California CPA Requirements
How to Become a CPA in California
Curious how to become a CPA in California? You’re in the right spot. Welcome to your one-stop shop for CPA Requirements in California. Navigate through the tabs below for a comprehensive overview of your state’s specific CPA requirements, including: education and residency requirements, licensure details, who to contact, and how much the exam costs.
150
Semester Units
1
$1,000
in Application Fees
No
Requirements
One
No
Exam Program
Getting your California CPA License
CPA Exam Requirements California
What are the requirements to take the CPA Exam in California?
One of the crucial steps to get your CPA License in California is to take the CPA Exam. In order to sit for the CPA Exam, all states have difference qualifications. Below we list all of the requirements you need to meet to qualify to take the CPA Exam in California.
California CPA Exam Education Requirements
| Education Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam in California | |
|---|---|
| Credit Requirements | 120 semester units |
| Minimum Degree | Baccalaureate degree |
| Additional Degree Requirements | Must include 24 semester hours in accounting subjects and 24 semester hours in business-related courses are required to take the CPA Exam in California. |
(Requirements may vary. Contact the California State Board for more information on California requirements for the CPA exam.)
California Residency Requirements for the CPA Exam
| Residency Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam in California | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizenship is not a California CPA exam requirement |
| Minimum Age | There are no California CPA requirements dictating a minimum age limit |
| Additional Residency Requirements | There are no California CPA exam requirements to be a resident, employee, or keep office(s) in the state |
California CPA License Requirements
| Requirements to Become a Licensed CPA in California | |
|---|---|
| Social Security Requirement | Yes |
| Education Requirements | After passing the CPA Exam , the following additional education requirements must be met: 150 semester units total including 20 semester hours in accounting subjects and 10 semester hours in ethics study |
| Participates in International Exam Program | No |
| Experience Requirements | 1 year (2,000 hours) general experience fulfilled before, during, or after the CPA Exam. For those wishing to sign off on audit reports, the experience must include 500 hours of attest services. *Internships can count towards work experience hours |
| Ethics Exam | Must pass Professional Ethics for CPAs (PETH) Exam within 2 years of submitting license application |
State Board Contacts
California Board of Accountancy
2000 Evergreen Street, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95815-3832
Email: examinfo@cba.ca.gov
Phone: 916-561-1703
Phone 2: 916-571-1701 (licensure)
Fax: 916-263-3677
California CPA Exam & Licensure Resources
CPA Examination Tutorial and Sample Tests
California Uniform CPA Examination Handbook
California CPA Exam Application Forms
California CPA Exam FAQ
Certificate of Attest Experience – Public Accounting
Certificate of Attest Experience (Non-Public Accounting)
Certificate of General Experience – Public Accounting
Certificate of General Experience – Non-Public Accounting
CPA Requirements in Other States
California CPA Exam Cost & Fees
| Cost to take the CPA Exam in California | |
|---|---|
| Initial Application Fees | $100 |
| AUD | $224.99 |
| BEC | $224.99 |
| FAR | $224.99 |
| REG | $224.99 |
| Total | $999.96 |
*$50 re-examination application fee