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COCPA Requirements 2026Updated July 27, 2026

Colorado CPA Requirements

Everything you need to become a CPA in Colorado

120/150
Credit Hours*
1
Year Experience
$100
License Fee
80
CPE Hours/2 Years

Key Facts

  • ✓150 credit hours required for licensure
  • ✓1 year of supervised experience required
  • ✓No specific ethics CPE requirement
  • ✓80 hours of CPE required every 2 years

*Colorado offers a 120-credit pathway (SB 26-076) with additional experience requirements. Effective January 1, 2027. See Licensure Pathways below for details.

Education & Experience Requirements

Verify Before Applying: Requirements shown are for informational purposes and may have changed. Always confirm current requirements with the official state board before beginning your application.

Education Requirements

Degree RequiredBachelor's degree
Total Credit Hours150
Accounting Credits33(for licensure)
Business Credits27(for licensure)
Additional Requirements:
  • •Must include auditing course

Experience Requirements

Total Experience12 months (1 year)
SupervisionLicensed CPA
Acceptable Experience Types:
  • ✓Public accounting
  • ✓Private industry
  • ✓Government

Exam Eligibility

Education to Sit120 credits with 27 accounting + 21 business credits
Credits to Sit120
Accounting Credits to Sit27
Business Credits to Sit21
Minimum AgeNone
Residency RequiredNo
SSN RequiredYes

Licensing & CPE

Initial License Fee$100
Renewal Fee$108
Renewal Period2 years
CPE Hours Required80 per 2 years
Ethics CPE RequiredNo

Exam vs. Licensure: Colorado requires different credit thresholds to sit for the CPA exam versus obtaining your license. You can begin testing with 27 accounting credits, but must complete 33 for full licensure. Business credits: 21 to sit, 27 for licensure. Total credits: 120 to sit, 150 for licensure.

Colorado State Board of Accountancy

Colorado State Board of Accountancy

Visit Official Website(opens in new tab)
(303) 894-7800
dora_accountancyboard@state.co.us

Application Tips

  • 1.Verify current requirements on the official state board website before applying
  • 2.Have official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
  • 3.Allow 4-6 weeks for application processing
  • 4.Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
Disclaimer: Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Colorado State Board of Accountancy before beginning your application. Last updated: 2026-07-27.

Colorado CPE & License Renewal

80
CPE Hours Per Period
2 Years
Renewal Cycle
~40
Hours Per Year
Not Required
Ethics CPE
Initial License Fee
$100
Renewal Fee
$108 every 2 years
Full CPE GuideEstimate Total CPA Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Colorado does not have a specific ethics CPE requirement. However, CPAs must still complete 80 hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal period.

Education Programs for Colorado

14 programs meet CPA education requirements in Colorado. Browse by category to find the right fit.

View all 53 education programs

Related Resources

Planning your CPA journey in Colorado? These guides can help.

CPA Salary Guide (2026)What to expect after you passCPA Career PathsWhere a CPA license can take youIs the CPA Worth It?ROI analysis for candidatesHow Long to Study for the CPA ExamRealistic timelines by sectionBest CPA Review Courses (2026)All 9 providers rankedFind Courses for Your SituationBrowse by candidate profileCPA Costs by StateInteractive map & data

Explore Other States

ALAlabama
120/150 credits
1 year exp.
AZArizona
120/150 credits
1 year exp.
CACalifornia
120/150 credits
1 year exp.
No SSN Required
TXTexas
120/150 credits
1 year exp.
NYNew York
120/150 credits
1 year exp.
No SSN Required
FLFlorida
150 credits
1 year exp.
No SSN Required
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