Kentucky CPA Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

Kentucky, with its thriving industries like manufacturing, real estate, and healthcare, offers abundant opportunities for CPAs. Let's delve into the CPA Exam and license requirements in Kentucky to start your journey in this promising field.

Education and License Prerequisites

1. Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree: A minimum requirement with a focus on accounting.

• Credit Hours: 150 semester hours, including specific accounting and business-related courses.

• Accounting Courses: At least 27 semester hours in accounting and 12 hours in business-related courses.

2. Age, Citizenship, and Residency:

• Minimum Age: 18 years.

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is necessary.

• Residency: Residency in Kentucky is not required.

3. Social Security Number: Mandatory for CPA licensure in Kentucky.

CPA Exam Details

1. Passing Score: A minimum of 75 in each section.

2. Time Frame: All sections must be passed within 18 months.

Work Experience

• Duration: A minimum of one year (2,000 hours) in accounting or auditing.

• Requirements: Experience should be obtained after completing a degree and must be verified by a qualified CPA.

• Timeline: Experience must be completed within 5 years of passing the final CPA Exam section.

International CPA Examination Program

Kentucky participates in this program, facilitating non-U.S. candidates to take the CPA Exam. International credentials need evaluation by NACES.

CPA Exam & Licensing Costs in Kentucky

• Initial Application Fee: $30.

• Exam Fees (per section): $238.15.

• Total Initial Cost: Approximately $983.

• License Application Fee: $100.

Renewal and Continuing Education

1. Renewal Period: Every two years between July 1st and August 1st.

2. Renewal Fee: $100 (or $200 for late renewals).

3. CPE Requirements:

• 80 hours for CPAs with extensive public accounting experience.

• 60 hours for all other CPAs.

• Includes a 2-hour ethics course.

CPA Exam Application Process

1. Application Submission: Through Kentucky's state board website.

2. Authorization to Test (ATT): Issued upon eligibility confirmation.

3. Notice to Schedule (NTS): Received post-payment of exam fees.

4. Scheduling with Prometric: Choice of date and location.

5. Exam Completion: Must score at least 75 in each section within an 18-month period.