Interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alaska? The Alaska Board of Public Accountancy (ABPA) grants the CPA license to individuals who pass the CPA Exam and fulfill other criteria. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about becoming a CPA in Alaska.
Alaska CPA Requirements
The state employs a single-tier licensing system. After you meet the prerequisites, you can then apply for your CPA license. Take a look at the CPA license requirements in Alaska here:
| Social Security Number Requirements | No |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | *Varies depending on pathway; see below |
| Exam Passing Rquirements | Need to score 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | *Varies depending on pathway; see below |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | Must complete the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA®) ethics self-study course. |
| International CPA Examination Program | Alaska is a participant of the International CPA Exam Program. |
*Legislative Update: HB121 (Effective Jan. 1, 2026)
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Alaska is now offering an alternative pathway to licensure. Check below for more details.
Educational Requirements
Alaska offers multiple CPA licensure pathways, allowing candidates to meet the education requirement through different options based on what the Board accepts.
To qualify, you must meet 1 of the following:
- Have a bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from a college or university acceptable to the board with an accounting concentration.
or
- Have a baccalaureate degree (or its equivalent) with an equivalent concentration, as determined by the Board through regulation.
Work Experience Requirements
Alaska requires candidates to complete 2 years of work experience to qualify for CPA licensure. This experience must meet the Board’s standards and be considered acceptable as part of the licensing process.
Alaska CPA Exam & Licensing: Cost and Fees
The exam application fee in Alaska is $109, and the fee to take each section of the CPA Exam is $262.64. Once you have fulfilled all the criteria for CPA licensure and successfully passed the CPA Exam, you can apply for your license, which costs approximately $200. The license application fee is non-refundable. In addition, Alaska charges an education evaluation application fee of $121.
| Alaska CPA Exam Fees | |
|---|---|
| Exam Application Fee | $109 |
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $262.64 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $262.64 |
| Regulation (REG) | $262.64 |
| ISC/BAR/TCP | $262.64 |
| Total: | $1,159.56 |
Pass the 3 core sections, AUD, FAR, and REG, and 1 discipline section: Information Systems and Controls (ISC), Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).
License Renewal Requirements
In Alaska, CPA licenses must be renewed every 2 years. No matter when they were issued, all licenses will expire on the last day of the odd-numbered year. A renewal application will be mailed to you at least 30 days before your current one expires. There is no grace period for practicing with a lapsed license, so be sure to renew on time.
Continuing Education Requirements
CPAs in Alaska need 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every 2 years to keep their certifications current. CPE credits provided by National Registry Sponsors are recognized by the state. The deadline for earning CPE credits is Dec. 31.
Alaska CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
Here’s everything you need to know about the CPA Exam scheduling process, exam dates, and score release dates to keep you on track.
Exam Dates & Score Release
You can apply for the CPA Exam in Alaska after fulfilling the educational requirements laid out by the state board. The exam is held year-round, with scores becoming available within 48 hours of the target score release dates.
Start your application process by creating a dedicated Okta account. It will provide access to the CPA Portal. There are 2 options: “New candidate” or “Existing candidate.” Opt for the appropriate category as you proceed. This portal serves as a comprehensive platform for managing the entire CPA Exam process, enabling tasks such as handling details, making payments, and accessing crucial documents like payment receipts and Notice to Schedule (NTS).
Move to the next stage by applying an educational evaluation to ascertain eligibility for the Alaska CPA Exam. Ensure the direct submission of your educational transcripts from your institution to CPA Exam Services (CPAES). For individuals with international educational backgrounds, a formal evaluation from a recognized service is required. You can choose any of the below services:
- NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES)
- Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc. (FACS)
- Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES)
After you complete the educational evaluation, the CPA Portal will indicate your exam eligibility. If deemed eligible, proceed to apply for a specific exam section, keeping in mind that only 1 section can be applied for per application.
You will receive an NTS soon after the application, and it will be visible on your homepage with its status and expiration date.
Additionally, a Candidate Exam Section ID (CES ID) will be allocated for seamless exam scheduling. It is crucial to note that, as per the new CPA Exam regulation, separate NTS will be issued for each section post-application.
As soon as you receive the NTS, you should schedule your CPA exam. Visit the Prometric website and use your NTS number and CES ID to schedule the exam. A quick online search will help you locate your nearest testing center.
To pass the CPA Exam, you need to score 75 or higher on each section. Keep in mind that you must complete all 4 exam sections within a 30-month time frame.
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