Colorado CPA Requirements
Wondering what it takes to become a licensed CPA in Colorado?
See what you need to become a CPA in your state
Download your FREE State CPA Requirements Guide to learn everything you need to become a CPA in your state!
How to Become a CPA in Colorado
Welcome to your one-stop-shop for CPA Requirements in Colorado. Navigate through the tabs below for a comprehensive overview of your state’s specific CPA requirements, including: education and residency requirements, licensured details, who to contact, and how much the exam costs.
CPA Exam Requirements
Education Requirements
Credit Requirements: 120 semester hours
Minimum Degree: Baccalaureate degree
*You can sit for the exam without a Bachelor's Degree if:
- You are enrolled in a program where you receive a Bachelor's Degree upon completion of a combined degree program (Dual Degree)
- Your program requires 150 semester hours for graduation
- Your program does not offer a Bachelor's Degree but instead confers a Master's or higher degree
Additional Requirements: 27 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in upper-division accounting. 6 hours must be in auditing of which 3 hours must cover Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS). 3 separate hours of accounting ethics is also required and 21 semester hours in Business
Residency Requirements
Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is not a Colorado CPA exam requirement
Minimum Age: There are no Colorado CPA requirements dictating a minimum age limit
Additional Requirements: There are no Colorado CPA exam requirements to be a resident, employee, or keep office(s) in the state
License Requirements
Social Security Requirement: Yes
Education Requirement: 150 semester hours (including Bachelor's Degree), must include 33 semester hours in accounting and 27 semester hours in business at undergraduate or graduate level
Participates in International Exam Program: Yes
Experience Requirements: 1 year employment (1,800 hours) for one or more employers as an employee of a CPA. The experience may be gained through public accounting, industry, government, or academic + 30 semester hours.
Ethics Exam: Must pass AICPA Professional Ethics Exam within 90 days of fulfilling work experience requirement
State Board Contacts
Colorado State Board of Accountancy
1560 Broadway-Suite 1340
Denver, CO 80202
Email: accountants@dora.state.co.us, cpaes-co@nasba.org
Phone: 303-894-7800
Fax: 303-894-7692
Fees
| Initial Application Fees | $150 |
| AUD | $208.40 |
| BEC | $208.40 |
| FAR | $208.40 |
| REG | $208.40 |
| Total | $983.60 |
*$75 re-examination application fee