Guide to Becoming a CPA in Oregon
Oregon, with its mix of industry, livability, and growth, presents a promising landscape for aspiring Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The Oregon Board of Accountancy sets forth specific requirements for CPA licensure in the state. This guide will help you understand the CPA Exam and license requirements in Oregon.
Educational Requirements
To sit for the CPA Exam in Oregon, candidates must meet these educational standards:
Degree and Credit Hours: A total of 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
Accounting Coursework: At least 24 semester hours in upper-division accounting courses.
Related Coursework: 24 semester hours in accounting or related fields, such as finance, business, or economics. Up to 4 semester hours can be from internships.
Work Experience Requirements
Oregon requires:
Experience: One year of full-time work experience or 2,000 hours of equivalent part-time experience, supervised by a licensed CPA.
Ethics Exam
Candidates must pass a written exam on the Code of Professional Ethics for Accountants. This can be completed through the AICPA or Oregon Society of CPAs (OSCPA)
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
Age: There is no age requirement.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required.
Residency: No residency requirement in Oregon.
Social Security Number Requirement
A Social Security number is required for CPA licensure in Oregon.
International CPA Examination Program
Oregon participates in this program, accommodating international candidates. Credentials from international institutions must be evaluated by NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES).
CPA Exam and Licensing Fees
The fees associated with CPA examination and licensing in Oregon are:
Initial Exam Application Fee: $150.00
Examination Fees (per section):
AUD: $238.15
BEC: $238.15
FAR: $238.15
REG: $238.15
Total for all sections: $1,102.60
Initial Licensure Fee: $225
License Renewal
CPA licenses in Oregon need to be renewed every two years. License expiration dates are June 30 of even-numbered years for even-numbered licenses and odd-numbered years for odd-numbered licenses.
Renewal Fees:
Active Status: $225
Inactive Status: $50
Retired Status: $50
Late renewal incurs additional fees.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
Total Hours: 80 hours of CPE every two years, including a minimum of 4 hours in Oregon-specific ethics.
Annual Requirement: At least 24 CPE hours each year.
Ethics Provider: Must be from a Board-approved sponsor.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Oregon involves meeting educational prerequisites, passing the CPA Exam, completing relevant work experience, adhering to ethical standards, and engaging in ongoing professional development through CPE. With Oregon's diverse and growing economy, CPAs have ample opportunities to establish successful practices and contribute significantly to various sectors. Continuous learning and adherence to professional standards are key to maintaining your CPA license and excelling in Oregon's dynamic accounting landscape.