Do you want to become a CPA in Pennsylvania? To become a CPA in Pennsylvania, you must adhere to a unique set of rules and requirements to take the CPA Exam and get your CPA license. Read on to learn about these requirements.
Understanding Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
Obtaining a CPA license in any state requires following a standardized procedure. Even though each state has its own rules and requirements for obtaining a CPA license, there are a few consistencies. Let's explore the Pennsylvania CPA license requirements to gain a better understanding.
| 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 | Score at least 75 in each section to pass |
| Work Experience | 12 months of work experience (1,600 hours) |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | No |
| International CPA Examination Program | Participant |
Educational Requirements
To sit for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania, candidates must have completed the following education requirements:
- Obtained a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or university with at least 120 semester hours.
- Completed 24-semester credits in accounting that include accounting and auditing, finance, business law, economics, or tax.
Additionally, candidates must have completed 150 semester hours to apply for CPA licensure in Pennsylvania.
Work Experience Requirements
- You must have 12 months of work experience with at least 1,600 hours of qualifying experience.
- The work experience must be gained during the 60 months before your application date.
- Your work experience may include any service involving accounting, attest, compilation, financial advisory, management advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
- You must earn your work experience through employment in government, academia, public practice, or industry.
Pennsylvania CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
In Pennsylvania, the education evaluation application fee is $90, and the fee for each exam section is $344.80. If you request a re-examination, you must pay exam section fees accordingly.
| Pennsylvania CPA Exam Fees | |
|---|---|
| Education Evaluation Application Fee | $90 |
| Exam Section Fees | $1,379.20 |
| Total: | $1,469.20 |
*Pass the three core sections - AUD, FAR, and REG, and one discipline section - BAR/ISC/TCP
When you apply for the CPA license, there is an application fee that needs to be paid. Pennsylvania's initial application fee for a CPA license is $65. In addition, $100 is charged for the biennial renewal.
License Renewal Requirements
CPAs in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every two years, from January 1 to December 31. You must meet the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements on time to renew your license.
Continuing Education Requirements
All first-time CPA licensees must complete 80 hours of CPE in subjects relevant to professional competence. You need to complete the required CPE during the two years preceding the filing date of your application. Each year must have a minimum of 20 hours of CPE.
Pennsylvania CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
Candidates can apply for the CPA Exam upon satisfying the state requirements. However, knowing the target CPA Exam, score release dates and the application process is essential. These details help you better plan for the exam.
Exam Dates and Score Release
The target CPA Exam and score release dates are available on the AICPA website. Candidates must check the same and schedule the exam based on their preference Continuous testing is disabled for the CPA Exam to account for standard-setting analyses and activities.
Scheduling the CPA Examination
Each state has a slightly different application process. Hence, here's a quick guide to applying for and scheduling the Pennsylvania CPA Exam.
Pennsylvania CPA candidates can apply for the CPA Exam by creating an Okta Account on the new CPA Portal. The portal is your single point of contact to access your CPA Exam status and eligibility, receive your NTS, and access your scores.
As a participant in the International CPA Examination Program, international candidates or those who’ve completed their education outside the United States can apply for the Pennsylvania CPA Exam.
To sit for the CPA Exam, you must first be deemed eligible by submitting an education evaluation application with a fee of $90. You must meet all the criteria and ensure your educational transcripts are sent to NASBA directly from your institution/university. If you’ve completed the academic requirements outside of the United States, use the services of any of the following evaluators:
- NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES)
- Foreign Academic Credential Service, Inc. (FACS)
- Educational Records Evaluation Service, Inc. (ERES).
Once your eligibility is confirmed, NASBA will share an Authorization to Test (ATT). The next step is to submit an exam section application for the CPA Exam, one section at a time, by paying a fee of $344.80. An NTS is issued for each application, and a Candidate Exam Section ID (CES ID) is issued for exam scheduling.
Visit the Prometric website to schedule your CPA Exam. Keep your NTS and CES ID with you while doing so. Do a quick search to find the closest Prometric center and remember to carry a physical copy of the NTS to the testing center on exam day.
You have to pass all sections with a minimum score of 75 in each section. Passing the CPA Exam is mandatory to obtain your license.
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