Colorado CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA

Colorado CPA Requirements

See what you need to become a CPA in Colorado.
Rich with precious metals and natural resources, Colorado is a big-money state. Thus, there is a huge demand for accounting professionals. To become a licensed CPA in Colorado, you must know the state’s CPA Exam and license requirements. Here’s what you need to know to become a CPA in Colorado.
120

Semester Units

1800
Hours of Experience
$1,113
In Application Fees
No
Residency or Citizenship
Requirements
One
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Yes
Participates​ in International
Exam Program
120

Semester Units

1800
Hours of Experience
$1,113
In Application Fees
No
Residency or Citizenship
Requirements
One
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Yes
Participates​ in International
Exam Program

Colorado CPA Requirements

Every state adheres to a set of rules and regulations regarding the CPA Exam and licensing procedure. State to state, the standards differ. Consequently, Colorado has its own set of CPA license requirements. Let’s dive deeper into the requirements here!

Social Security Requirements Yes
Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements
  • No age requirement
  • U.S. citizenship is not required
  • No need to be a resident of Colorado
Good Moral Character Yes
Education Requirement for Licensure 150 hours (including B.A.)
Pass the Exam Need at least 75 in each section to pass
Work Experience 1 year of related work experience
Ethics Exam Requirements Yes
International CPA Examination Program Yes
Social Security Number Requirement

You must have a Social Security number (SSN) to obtain a CPA license in Colorado. If you do not have a SSN, you must submit a signed and notarized Social Security Number Affidavit stating that you are a non-citizen applying for a Colorado accountancy license.

Citizenship, Age, and Residency Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship is not needed to get a CPA license in Colorado.
  • There is no minimum age limit for Colorado CPA requirements.
  • You don’t need to be a resident, be an employee, or keep an office in the state.
Educational Requirements
  1. For the CPA Exam, you must have a baccalaureate degree or higher education equivalent that includes 120 semester hours in accounting or business courses.
  2. These 120 hours must include at least 27 semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework.
  3. These 27 semester hours must contain 21 hours of the below-listed coursework:
    • Taxation
    • Tax Auditing
    • Tax Research and Analysis
    • Accounting Ethics
    • Forensic Accounting
    • Accounting Theory
    • Accounting Information Systems
    • Accounting Research and Analysis
    • Auditing and Attestation Services
    • Fraud Examination
    • Financial Accounting
    • Managerial or Cost Accounting
    • Financial Statement Analysis
    • Internal Controls and Risk Assessment
  4. These 21 hours must include a U.S. GAAS-focused auditing course of at least three semester hours.
  5. For a CPA license, you must have 150 semester hours, including 33 semester hours in accounting and 27 semester hours in business at the undergraduate or graduate level.
Pass the Exam

Passing the CPA Exam is the most vital requirement for CPA certification. Passing requires a minimum score of 75 on each section. Within 18 months, candidates must pass all four sections of the examination.

Work Experience Requirements

You must complete 1 year of work experience (1,800 hours) for one or more employers as an employee of a CPA. Working in public accounting, industry, government, or academia is acceptable.

CPA Ethical Exam Requirements

Passing the ethical exam is one of the most critical requirements for obtaining a CPA license in Colorado. You must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam within 90 days of satisfying the work experience prerequisite.

The International CPA Examination Program

Colorado participates in the International CPA Examination Program. The Colorado State Board will accredit international candidates for the CPA credential, provided they meet all prerequisites. Non-U.S. students wishing to become certified public accountants in the United States must take the CPA Exam in English.

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Colorado CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees

Candidates sitting for the CPA Exam for the first time are required to pay both the application fee and the examination fee. The application fee is around $160, and each exam section costs $238.15.

Colorado CPA Exam Fees
Initial Application Fee $160.00
Auditing and Attestation (AUD) $238.15
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) $238.15
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) $238.15
Regulation (REG) $238.15
Total $1,112.60

When you have passed your CPA ethics exam and met all the licensing requirements, you can apply for the CPA license through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) website. Take a look at the licensing costs and fees listed below.

Colorado CPA License Fees
Initial Application $250
Hard-copy fingerprint process $49
Biennial license renewal $120
Application for retired status $75
Retired-to-active status $50

Colorado CPA License Renewal Requirements

CPAs must renew their license in Colorado every two years. Every other year, on the last day of the licensee's birth month, the license will expire at midnight.

Colorado CPA Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your CPA license in Colorado, you must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE). CPAs who offer audit, review, or other attestation services or provide compiled financial statement reports must submit at least 24 hours of CPE in accounting and auditing.

Colorado CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release and Scheduling

Although each state in the United States has its own laws, some practices are standard. Applications for the CPA Examination and initial licensing in Colorado are handled by CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a subsidiary of NASBA.

Follow these steps to register for and take the CPA Exam:

  1. Submit CPA Exam Application

    After ensuring that you are eligible to take the CPA Exam, you must submit an application and pay the associated fee. You can do this through the NASBA CPA Central Portal. In addition, you will need to have your accredited university or institution submit your education transcripts directly to NASBA.

  2. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT)

    If your application is approved by the Colorado State Board, you'll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) that allows you to sign up for the CPA Exam. The term of the ATT is 90 days.

  3. Obtain Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)

    After registering yourself for the CPA Exam, your Notice to Schedule (NTS) will be sent to you within three to six weeks. The Uniform CPA Exam is only open to those who have obtained a NTS.

  4. Schedule Your Exam With Prometric

    Your NTS has your NTS number, which is required to schedule your CPA Exam. You can use the Prometric testing center's website to schedule your exam.

  5. Pass the CPA Exam

    To earn your certification, you must pass all four sections of the exam within a rolling 18-month period that begins on the date of your first passed examination segment. The minimum passing score is 75 for each section.

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Learn your CPA State Requirements!

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Learn your CPA State Requirements!

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Learn your CPA State Requirements!

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