How Do I Get My CPA Designation?

What’s happening with the CPA designation?

You’ll need to meet education, examination, ethics, and experience requirements that go beyond a standard 4-year degree. Starting in 2026, every U.S. jurisdiction will require 150 semester units (that’s about 225 quarter units) total, with specific minimums for accounting and business courses.

How do I actually get my CPA designation?

1. Verify your degree and units
   • Make sure your accounting program includes at least 24 semester units in accounting subjects.
   • Double-check you’ve got at least 24 semester units in business-related subjects (think economics, management, or finance).
   • Confirm your total credits hit 150 semester units (or 225 quarter units).
2. Pick your state board
   • Decide where you’ll apply first—some states like California and New York have stricter credit rules.
   • Check the board’s NASBA page for the latest education requirements and any 2025–2026 updates.
3. Apply and get your NTS
   • Create an account on the AICPA CPA Exam portal and select your state board.
   • Submit your transcripts and pay the first-time application fee (usually $150–$350 depending on where you apply).
   • Wait for your Notice to Schedule (NTS), which is typically valid for 6 months.
4. Schedule and pass the Uniform CPA Exam
   • Book your exam sections through Prometric—you can take the sections in any order.
   • Focus your study time using the 2026 Blueprints on the AICPA CPA Exam site.
   • Pass all four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG) within an 18-month rolling window.
5. Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam
   • Register for the AICPA Professional Ethics for CPAs self-study course and exam.
   • Aim for at least 90% to receive your Ethics certificate (sent electronically).
6. Get the required experience
   • Complete 1–2 years (around 2,000 hours) of accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA.
   • Make sure the experience covers accounting, attest, or tax work under direct supervision.
7. Apply for your license and pay the fees
   • Submit your final application to your state board with transcripts, ethics certificate, and experience verification.
   • Pay the initial license fee (usually $100–$400) and the annual renewal (typically $100–$300).

What if I run into problems along the way?

• Credit deficiency? Enroll in a regionally accredited college’s post-baccalaureate accounting certificate or second bachelor’s to reach 150 units—many programs are online with rolling start dates.
• Failed an exam section? You can retake any failed section; there’s no lifetime limit, but you must pass all sections within 18 months of your first passing grade.
• Citizenship issue? If you can’t become a U.S. citizen, check Alabama, Louisiana, Hawaii, or North Carolina—they don’t require citizenship to sit for the exam.

How can I avoid these problems before they happen?

• Start planning early: Map out your course sequence in your first college semester to avoid missing the 24/24 accounting–business split.
• Use NASBA’s Interactive Map: NASBA’s Interactive Map shows every state’s current education and experience rules in one view.
• Watch your rolling clock: Once you pass your first CPA Exam section, schedule the remaining three within 18 months to avoid losing credit.
• Budget realistically: Set aside $3,500–$5,000 for exam fees, review materials, ethics exam, and application costs—by 2026, the total can climb to $4,500–$6,000.