Pennsylvania CPA Requirements
Exam and License Requirements To Become a CPA

Pennsylvania CPA Requirements

See what you need to become a CPA in Pennsylvania.
Is your goal to become a CPA in Pennsylvania? You have come to the right place! Research indicates that Pennsylvania has the sixth-largest manufacturing economy in the United States. Thus, there is a significant demand for certified public accountants in this state. To become a CPA in Pennsylvania, you must adhere to a unique set of rules and requirements to take the CPA Exam and achieve CPA licensure. Read on to learn about these requirements.
150

Semester Units

1,600
Hours of Experience
$1,163
In Application Fees
No
Residency or Citizenship
Requirements
No
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Yes
Participates​ in International
Exam Program
150

Semester Units

1,600
Hours of Experience
$1,163
In Application Fees
No
Residency or Citizenship
Requirements
No
Mandatory State Ethics Exam
Yes
Participates​ in International
Exam Program

Pennsylvania CPA Requirements

Obtaining a CPA license in any state requires following a standardized procedure. Despite the fact that each state has its own rules and requirements for obtaining a CPA license, there are a few consistencies. Let's explore the Pennsylvania CPA license requirements to gain a better understanding.

Social Security Requirement Yes
Age, Citizenship, and Residency Requirements
  • Minimum 18 years old
  • U.S. citizenship not required
  • No need to be a resident of Pennsylvania
Good Moral Character Yes
Education Requirement for Licensure 150 hours (including B.A.)
Pass the Exam Score at least 75 in each section to pass
Work Experience 12 months of work experience (1,600 hours)
Ethics Exam Requirements No
International CPA Examination Program Yes
Social Security Number Requirement

A Social Security number (SSN) is required to obtain a CPA license in Pennsylvania. If you do not have a SSN, you must complete a waiver.

Citizenship, Age, and Residency Requirements
  • U.S. citizenship is not required to sit for the CPA Exam.
  • You must be at least 18 years old to appear for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania.
  • It is not necessary to be a resident of, be an employee in, or keep an office in Pennsylvania.

Educational Requirements

To sit for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania, candidates must have completed the following education requirements:

  • Obtained a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or university.
  • Completed 24 semester credits in accounting that includes accounting and auditing, finance, business law, economics, or tax.

Additionally, to apply for CPA licensure in Pennsylvania, candidates must have completed a total of 150 semester hours.

Pass the Exam

Passing the CPA Exam is the most crucial step to getting a CPA license in Pennsylvania. To pass, you must score 75 or higher in each section. Also, all four sections need to be passed within a time span of 18 months.

Work Experience Requirements
  • You must have 12 months of work experience with at least 1,600 hours of qualifying experience.
  • The work experience must be gained during the 60 months before your application date.
  • Your work experience may include any service involving accounting, attest, compilation, financial advisory, management advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
  • You must earn your work experience through employment in government, academia, public practice, or industry.
CPA Ethical Exam Requirements

Most states have an ethics exam requirement to issue a CPA license, but Pennsylvania does not as of now. Keep an eye on the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy (PA State Board) for updates related to CPA requirements.

The International CPA Examination Program

The International CPA Examination Program was developed for non-U.S. candidates interested in the Uniform CPA Exam. Pennsylvania is a part of this program. To take the CPA Exam, however, candidates must meet all of the requirements set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.

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Pennsylvania CPA Exam & Licensing - Cost and Fees

In Pennsylvania, the initial CPA Exam application fee is $105, and the registration fee is also $105, for a total of $210. Each portion of the CPA Exam costs $238.15 to take. If you request a re-examination, you must pay both the registration and examination fees.

Pennsylvania CPA Exam Fees
Initial Application Fee $210.00
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 $1,162.60

When you apply for the CPA license, there is an application fee that needs to be paid. Pennsylvania's initial application fee for a CPA license is $65. In addition, $100 is charged for the biennial renewal.

Pennsylvania CPA License Renewal Requirements

CPAs in Pennsylvania must renew their certification every two years, from January 1st to December 31st. To get your license renewed, you must finish the given Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements on time.

Pennsylvania CPA Continuing Education Requirements

All first-time CPA licensees must complete 80 hours of CPE in subjects relevant to professional competence. You need to complete the required CPE during the two years preceding the filing date of your application. Each year must have a minimum of 20 hours of CPE.

Pennsylvania CPA Exam: Exam Dates, Score Release and Scheduling

CPA Examination Services (CPAES), a subdivision of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), administers the CPA Exam application and initial license process in Pennsylvania. However, before applying for the CPA Exam, you must know the target exam and score release dates.

CPA score release dates are one of the most-anticipated parts of becoming a CPA, since the results can affect the rest of your career.

CPA exam follows the continuous testing process, where candidates are free to take the exam all year round. The CPA Exam score release dates are announced by the AICPA every two years. Typically, the scores should be accessible within 48 hours of the target release date.

Below, we have mentioned the steps to apply and schedule your CPA Exam:

  1. Submit CPA Exam Application and Fees

    Candidates wishing to take the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania can apply on the NASBA website. However, check the above-mentioned requirements to see if you are eligible to take the exam. If you meet all the criteria, you can proceed with the application process. Ensure your educational transcripts are sent to NASBA directly from your institution/university.

  2. Obtain Authorization to Test (ATT)

    After you send in your application and documents, the Board will check your qualifications and send you an Authorization to Test (ATT) if you are eligible. This indicates that you are allowed to sit for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania.

  3. Receive Your Notice to Schedule (NTS)

    Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) will arrive between three and six weeks after applying for the CPA Exam and is valid for six months after the date it was issued. Your NTS includes a number that is essential to sit for the CPA Exam; you will need this number while scheduling your exams.

  4. Schedule Your Exam With Prometric

    You must visit the Prometric website to schedule your CPA Exam. Keep your NTS with you while doing so. You may want to do a quick internet search to locate the nearest Prometric center.

  5. Pass the CPA Exam

    As stated before, you need to pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within an 18-month window. The passing mark is 75 in each section.

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Learn your CPA State Requirements!

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Learn your CPA State Requirements!

Fill out this form to get your free guide sent directly to your email address.

Learn your CPA State Requirements!

Fill out this form to get your free guide sent directly to your email address.