Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
How to become a CPA in the state of Pennsylvania…
Wondering about obtaining a CPA license in Pennsylvania? First, you must meet certain eligibility criteria and pass the Uniform CPA Exam with a score of at least 75 per section. On this page, you’ll find all the information you need on becoming a CPA.
You’ll have full access to the Universal CPA platform! Click the button below to sign up for a free trial. No credit card required.
Semester Units
in Application fees
Hours of Experience
Residency or
Citizenship Requirements
International Exam Program
Ethics Exam
Credit Requirements: Applicants must earn 120 credits from a university or college approved by the Board, including 24 semester credits in accounting courses.
Minimum degree: Baccalaureate.
Additional Requirements: None.
Educational Requirement: Applicants must earn 150 credits from an accredited four-year educational institution, including 24 hours in accounting-related subjects.
Experience Requirements: Candidates must obtain 1,600 hours of full-time or part-time accounting experience through employment in academia, government, industry, or public practice. The experience must be earned within five years preceding the application date.
Ethics Exam: No
Social Security Requirements: Yes
Participates in International Exam Program: Yes
Minimum Age: 18 years.
Citizenship: There is no residency or citizenship requirement to sit for the CPA Exam or obtain a license.
More Requirements: None.
Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649
Toll-Free: 1-833-DOS-BPOA
Phone: (717) 783-1404
Fax: (717) 705-5540
Initial application fee: $105
Re-examination fees: applicants must pay the application fee and board fees for every exam section retaken.
AUD: $208.40
FAR: $208.40
REG: $208.40
BEC: $208.40
Total: $938.60
All fees are non-refundable.
Licensees must renew their permits to practice on a biennial basis by the end of each odd-numbered calendar year. The renewal costs $100.
Pennsylvania licensees must take 80 CPE hours within a two-year reporting period, including four hours in ethics, 24 hours in accounting and auditing, and 52 hours in professional development. Licensees not participating in attest services may take 76 CPE hours in professional development. A minimum of 20 hours must be completed each year.
Please see the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy or the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants page for more information on becoming a CPA and maintaining your license.
A quick guide on Pennsylvania’s CPA examination and licensing processes is here.
Note: Please refer to the state’s public accountancy regulations for a better understanding of licensing process and rules.
© 2022 Universal CPA Review. All Rights Reserved.
