License: Accountants, Certified Public

Fees: Examination application: First-time candidate $100, Transfer Candidate $100, Repeat candidate $50. Additional fees will be paid directly to NASBA for each section of the exam. License application: $250 (Initial CPA License Application ); $400 (Accountancy Corporation or Partnership Application). An initial license fee is also charged after the application is approved. The amount due ($125 or $250) is based on when the applicant’s license will expire after issuance. Renewal Fee: $250. Examination Frequency: Five to Six days per week, two out of every three months. Examination Locations: Nationwide Prometric Testing Centers. Educational Requirements: Baccalaureate degree or higher from a college or university that is accredited by a U.S. regional or national accrediting agency, with a total of 150 semester units comprised of at least 24 semester units in accounting subjects, 24 semester units in business-related subjects, 20 semester units in accounting study, and 10 semester units in ethics study. Foreign education must be evaluated by a CBA-approved foreign credentials evaluation service. Licensure Requirements: Pass the CPA Exam, complete the required education, obtain 12 months accounting experience, pass the California Professional Ethics Exam, complete a criminal history background check. Application processing time: Exam: up to 30 days, Licensing: Once all documents are submitted, within 30 days. Renewal Period: Biennially (every 2 years). Special License Requirements: The Board accepts and evaluates for approval, applications from individuals licensed in other states who wish to practice in California, if California licensing requirements are met. Authority: Business and Professions Code, Division 3, Chapter 1, Sections 5000-5192. California Code of Regulations, Title 16, Chapter 1, Article 1-13, Sections 1-99.1.

  • Registry
  • Third-party exam required
  • Degree required
  • No continuing education requirement
  • Certification required
  • Experience required
  • No criminal record requirements
License information updated 06/02/2022