Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA
Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
Semester Units
Requirements
Exam Program
Semester Units
Requirements
Exam Program
Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
Obtaining a CPA license in any state requires following a standardized procedure. Despite the fact that 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 | Yes |
A Social Security number (SSN) is required to obtain a CPA license in Pennsylvania. If you do not have a SSN, you must complete a waiver.
- U.S. citizenship is not required to sit for the CPA Exam.
- You must be at least 18 years old to appear for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania.
- It is not necessary to be a resident of, be an employee in, or keep an office in Pennsylvania.
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.
- Completed 24 semester credits in accounting that includes accounting and auditing, finance, business law, economics, or tax.
Additionally, to apply for CPA licensure in Pennsylvania, candidates must have completed a total of 150 semester hours.
Passing the CPA Exam is the most crucial step to getting a CPA license in Pennsylvania. To pass, you must score 75 or higher in each section. Also, all four sections need to be passed within a time span of 18 months.
- 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.
Most states have an ethics exam requirement to issue a CPA license, but Pennsylvania does not as of now. Keep an eye on the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy (PA State Board) for updates related to CPA requirements.
The International CPA Examination Program was developed for non-U.S. candidates interested in the Uniform CPA Exam. Pennsylvania is a part of this program. To take the CPA Exam, however, candidates must meet all of the requirements set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.
Pennsylvania CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees
In Pennsylvania, the initial CPA Exam application fee is $105, and the registration fee is also $105, for a total of $210. Each portion of the CPA Exam costs $238.15 to take. If you request a re-examination, you must pay both the registration and examination fees.
| Pennsylvania CPA Exam Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application Fee | $210.00 | |
| 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 | $1,162.60 | |
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.
Pennsylvania CPA License Renewal Requirements
CPAs in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every two years, from January 1st to December 31st. To get your license renewed, you must finish the given Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements on time.
Pennsylvania CPA 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
CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a subdivision of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), administers the CPA Exam application and initial license process in Pennsylvania. However, before applying for the CPA Exam, you must know the target exam and score release dates.
CPA score release dates are one of the most-anticipated parts of becoming a CPA, since the results can affect the rest of your career.
CPA exam follows the continuous testing process, where candidates are free to take the exam all year round. The CPA Exam score release dates are announced by the AICPA every two years. Typically, the scores should be accessible within 48 hours of the target release date.
Below, we have mentioned the steps to apply and schedule your CPA Exam:
Submit CPA Exam Application and Fees
Candidates wishing to take the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania can apply on the NASBA website. However, check the above-mentioned requirements to see if you are eligible to take the exam. If you meet all the criteria, you can proceed with the application process. Ensure your educational transcripts are sent to NASBA directly from your institution/university.
Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT)
After you send in your application and documents, the Board will check your qualifications and send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) if you are eligible. This indicates that you are allowed to sit for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania.
Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) will arrive between three and six weeks after applying for the CPA Exam and is valid for six months after the date it was issued. Your NTS includes a number that is essential to sit for the CPA Exam; you will need this number while scheduling your exams.
Schedule Your Exam With Prometric
You must visit the Prometric website to schedule your CPA Exam. Keep your NTS with you while doing so. You may want to do a quick internet search to locate the nearest Prometric center.
Pass the CPA Exam
As stated before, you need to pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within an 18-month window. The passing mark is 75 in each section.