PICPA

CPA Exam & Licensing Requirements


Presented by:
Pennsylvania CPA Foundation

Your Guide to the CPA Exam and CPA Licensure in Pennsylvania

CPA Exam Testing Update

Prometric has resumed testing for CPA candidates at centers where government regulations and guidelines allow. Social distancing guidelines and other safety measures will be implemented.

Visit Prometric for current and future site openings.

Notice to Schedule (NTS) Extensions
Candidates with NTS expiration dates between April 1, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020, will be extended until Dec. 31, 2020.

Please review NASBA's NTS extensions.

Exam Credit Extensions
Due to the COVID-19 emergency disaster declaration in Pennsylvania, a waiver was granted on the requirement that CPA candidates must complete all parts of the CPA Exam within an 18-month period. Candidates whose exam credits expire during the time of the emergency declaration will be granted an extension which lasts for the duration of the emergency plus 180 days from the end of the emergency. There is no end date set for the emergency declaration as of now.

To request this extension:
Please email the State Board at st-accountancy@pa.gov and include an explanation of your request, which sections and why, and a copy of most recent score notice or screen-shot of dashboard which shows expiration dates.

How do you become a CPA in Pennsylvania? Whether you're an accounting student, educator, or professional, the PICPA can help. Follow the steps here to get the information you need to take the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania and to secure your CPA license.

CPA Exam

  1. Graduate

    2. Upon graduation, candidates must meet certain requirements to sit for the CPA Exam.

  2. Prepare

    3. Learn about the fees to take the CPA Exam and develop a plan. 

  3. Apply

    4. Candidates can apply for one, two, three, or all four parts at one time. All parts must be taken within six months of the application date.

  4. Study

    5. CPA Exam sections cover a number of subjects that candidates are expected to understand prior to the test. The four parts consist of auditing and attestation, financial accounting and reporting, regulation, and business environment and concepts.

  5. Schedule and Sit

    6. After receiving a Notice to Schedule (NTS), it is advised to schedule a testing appointment as soon as possible.

Licensing

  1. Pass Exam

    2. To be eligible to apply for a CPA license in Pennsylvania, a candidate must pass all parts of the CPA Exam and fulfill a certain amount of hours of education, work experience, and CPE.

  2. Work Experience

    3. Candidates are required to complete specific hours of work experience through employment in government, industry, academia, or public practice.

  3. Take CPE

    4. CPA applicants must complete CPE within 24 months of application for an initial license. In some cases, passing the CPA Exam can fulfill the CPE requirements to apply for a license.

  4. Apply

    5. Applications for a Pennsylvania CPA license can be found on the State Board of Accountancy's website. Any questions about a CPA license application status should be directed to the State Board.

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Free Accounting Lectures & CPA Exam Prep

Looking for additional help in your accounting classes or as you prepare for the exam? Be sure to check out Professor Farhat's YouTube channel filled with free accounting lectures and lessons.
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