Rhode Island CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Rhode Island
Key Facts
- ✓Three licensure pathways as of June 23, 2026, including bachelor's degree + 2 years (3,640 hours) of experience
- ✓Can sit for exam with 120 credits
- ✓1 year of supervised experience required
- ✓120 hours of CPE per 3-year period
*Rhode Island offers a 120-credit pathway with additional experience requirements. See Licensure Pathways below for details.
International Candidates: Rhode Island 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
Sits inside a 150-hour total. A graduate accounting degree qualifies on its own; the graduate business route accepts 15 graduate accounting hours in place of 24 undergraduate. The 24 accounting and 24 business hours shown are the general route.
Licensing & CPE
Licensure Pathways
Master's Degree Pathway
Effective: June 23, 2026
- •Bachelor's and master's degree with an accounting major or concentration
- •1 year (1,820 hours) of experience verified by a licensed CPA
- •AICPA ethics exam with a score of at least 90 required on every pathway
Bachelor's + 30 Credits Pathway
Effective: June 23, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree plus 30 additional college credits with an accounting major or concentration
- •1 year (1,820 hours) of experience verified by a licensed CPA
Bachelor's Degree Pathway
Effective: June 23, 2026
- •Bachelor's degree with an accounting focus (new pathway, effective June 23, 2026)
- •2 years (3,640 hours) of experience verified by a CPA licensed in any U.S. jurisdiction
- •AICPA Comprehensive Ethics Course exam score of at least 90
Rhode Island State Board of Accountancy
Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for Rhode Island
6 programs meet CPA education requirements in Rhode Island. Browse by category to find the right fit.
Online MAcc
1Certificates
2Related Resources
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