How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost and CPA Exam Fees

cpa certification cost

If you wait and panic at the last moment, you may be at risk of forfeiting the fees you’ve already paid. Your CPA Exam review course is a big component of your total CPA Exam cost. But those who have passed the exam will tell you it’s not optional.

cpa certification cost

A CPA can help people and companies choose the best course of action in terms of minimizing taxes and maximizing profitability. An accountant is required to meet the legal requirements of any state in which the accountant wishes to practice. Although the CPA exam is uniform, licensing and certification requirements are imposed separately by each state’s laws and therefore vary from state to state. Once you add everything up, you’ll be paying roughly $1000 for the CPA exam.

How much does the CPA exam cost?

A certified public accountant (CPA) is a designation provided to licensed accounting professionals. The CPA license is provided by the Board of Accountancy for each state. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides resources on obtaining the license.

At the first level, you have access to their ASAP technology, e-books, lecture study notes, and over 7,000 MCQs for practice. The application and registration fees are the fees that everyone must pay at least law firm bookkeeping once. Many people are unable to pass one or more modules on their first attempt and must reapply to take the module over. Some review providers charge you more to access study materials after a certain time.

CPA Licensing Fees

The testing process is the same in regard to eligibility and parts of the test. The international testing fees have to be paid in addition to domestic testing fees. Here is an overview of some of the popular online review courses that you can purchase. To learn more about choosing the right course for your needs and budget, check out our CPA Course Review Comparison. Because each state requires different fees, and some people need to retake or reschedule sections of the exam, you need to consider these variables.

cpa certification cost

And, you’ve got to stay up to date with the latest changes in the industry. I feel like a broken record saying this, but once again, how much CPE you need will depend on your state. Most states require you to complete 40 hours of CPE a year, and one credit hour of CPE can cost anywhere from $20 to $125. Most state boards require CPA candidates to have 120 credit hours of education in order to sit for the CPA Exam.

How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost?

Even after you earn your degree, you’ll have to meet a few other CPA requirements that will cost you money, such as passing the CPA Exam. And unless you’re one of the fortunate few whose firm covers some or all of your CPA Exam costs, you’ll have to pay a handful of CPA Exam fees that will add up to 4 figures before you can say “certified”. The application fee is a one-time fee paid to your state board to apply to take the CPA Exam.

  • For further reference, our team of experts has purchased and reviewed the best CPA test prep courses on the market today.
  • That is, they put together, maintain, and review financial statements and related transactions for companies.
  • This can add up seeing as it costs about $250 to sit for a section.
  • If you have to retake the exam, you will pay $25 plus the exam fees.
  • To meet the Florida CPA experience requirements, a one year of work experience is required.

This is sometimes
also called the “registration fee.” Some states will offer discounts on CPA Exam retake fees if the candidate is
retaking 2 or more exams. ​​​​​The Board of Accountancy is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating certified public accountants and certified public accounting firms. The Board is funded solely through fees charged to obtain and renew a license to practice public accounting and to​​​​ sit for the CPA exam. All CPA candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination to qualify for a CPA certificate and license (i.e., permit to practice) to practice public accounting. While the exam is the same no matter where it’s taken, every state/jurisdiction has its own set of education and experience requirements that individuals must meet. Most state boards require candidates to already have 120 hours (the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree) to sit for the exam, but you will also need an additional 30 hours to get licensed.

The CPA designation isn’t required to work in corporate accounting or for private companies. However, public accountants⁠—which are individuals working for a firm, such as Deloitte or Ernst & Young, that provides accounting and tax-related services to businesses—must hold a CPA designation. Illinois requires a credentialing evaluation for first-time CPA candidates. CPA exam fees in California are regulated by the California state board of accountancy. Overall, California CPA requirements are unique compared to other states.

That’s because the average pay for a CPA there is around $75,000 a year. Thanks to having a huge population, there’s a naturally high demand for anyone with this license. In fact, the state’s Employment Development Department predicts that job outlook for accountants in California will increase by 10% over the next five years. However, CPA requirements can be very strict— and each state has a specific set of requirements.