New Mexico CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA
Semester Units
Requirements
Exam Program
Semester Units
Requirements
Exam Program
*Residency is required if applying by grade transfer.
New Mexico CPA Requirements
The New Mexico Public Accountancy Board sets the CPA requirements for the state in close association with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Requirements for licensure are as follows:
| Social Security Requirement | No |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirements for Licensure | 150 hours (including B.A.) |
| Pass the Exam | Score 75 or higher in each section |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | Yes |
| Work Experience | 1 year of experience |
| International CPA Examination Program | Yes |
New Mexico CPA candidates must complete a GEMALTO background check while applying for licensure in the state.
To sit for the CPA Exam in New Mexico, candidates must complete a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent with 30 semester hours in accounting. No more than 3 of the 30 hours may be in business law. For CPA licensure in New Mexico, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of education.
The CPA Exam has four sections; each must be passed with a minimum score of 75 within an 18-month period.
CPA candidates in New Mexico must complete at least one year of work experience in accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or related consulting skills. The experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
New Mexico requires their CPA candidates to pass the AICPA's Professional Ethics Course to qualify for licensure. A passing score of 90% or better must be achieved within one year from the date of purchase.
New Mexico participates in the International CPA Examination Program to encourage non-U.S. citizens to become CPAs in the state. International candidates must have their educational credentials evaluated by NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES) or any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). If your credentials match the state’s requirements, you can proceed to become a CPA by fulfilling the other prerequisites.
New Mexico CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
New Mexico CPA candidates must pay an exam application fee of $180, followed by a fee of $238.15 for each exam section. All candidates must pay the application and examination fees at the time of submission. There is a re-application fee of $95.
| New Mexico CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $180.00 | |
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $238.15 | |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | $238.15 | |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $238.15 | |
| Regulation (REG) | $238.15 | |
| Total | $1,132.60 | |
After passing the CPA Exam, completing the ethics exam, and gaining work experience, you can apply for CPA licensure. All candidates must submit an online application with a fee of $175. New Mexico also allows candidates to obtain a CPA license by grade transfer or reciprocity.
New Mexico CPA License Renewal Requirements
New Mexico CPA licensees must renew their licenses annually by documenting their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) and paying a fee of $130. The cycle starts on the first day of the month after your birth month and ends on the last day of your birth month. Licenses are canceled if they are not renewed within 90 days of expiration.
New Mexico CPA Continuing Education Requirements
New Mexico CPA license holders must continuously upskill themselves and implement best practices in their profession. Hence, they must obtain 120 CPE hours every three-year cycle with a minimum of 20 CPE hours annually for license renewal. Of the 120 CPE hours:
- 4 hours must be in ethics
- 96 hours must be in technical courses
- 24 hours cannot be sponsored by your firm or employer
New Mexico CPA Exam: Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
New Mexico CPA candidates can apply for the CPA Exam year-round based on their preferred date and location. The CPA Exam is administered by CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a NASBA sub-division. To plan accordingly, view the AICPA’s CPA Exam score release dates. Below is a step-by-step guide on the CPA Exam application and scheduling process.
Submit CPA Exam Application and Fees
After fulfilling New Mexico’s CPA requirements to take the exam, candidates can apply via CPA Central, NASBA's examination portal. You must enter all the required information and send your educational transcripts directly to NASBA.
Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT)
The New Mexico Public Accountancy Board will determine your eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam and send your Authorization to Test (ATT) if eligible.
Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Following your ATT, NASBA will send you a Notice to Schedule (NTS). Your NTS is used to schedule the CPA Exam, and you must bring it to your Prometric testing center.
Schedule Your Exam With Prometric
You can schedule your CPA Exam using Prometric, which requires you to enter your NTS number. Here, you can check for the nearest Prometric center in your state and the available exam dates.
Pass the CPA Exam
All four sections of the CPA Exam must be passed within an 18-month period with a score of 75 or higher.