Career Guide

CPA License Guide

How to get and maintain your CPA license

Requirements vary significantly by state

States require 120-150 credit hours (varies by state)

Experience requirements: 1-2 years supervised

Many states require an ethics exam or course (51 of 55 jurisdictions require ethics CPE)

Passing the CPA exam is just one step—you also need to meet education, experience, and ethics requirements to obtain your license. This guide walks you through the complete licensing process.

Last updated: July 28, 2026

By Brennan KolarFounder, Atlas CPA Index

The Three Es

CPA licensure requires meeting Education, Examination, and Experience requirements.

Education: 120-150 credit hours with specific accounting courses (varies by state)
Examination: Pass all four CPA exam sections
Experience: 1-2 years of supervised accounting work
Many states require an ethics exam or course; check your board

State-by-State Variations

Each state sets its own requirements. Research your target state carefully.

Credit hours: 120 to sit in most states; 150 to license traditionally, though 34 jurisdictions now have an active sub-150 pathway (44 enacted or active)
Experience: 1 year (some states) to 2 years (others)
Supervisor: a licensed CPA in all 55 jurisdictions
Residency: Some states require working or living in-state

The Licensing Process

After passing the exam, follow these steps to obtain your license.

Verify experience requirement is met
Pass an ethics exam or course if your state requires one (often the AICPA course)
Complete license application with state board
Pay license fees and await approval
Receive certificate and wall license

Maintaining Your License

Active CPA licenses require ongoing continuing education and renewal.

CPE requirements: 40-120 hours per renewal period
Ethics CPE: Often required annually or per period
Renewal period: 1-3 years depending on state
Renewal fees: $35-$565 per period (median $120; most jurisdictions fall between $75 and $200)

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Frequently Asked Questions

The typical timeline is 2-3 years from starting the exam process. This includes 12-18 months to pass all exam sections, plus 1-2 years of experience (which can overlap with exam preparation). License processing time varies by board; check your state board's published timeline.

You cannot use the CPA title or sign off on work as a CPA before licensure. However, you can work in accounting roles and gain the experience required for licensure. Many candidates work in public accounting while completing exam and experience requirements.

A lapsed license can usually be reactivated by paying back fees, completing delinquent CPE, and filing reinstatement paperwork. However, you cannot represent yourself as a CPA while inactive. Some states have "retired" or "inactive" status options if youre not practicing.

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