Tennessee's growing economy offers significant opportunities for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). To become a CPA in Tennessee, candidates must meet the requirements set by the Tennessee State Board of Accountancy, in conjunction with NASBA and AICPA. Let's explore the CPA Exam and licensure requirements in Tennessee.

 

Educational Requirements

To qualify for the CPA Exam in Tennessee, candidates must meet these educational standards:

• Degree: A bachelor’s degree or higher.

• Credit Hours: A total of 150 semester hours.

• Accounting Coursework:

• At least 18 hours of accounting education at the upper division level.

• Business Coursework:

• 24 semester hours in general business courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.

 

Work Experience Requirements

Tennessee requires:

• Experience: One year (2,000 hours) of full-time work experience in accounting, which can be in government, industry, academia, or the public sector.

 

Ethics Exam

Candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam with a score of 90% or higher. This self-study course covers ethical and professional conduct for CPAs.

 

Residency and Citizenship Requirements

• Age: Minimum of 18 years old.

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

• Residency: No residency requirement in Tennessee.

 

Social Security Number Requirement

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

 

International CPA Examination Program

Tennessee participates in this program, allowing international candidates to apply for the CPA Exam. Foreign credentials must be evaluated by NASBA-approved authorities.

 

CPA Exam and Licensing Fees

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

• Initial Application Fee: $170.00

• Examination Fees (per section):

• AUD: $238.15

• BEC: $238.15

• FAR: $238.15

• REG: $238.15

• Total for all sections: $1,122.60

• Re-Examination Fees vary depending on the number of sections.

• Initial Licensing Fee: $100

 

License Renewal

CPA licenses in Tennessee must be renewed every two years. Odd-numbered licenses

are renewed in odd-numbered years, and even-numbered licenses in even-numbered years. The renewal fee is $110, and licensees must comply with Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements.

 

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements

• Total Hours: 80 approved hours of CPE every two years, with a minimum of 20 hours each year.

• Technical Subjects: At least 40 hours must be in technical subjects. If providing attest services, 20 of these hours must be in accounting and auditing.

• Ethics: If providing expert witness testimony, at least 20 hours must be in the general area of expertise.

• First Renewal Exceptions: New licensees in their first renewal cycle must earn at least 40 hours, including 20 technical hours and two hours of state ethics.

• Carryover Rule: A maximum of 24 hours can be carried over to the next cycle, but these do not count towards yearly minimums or technical CPE requirements.

• Audit: The Board audits 10% of renewing licensees for CPE compliance.

 

Conclusion

Becoming a CPA in Tennessee involves fulfilling educational prerequisites, passing the CPA Exam, acquiring relevant work experience, adhering to ethical standards, and engaging in continuous professional development through CPE. Tennessee's vibrant economy and the high demand for CPAs offer substantial career opportunities. Continuous learning and adherence to professional standards are key to maintaining CPA licensure and thriving in the accounting profession in Tennessee.