Alaska CPA Requirements: Journey to Licensure
Introduction
For those pursuing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license in Alaska, it's crucial to understand the state's specific requirements. The Alaska Board of Public Accountancy (ABPA) sets forth criteria that must be met to become a CPA in Alaska. This guide details these requirements, from education to exam fees.
Educational and Licensing Prerequisites
Alaska has distinct educational requirements for CPA candidates:
Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required, including 24 semester hours in accounting, and specific hours in business law, economics, and college-level math or statistics. Alternatively, a computer science degree can fulfill part of these requirements.
Licensure Education: For licensure, candidates must complete 150 semester hours.
CPA Exam Details
Exam Score Requirement: Each section of the CPA exam requires a score of at least 75.
Time Frame: Candidates have an 18-month window to pass all four sections.
Application and Fees: The application fee in Alaska is $185, with a registration fee of $90 and $238.15 per exam section.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates in Alaska need to earn “experience points”:
Bachelor’s Degree with Accounting: Requires four experience points.
Bachelor’s Degree without Accounting: Requires six experience points.
Nature of Work: Experience should be in accounting, attestation, financial advisory, management, consulting, tax, or advisory services.
CPA Ethics Exam
Mandatory Ethics Exam: Alaska requires passing the AICPA Ethics Exam, an 11-hour self-study course, with a minimum score of 90.
International CPA Examination Program
Participation: Alaska participates in this program, enabling international candidates to appear for the CPA exam.
Licensing Process and Fees
Social Security Number Requirement: Not required in Alaska.
Citizenship and Age: No U.S. citizenship requirement; minimum age is 19.
License Application Fee: Approximately $300, non-refundable.
Good Moral Character: Essential for licensure.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Renewal Period: Every two years, with all licenses expiring on the last day of odd-numbered years.
CPE Requirements: 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education every two years, recognized by National Registry Sponsors.
Applying for the CPA Exam in Alaska
Submit CPA Exam Application and Fees: Apply through the NASBA website and provide necessary transcripts.
Authorization to Test (ATT): Issued by ABPA to the National Candidate Database.
Notice to Schedule (NTS): Received within three to six weeks of application.
Schedule Exam with Prometric: Use your NTS to schedule the exam at a Prometric testing center.
Conclusion
Achieving CPA licensure in Alaska involves a series of steps, including meeting specific educational criteria, passing the CPA exam, and completing the required work experience. The unique requirements of Alaska, such as the Ethics Exam and the allowance for international candidates, make it a distinct journey. With thorough preparation and adherence to these requirements, candidates can successfully navigate the path to becoming a CPA in Alaska.