North Carolina CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA
Want to learn all about the CPA Exam?
Do you plan to sit for the CPA Exam in North Carolina? Excellent choice, as North Carolina has one of the most business-friendly tax climates in the United States. This makes becoming a CPA in North Carolina a great career prospect. However, there are specific CPA license and exam requirements that you need to meet to obtain your CPA license in North Carolina.
North Carolina CPA Requirements
The North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners is the governing organization responsible for issuing CPA licenses to eligible professionals in the state. It has a single-tier licensing structure, which means the state board does not provide a CPA certificate after completing the CPA Exam. It only permits the CPA license if you meet all the licensure requirements post-CPA Exam.
| Social Security Requirements | Yes |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirement for Licensure | 150 hours (including B.A.) |
| Pass the Exam | Score at least 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | 1 year in public accounting or 4 years in relevant accounting experience |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | Yes |
| International CPA Examination Program | North Carolina does not participate in the International CPA Exam Program. |
- A bachelor's degree (120 hours) from a college or university accredited by one of the regional
accrediting
associations in any field that includes, or is complemented by, a concentration in accounting is required to sit
for the exam. A concentration in accounting includes one of the following:
- 30 semester hours of undergraduate accountancy courses that include no more than six semester hours of accounting principles and no more than three semester hours of business law.
- 20 semester hours of graduate accounting courses that are only available for graduate students.
- A blend of undergraduate and graduate accounting courses that would be equivalent to the above two options. Noting that there is a difference between undergraduate and graduate level courses, one credit hour in graduate work is equal to one and one-half credit hours in undergraduate accounting classes.
- To apply for the license, you must have 150 semester hours (including a bachelor’s degree) with a minimum of 24 hours consisting of 3 hours from at least 8 of these 10 fields of study: communications, computer technology, economics, ethics, finance, humanities, international environment, law, management, and statistics.
You are required to have 1 year of experience in the public practice of accountancy under the direct supervision of a properly licensed CPA, or 4 years of experience in the field of accounting, teaching accounting, or any combination of such experience determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent.
You must complete an 8-hour ethics course and pass an exam on the North Carolina Rules of Professional Ethics and Conduct.
North Carolina CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
The Administrative Fee for the Initial Exam Application is $230, and the re-examination charge is approximately $75. The fee to take each section of the CPA Exam is $254.80. If you have passed the Uniform CPA Exam and met all the licensing requirements, you can apply for your CPA license in North Carolina. It will cost you approximately $100.
| North Carolina CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Administrative Fee Initial Exam Application | $230 | |
| Exam Section Fees | $1,019.20 | |
| Total: | $1,249.20 | |
License Renewal Requirements
Every active CPA license must be renewed before July 1st of each year. You need to submit a renewal application that confirms your Continuing Professional Education (CPE). The license renewal fee is $60. If you fail to renew your license by July 1st, the North Carolina State Board will send a letter of demand to your registered address. Once your license is revoked, you are no longer a CPA.
Continuing Education Requirements
All active CPAs are required to have 40 hours of CPE, which includes at least 50 minutes of professional ethics and conduct courses. You are no longer required to submit any CPE if your license is inactive.
North Carolina CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
Learn more about the North Carolina CPA Exam, including crucial information on exam dates, score release schedules, and the intricate scheduling process. Understanding these components is essential for aspiring accountants aiming to navigate the certification journey effectively and efficiently.
Exam Dates & Score Release
The CPA Exam is held year-round and candidates can schedule their exam accordingly. It is administered by CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a NASBA sub-division. However, be sure to check the CPA Exam score release dates that AICPA shares biennially.
Exam Section Scheduling
Below is a step-wise guide to applying for and scheduling the CPA Exam in North Carolina.
