Washington CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Washington
Key Facts
- ✓120-credit pathway available since November 20, 2025
- ✓150-credit pathway sunsets December 31, 2035
- ✓Does not require SSN (popular for international candidates)
- ✓2 years (4,000 hours) experience under 120-credit pathway
- ✓120 hours of CPE required every 3 years
*Washington offers a 120-credit pathway with additional experience requirements. See Licensure Pathways below for details.
International Candidates: Washington 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 (Sunsets December 31, 2035)
- •150 semester hours
- •24 SH accounting, 24 SH business administration
- •1 year of experience
- •This pathway sunsets December 31, 2035
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
Effective: November 20, 2025
- •Bachelor's degree with accounting concentration
- •24 SH accounting, 24 SH business administration
- •2 years of experience (24 months, 4,000 hours)
- •Supervising CPA must have held license for at least 5 years
- •Adopted via board rule (WAC 4-30-060)
Graduate Degree Pathway
Effective: November 20, 2025
- •Master's or other graduate degree with accounting concentration
- •1 year of experience
Washington State Board of Accountancy
Washington 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
Washington CPE & License Renewal
Frequently Asked Questions
Education Programs for Washington
11 programs meet CPA education requirements in Washington. Browse by category to find the right fit.
Online MAcc
1Campus MAcc
3150-Hour Pathways
4Eastern Oregon University
IACBEPost-Baccalaureate Accounting Certificate
UC Berkeley Extension
WASCCertificate Program in Accounting
UCLA Extension
WASCAccounting Certificate
Boise State University
AACSBAccounting Foundations Graduate Certificate
Certificates
1Related Resources
Planning your CPA journey in Washington? These guides can help.
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