Accountants, Certified Public

Exam

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Education

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Experience

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Background check

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Fees: Examination application: First-time candidate $100, Transfer Candidate $100, Repeat candidate $50. Additional fees will be paid directly to NASBA for each section of the exam. License application: $250* (Initial CPA License Application); $430 (Accountancy Corporation or Partnership Application). *An initial license fee is also charged after the application is approved. The amount due ($140 or $280) is based on when the applicant’s license will expire after issuance. *Initial licensing applicants must undergo fingerprinting. The submission fee is $49, but vendors who complete the fingerprinting process may charge a service fee (varies). Renewal Fee: $280. Renewal fees will increase to $340 effective July 1, 2024. Examination Frequency: Five (sometimes six) days per week. CORE examination section(s) are available year-round while Discipline section(s) are available one month of each quarter. The 2024 test administration schedule is available on the AICPAs website. Examination Locations: Nationwide and specified International Prometric Testing Centers. Licensing Educational Requirements: Baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university that is accredited by a U.S. regional or national accrediting agency, with a total of 150 semester units comprised of at least 24 semester units in accounting subjects, 24 semester units in business-related subjects, 20 semester units in accounting study, and 10 semester units in ethics study. Foreign education must be evaluated by a CBA-approved foreign credentials evaluation service. Licensure Requirements: Pass the CPA Exam, complete the required education, obtain 12 months of accounting experience, pass the California Professional Ethics Exam, complete a criminal history background check. Application processing time: Exam: Up to 30 days, Licensing: Once all documents are submitted, within 30 days. Renewal Period: Biennially (every two years). Special License Requirements: The Board accepts and evaluates for approval, applications from individuals licensed in other states who wish to practice in California, if California licensing requirements are met. Authority: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 1, Sections 5000-5192. California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Chapter 1, Article 1-13, Sections 1-99.1.