New Jersey CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in New Jersey
Key Facts
- ✓120-credit pathway available since February 11, 2026 (A5598)
- ✓150-credit pathway also preserved
- ✓Can sit for exam with 120 credits
- ✓2 years experience required under 120-credit pathway
- ✓120 hours of CPE required every 3 years
*New Jersey offers a 120-credit pathway (A5598) with additional experience requirements. See Licensure Pathways below for details.
International Candidates: New Jersey does not require a Social Security Number (SSN), making it a popular choice for international CPA candidates.
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
- •Must include auditing course
Experience Requirements
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
Licensing & CPE
Licensure Pathways
Traditional 150-Credit Pathway
- •150 semester hours
- •24 hours accounting, 24 hours business
- •1 year of experience
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
Effective: February 11, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree (~120 credits)
- •24 hours accounting coursework, 24 hours business coursework
- •2 years of experience
- •Signed January 12, 2026 by Governor Murphy
- •Individual practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs
New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
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
New Jersey CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for New Jersey
12 programs meet CPA education requirements in New Jersey. Browse by category to find the right fit.
Online MAcc
4Rutgers University — Camden
AACSBOnline Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Syracuse University
AACSBM.S. in Professional Accounting (Online) (Whitman)
University of Massachusetts Amherst
AACSBOnline MS in Accounting (Isenberg)
University of Scranton
AACSBOnline Master of Accountancy
Certificates
1MST Programs
3Villanova University
AACSBMaster of Taxation
Bentley University
AACSB (separate accounting accreditation)MS in Accounting — Taxation Concentration
American University
AACSB (Kogod School of Business)Graduate Certificate in Taxation (Kogod)
Related Resources
Planning your CPA journey in New Jersey? These guides can help.
Ready to Start Studying?
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