How to Apply for the CPA Exam

Certified Public Accountants (CPA's) are licensed at the state level.

If you love numbers then becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) might be a great way to get a good paying job, but first you need to attend a certified accounting program offered through an accredited educational institution. Once you've completed your education, most states require you to complete 150 hours under a licensed CPA before you are allowed to become a CPA yourself. In order to become a certified public accountant in the United States you must first take and pass a CPA licensing exam. You are eligible to apply for the CPA exam when all state requirements are met.

Instructions

1. Visit the "NASBA" website and review the CPA exam application requirements for your state. These requirements will include the level of education you need, the number of internship or accounting hours you need to have completed under a CPA, and any other requirements in your state that must be completed before you can apply to take the CPA exam.

2. Click on the "CPA exam" link and then choose your state by clicking on its picture within the map of the United States. When your state's page loads, click on the "First time application" link.

3. Read "The Candidate Bulletin" and when you are ready, click "Apply".

4. Choose the jurisdiction (U.S. state or territory) that you would like to apply to be licensed in and pay your examination fees online with a credit card. Application fees vary by state. It may take up to four to six weeks to process your CPA exam application.

5. Review the study materials provided on the NASBA and AICPA websites while you are waiting for your CPA exam application to be approved.

6. Register to take any eligible CPA exams when you receive approval and a "Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA. You must bring the NTS document with you to the testing center as proof of eligibility.

Tips & Warnings

• The CPA exam will be updated January 1, 2011 so be sure to visit AICPA to review all the details on the changes.

• If you choose to use study materials, be sure they are written for the version of the CPA exam that you plan to take.

References

• American Institute of CPAs: FAQs
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy: FAQs

Resources

• American Institute of CPAs: Home
• American Institute of CPAs: Getting Started
• This way to CPA: Exam and Licensure