Pennsylvania, with its robust manufacturing economy, offers a conducive environment for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The state-specific requirements for CPA licensure are set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy. This guide will help you understand what it takes to become a CPA in Pennsylvania.

Educational Requirements

To sit for the CPA Exam in Pennsylvania, candidates need to meet these educational criteria:

• Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Credit Hours: 24 semester credits in accounting, including accounting and auditing, finance, business law, economics, or tax.

• Licensure: For CPA licensure, candidates must complete a total of 150 semester hours.

Work Experience Requirements

Pennsylvania requires:

• Experience: 12 months (1,600 hours) of work experience, which can be in accounting, attest, compilation, financial advisory, management advisory, tax, or consulting skills.

• Verification: The work experience must be verified and may be obtained in government, academia, public practice, or industry.

Ethics Exam

Currently, Pennsylvania does not have an ethics exam requirement for CPA licensure. However, candidates should stay updated with the PA State Board for any changes in this requirement.

Residency and Citizenship Requirements

• Age: Minimum of 18 years old.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required.

• Residency: No residency requirement in Pennsylvania.

Social Security Number Requirement

A Social Security number is required for CPA licensure in Pennsylvania.

International CPA Examination Program

Pennsylvania participates in this program, allowing international candidates to become CPAs in the state, provided they meet all requirements set by the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy.

CPA Exam and Licensing Fees

The fees for the CPA examination and licensing in Pennsylvania are:

• Initial Application Fee: $210.00

• Examination Fees (per section):

• AUD: $238.15

• BEC: $238.15

• FAR: $238.15

• REG: $238.15

• Total for all sections: $1,162.60

• Initial Licensure Fee: $65

• Biennial Renewal Fee: $100

License Renewal

CPA licenses in Pennsylvania must be renewed every two years, from January 1st to December 31st.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements

• Total Hours: First-time licensees must complete 80 hours of CPE in subjects relevant to professional competence.

• Annual Minimum: A minimum of 20 hours of CPE is required each year.

Conclusion

Becoming a CPA in Pennsylvania involves completing educational requirements, passing the CPA Exam, acquiring relevant work experience, and fulfilling CPE requirements for license renewal. With the demand for CPAs in Pennsylvania's diverse economy, the state offers substantial opportunities for accounting professionals to excel in their careers. Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments and maintaining ethical standards are crucial for CPAs practicing in Pennsylvania.