Want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in South Dakota? Find out everything you need to know about the South Dakota CPA requirements to become a licensed holder in the state. Below, you’ll learn the CPA Exam and licensing requirements, as well as information on the cost and fees required to become a CPA in South Dakota.
Understanding South Dakota CPA Requirements
To get licensed and practice as an active CPA, you’ll need to meet key requirements set by the South Dakota Board of Accountancy. The South Dakota Board of Accountancy has put forth educational, experience, and ethics exam requirements. These prerequisites are made in close association with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA®). The requirements are comprehensive, but they exist to maintain high standards for CPA excellence in the state. As long as you check all the boxes, you’ll be well on your way to earning your CPA license.
| Social Security Requirement | Yes |
| Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements |
|
| Good Moral Character | Yes |
| Education Requirements for Licensure | 150 hours (including a bachelor’s degree) |
| Exam Passing Requirements | Minimum 75 in each section |
| Ethics Exam Requirements | AICPA Ethics Exam |
| Work Experience | 1 year (2,000 hours) of experience |
| International CPA Examination Program | Yes, is a participant |
Educational Requirements
To sit for the CPA Exam in South Dakota, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and have completed 150 semester hours of coursework. Of the 150 hours:
- 24 hours must be in accounting, including elementary principles of accounting and 1 course in each of the following: intermediate or advanced accounting, auditing, taxation, and cost accounting.
- 24 hours in business courses other than accounting.
Students may sit for the exam up to 100 days before graduation. Note that the educational requirements for the CPA Exam are the same as those for licensure.
Work Experience Requirements
South Dakota requires CPA candidates to complete 2,000 hours of accounting experience over a period of at least 1 year and no more than 3 years. To perform attest functions, you must complete at least 375 hours in compilations, audits, or reviews in any combination. After gaining the experience, you must submit a Certificate of Experience form signed by a supervising CPA.
Ethical Exam Requirements
South Dakota CPA candidates must complete the ethics exam AICPA offers before the initial application for licensure. Professional Ethics: The AICPA's Comprehensive Course can be purchased through the AICPA website, and candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 90. The exam must be passed within 90 days of completing the experience requirement.
South Dakota CPA Exam & Licensing: Cost and Fees
South Dakota CPA candidates must pay a standard fee of $305.57 for each exam section applied, which includes a $30 application processing fee. The fee must be paid at the time of application and is non-refundable.
| South Dakota CPA Exam Fees | |
|---|---|
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $305.57 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $305.57 |
| Regulation (REG) | $305.57 |
| ISC/BAR/TCP | $305.57 |
| Total: | $1,222.28 |
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).
After passing the CPA Exam, obtaining work experience, and completing the ethics exam, candidates can apply for a South Dakota CPA license by submitting the application form on the state board’s website and paying a $100 fee.
License Renewal Requirements
South Dakota CPA license holders must renew their licenses annually with a fee of $50, along with the online application available through the state board website. The licensees fulfill the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements for the rolling period and produce the report accordingly.
Continuing Education Requirements
CPE is mandatory for all CPA license holders to qualify for license renewal. All licensees must complete a minimum of 120 CPE hours over a 3-year period, with a minimum of 20 CPE hours obtained annually. The reporting period is from July 1 to June 30 every year and must be submitted for annual license renewal.
South Dakota CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release, and Scheduling
After satisfying the South Dakota CPA requirements, candidates can apply for the CPA Exam. However, they must be aware of a few key details, such as exam and score release dates, as well as the application process. We’ve got you covered with a concise rundown of the details to ensure a smooth process.
Exam Dates and Score Release
Candidates can schedule the CPA Exam according to their preference, as indicated by the target CPA Exam and score release dates on the AICPA website. Note that continuous testing is held for core sections, whereas discipline sections are held in specific windows.
Scheduling the CPA Examination
Each state has a slightly different application process. Here's a quick guide to applying for and scheduling the South Dakota CPA Exam.
South Dakota CPA candidates apply for the CPA Exam by filling out an application on the state board website. Ensure that you provide all necessary information and ask your university/college to send the transcripts directly to the NASBA and the state board. Lastly, pay the application fee for the exam based on the number of sections you are applying for.
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 South Dakota CPA Exam.
After receiving your application, the state board will determine your eligibility for the CPA Exam. If eligible, the board will share a notification of eligibility in the form of an Authorization to Test (ATT), stating that you can sit for the CPA Exam as a South Dakotan candidate.
Subsequently, NASBA will share a Notice to Schedule (NTS) containing an NTS number. It is mandatory to carry the document to the Prometric testing center and ensure you have multiple copies.
The candidates can schedule the CPA Exam using Prometric. The portal will help you find the available dates and locations for the exam and help you schedule the exam based on your preference.
You must score 75 or higher on each section to pass the CPA Exam within 30 months. Make sure you have a study plan and the right prep materials that works for you.
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