Guide to Becoming a CPA in South Dakota
South Dakota offers a conducive environment for those aspiring to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). The state's CPA requirements are outlined by the South Dakota Board of Accountancy, ensuring CPAs meet high standards of education, professionalism, and ethics. Let's delve into the specifics of the CPA Exam and licensure requirements in South Dakota.
Educational Requirements
To be eligible for CPA certification in South Dakota, candidates must meet these educational criteria:
Degree: A baccalaureate degree with 150 semester units.
Accounting Coursework: At least 24 semester units of graduate or upper-division undergraduate accounting courses.
Business Coursework: 24 semester units of upper-division business courses.
Candidates may sit for the exam 100 days before graduation.
Work Experience Requirements
South Dakota requires:
Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours) of work experience, which can be in government, industry, academia, or public practice.
Ethics Exam
Candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam within 90 days of fulfilling the work requirement.
Residency and Citizenship Requirements
Age: No minimum age requirement.
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required.
Residency: No residency requirement in South Dakota.
Social Security Number Requirement
Providing a Social Security number is optional for CPA licensure in South Dakota.
CPA Exam and Licensing Fees
The fees for the CPA examination in South Dakota are:
Initial Application Fees: Included in each exam section fee.
Examination Fees (per section):
AUD: $254.99
BEC: $254.99
FAR: $254.99
REG: $254.99
Total for all sections: $1,019.96
License Renewal
The South Dakota Board of Accountancy oversees the CPA license renewal process. Licensees must stay updated with the Board for specific renewal requirements and deadlines.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
While specific CPE requirements are not listed here, typically, CPAs must engage in ongoing professional education to maintain their licensure. This often includes a set number of CPE hours over a renewal period, with some hours in ethics. The South Dakota Board of Accountancy provides detailed CPE requirements and guidelines.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in South Dakota involves fulfilling educational prerequisites, passing the CPA Exam, completing relevant work experience, and adhering to ethical standards. The state offers a supportive environment for CPAs, with opportunities across various sectors. Continuous learning and adherence to professional standards are crucial for maintaining CPA licensure and thriving in the accounting profession in South Dakota.