Arkansas CPA Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Arkansas, with its growing demand for CPAs in major corporations like Walmart, offers significant opportunities for those pursuing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification. This guide provides an overview of the CPA exam requirements, licensing process, and the application procedure in Arkansas.
Educational and Professional Requirements
To become eligible for the CPA exam in Arkansas, candidates must meet these educational standards:
Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor's degree with at least 120 semester hours is required. This includes 30 hours of upper-level accounting courses and 30 hours of business courses.
Licensure Education: For licensure, candidates need to complete 150 semester hours of college education, including more focused accounting and business courses.
CPA Exam and Licensing Process
Exam Score Requirement: Candidates must score at least 75 in each section of the four-part CPA Exam.
Work Experience: One year of full-time experience in accounting or related fields is required.
No Ethics Exam Requirement: Unlike some states, Arkansas does not require a separate CPA Ethics Exam for licensure.
Licensing Fees and Application
Application Fees: The initial application fee for the CPA exam is $50. Exam section fees paid to NASBA amount to $238.15 each, totaling $952.60.
Licensing Fees: After passing the CPA exam, the licensure application fee is $50, along with a background check fee of $35, and an annual registration fee of $110.
Continuing Education and Renewal
Renewal Requirements: CPAs in Arkansas must renew their licenses annually, with a fee of $110.
CPE Requirements: To maintain licensure, 40 hours of continuing education are required annually, or 120 hours over three years.
International CPA Examination Program
Participation: Arkansas participates in the International CPA Examination Program, encouraging non-U.S. citizens to become CPAs.
Applying for the CPA Exam in Arkansas
Submit CPA Exam Application: Apply via the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy’s application service, including transcript submission.
Authorization to Test (ATT): Once eligible, you will receive an ATT from the state board.
Notice to Schedule (NTS): Available within three to six weeks of application, valid for six months.
Schedule Exam with Prometric: Schedule your CPA exam at a convenient location and date through Prometric.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Arkansas involves fulfilling specific educational requirements, passing the CPA exam, gaining relevant work experience, and adhering to continuous education for license renewal. With proper preparation and understanding of these requirements, candidates can successfully navigate the path to CPA certification in Arkansas, opening doors to numerous professional opportunities.