Rhode Island CPA Requirements

How to become a CPA in the state of Rhode Island…

How to become a CPA in Rhode Island?

Wondering about obtaining a CPA license in Rhode Island? 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.

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Overview of Arizona Requirements

150

Semester Units

$1,207

in Application fees

1,820

Hours of Experience

YES

Residency or 

Citizenship Requirements

YES

International Exam Program

YES

Ethics Exam

CPA requirement details:

Credit Requirements: Exam applicants must complete 150 semester hours and meet one of the following conditions:

  1. Earn a degree with a concentration in accounting
  2. Earn a degree from a business program with at least 24 semester hours at undergraduate-level accounting and 15 hours at graduate-level accounting 
  3. Earn a degree in any field of study with at least 24 semester hours in undergraduate-level accounting and 24 hours in general business subjects. 

Minimum degree: Baccalaureate in any field of study, provided it meets the credit criteria.

Additional Requirements: None.

Educational Requirement: Candidates must have a Baccalaureate or higher degree with 150 credits from a four-year educational institution approved by the board. 

Experience Requirements: To obtain a Rhode Island CPA license, one must obtain 1,820 hours of experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. 

Ethics Exam: Yes – candidates must pass the AICPA professional ethics exam with a score of 90% or higher. 

Social Security Requirements: Yes

Participates in International Exam Program: Yes

Minimum Age: 18 years.

Citizenship: Applicants must be residents of Rhode Island, be regularly employed in the state, or own a business in the state. 

More Requirements: None.

Board of Accountancy

Dawne Broadfield, Board Executive

560 Jefferson Blvd., First Floor

Warwick RI 02886

Phone: (401) 889-5446

Initial application fee: $170

Registration fee: $85

Re-examination fees: applicants must pay the $85 registration fee and board fees for every exam section retaken. 

AUD: $238.15

FAR: $238.15

REG: $238.15

BEC: $238.15

Total: $1,207.60

All fees are non-refundable.

Rhode Island CPA licenses have a three-year renewal period. The expiration date is June 30. 

Rhode Island requires 120 CPE hours per three-year reporting period, including six hours of professional ethics study and no more than 24 hours in professional development.

Please contact the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy or visit the Rhode Island Society of CPAs page for more information. 

A comprehensive guide on becoming a CPA in Rhode Island and maintaining your permit to practice is here

Note: Please refer to the Board of Accountancy rules and regulations for a better understanding of the state’s public accountancy policies.

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