Kentucky CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements to Become a CPA
Semester Units
Hours of Experience
In Application Fees
Requirements
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Exam Program
Semester Units
Hours of Experience
In Application Fees
Requirements
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Exam Program
Kentucky CPA License Requirements
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination and licensing practices are governed by uniform standards in every jurisdiction. The norms vary from one state to another. Kentucky, therefore, has its own set of rules for becoming a certified public accountant. Let's delve into the prerequisites needed.
| Social Security Requirement | Yes |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | 150 hours (including B.A.) |
| Pass the Exam | Need at least 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | 2,000 hours |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | No |
| International CPA Examination Program | Yes |
In Kentucky, if you want to get a CPA license, you must have a Social Security number (SSN).
- You must be at least 18 years old to get a CPA license in Kentucky.
- You must be a U.S. citizen, legally reside in the U.S. (with supporting documentation), or be an accounting or attest employee in a public accounting firm or institution of postsecondary education with an office or campus in the U.S.
- You do not need to be a resident of Kentucky.
To sit for the CPA Exam in Kentucky, candidates must meet the following education requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher with a concentration in accounting from an institution that has been approved by the state. Includes 39 semester hours in business-related courses, of which 27 hours must be in accounting.
To obtain a CPA license in Kentucky, candidates must meet the following education requirements:
- 150 semester hours
- 27 semester hours in accounting. Acceptable courses include one of the following as a part of the course description or catalog: tax or accounting standards, principles, or processes.
- 12 semester hours in business-related courses. Acceptable courses must include one of the following as a part of the course prefix or title: accounting, business, computers, economics, finance, management, marketing, or statistics.
To pass the exam, you must score at least 75 or above. All sections must be passed within a timeframe of 18 months.
A minimum of one year (2,000 hours) of accounting or auditing experience is required to qualify for a CPA license in Kentucky. The experience must be completed in a period of not less than 12 months, and after completing a baccalaureate or master’s degree. It can be gained in public practice, industry, or government, and must be verified by a qualified CPA. Work experience must be completed within 5 years (before or after) of passing your final CPA Exam section.
There is no ethics exam requirement in order to obtain a CPA license in Kentucky.
Kentucky participates in the International Examination Program. International CPA programs are made for non-U.S. candidates who are interested in taking the CPA Exam. These candidates must have their credentials evaluated by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Kentucky CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
The initial application fee for Kentucky CPA candidates is $30. The fee for each exam section is $238.15, paid directly to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
| Kentucky CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $30.00* | |
| 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: | $982.60 | |
*In Kentucky, you may be required to pay additional nominal fees to NASBA, the AICPA and Prometric. These will be collected by NASBA.
Upon applying for the actual CPA license, candidates must pay an initial application fee of $100.
Kentucky CPA License Renewal Requirements
CPAs in Kentucky must renew their license online every two years between July 1st and August 1st. The renewal charge for a two-year license is $100. Those who fail to renew by August 1 must pay $200 between August 2 and September 1 to renew their license online.
Kentucky CPA Continuing Education Requirements
CPA licensees must submit valid CPE information when applying for license renewal. You do not need to send any proof of CPE to the board unless you are chosen for an audit. You must keep your CPE records for at least five years.
A CPA licensee who has gained at least 3,000 hours of experience in a board-licensed public accounting firm within the two years prior to their license renewal date must complete 80 CPE hours. All other CPAs need to complete 60 CPE hours. In addition, all licensees must complete a 2-hour ethics course within their reporting period.
Kentucky CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
You can apply for the CPA Exam upon completing the Kentucky CPA educational requirements. Before you apply, you need to know when the test and scores will be released. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) releases the CPA Exam score release dates every two years, with scores available within 48 hours of the scheduled release date. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for and scheduling the CPA Exam:
Submit the CPA Exam Application
CPA candidates in Kentucky can submit their applications through the state board's website. You must submit all of your educational transcripts to the board along with your application form.
Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT)
Once your documents and applications are evaluated, the board confirms if you are eligible to sit for the exam. You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within three to six weeks of your application date. Receiving an ATT means you are eligible to take the CPA Exam.
Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
After obtaining your ATT, you will receive payment coupons for your exam fees. When your payment is complete, NASBA sends a Notice To Schedule (NTS). Your NTS is valid for only six months and is a vital document. During the CPA Exam, you will be required to provide your NTS at the Prometric testing center. Those who have no NTS are prohibited from taking the CPA Exam.
Schedule Your Exam With Prometric
Prometric helps people schedule their CPA Exam on the date and at the location of their choice. You will need your NTS number while scheduling your exam. You can conduct a quick search for the centers closest to your location.
Pass the CPA Exam
The CPA Exam is 16 hours long and computer-based. Each section has a scoring scale from 0 to 99. You need to score at least 75 in each section to pass the exam. All sections must be passed within an 18-month window.