How to Become a Certified Public Accountant in New York
Becoming a CPA in New York takes education, an exam and an application. Here is the exact breakdown for New York, sourced from the official board.
How do I become a CPA in New York?
To become a CPA in New York you must complete 150 semester hours including a bachelor's degree with 30+ accounting hours, pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA), 4 sections; ethics exam in most states, meet the experience requirement (2,000 hours (1 year) of accounting experience under a CPA), cover the fees (Application fee $50-$150; exam fees vary by section). Licensing is handled by New York State Board for Public Accountancy. Confirm current rules with the official board before applying.
Requirements at a glance
- Pre-licensing education
- 150 semester hours including a bachelor's degree with 30+ accounting hours
- Exam requirements
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA), 4 sections; ethics exam in most states
- Experience
- 2,000 hours (1 year) of accounting experience under a CPA
- Fees & costs
- Application fee $50-$150; exam fees vary by section
- Reciprocity
- Mobility provisions generally allow licensed CPAs to cross state lines
- Renewal
- 1-2 year cycle, 40-80 hours CPE
Exam prep for the Certified Public Accountant license exam
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FAQ
What are the education requirements to become a CPA in New York?
150 semester hours including a bachelor's degree with 30+ accounting hours. This is the requirement published by the state.
What exam do I take to become a CPA in New York?
You take the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA), 4 sections; ethics exam in most states. Sign up through the approved testing vendor used by the state.
How much does a CPA license cost in New York?
Application fee $50-$150; exam fees vary by section. Application, education and exam fees are set by the state board and can change.
How often do I renew my cpa license in New York?
1-2 year cycle, 40-80 hours CPE.
All states for this license
Licensing rules can change. This page is a summary, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the official New York State Board for Public Accountancy before applying.