity to work as a CPA at U.S. standards, but with a Caribbean twist, the USVI delivers both structure and scenery.
State Board: Virgin Islands Board of Public Accountancy
Utah CPA requirements
Utah offers a structured and transparent path to CPA licensure, with requirements that closely follow national norms. The state boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, particularly in sectors like tech, finance, and healthcare. Salt Lake City and its surrounding areas have become hubs for both public accounting firms and corporate finance operations, making Utah a potentially good strategic choice for aspiring CPAs.
State Board: Utah Board of Accountancy
Vermont CPA requirements
Vermont may be small in size, but it offers a refreshingly focused and community-driven environment for CPAs. With a strong presence of small businesses, nonprofits, and environmentally conscious enterprises, accountants here often work closely with clients in meaningful, hands-on ways. The CPA requirements in Vermont are clear and structured; ideal for those who value substance over flash and want to build a trusted role in their local economy.
State Board: Vermont Board of Public Accountancy
Virginia CPA requirements
Virginia offers CPAs a professional landscape that spans from historic government agencies to cutting-edge tech firms. With proximity to Washington, D.C., and a strong regulatory focus, CPAs here often find themselves working in policy-heavy sectors like defense contracting, finance, and compliance. Virginia’s CPA requirements make it a great fit for accountants who thrive in structured environments and want to work where precision and public trust truly matter.
State Board: Virginia Board of Accountancy
Washington State CPA requirements
Washington State offers CPAs a front-row seat to some of the most innovative companies in the world, from tech giants in Seattle to global retailers and aerospace leaders. CPA requirements in Washinton place a firm emphasis on upholding professional standards, reflecting its reputation for both entrepreneurial energy and regulatory rigor. It’s a smart choice for CPAs who want to work at the intersection of innovation, scale, and accountability.
State Board: Washington State Board of Accountancy
West Virginia CPA requirements
West Virginia offers a clear, no-frills path to CPA licensure: 150 credit hours in total, one year of experience, and a passing score on the AICPA ethics exam. West Virginia’s CPA requirements are easy to navigate, while still ensuring its accountants are prepared to serve key sectors like energy, healthcare, and public service. It’s a good option for those who want structure without unnecessary complexity.
State Board: West Virginia Board of Accountancy
Wisconsin CPA requirements
The CPA requirements in Wisconsin are pretty standard. You can sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours, but you’ll need the full 150 to get licensed. The state’s steady economy, rooted in industries like insurance, manufacturing, and agriculture, gives CPAs a wide range of paths to explore. It’s a great place to earn your license if you’re looking for a career that’s grounded, respected, and full of variety without being overwhelming.
State Board: Wisconsin Accounting Examining Board
Wyoming CPA requirements
Wyoming’s CPA requirements are pretty straightforward. But don’t mistake simplicity for leniency; the state places strong emphasis on verified, supervised experience to ensure CPAs are not only educated but professionally tested before earning their license. In a state where accountants often support industries like energy, agriculture, and natural resources, having solid, practical experience matters. Here’s how to become a CPA in Wyoming:
State Board: Wyoming Board of Certified Public Accountants
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