Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Kansas
Overview
Kansas, with its competitive and high-paying job market in various fields, is an excellent place for CPAs. The Kansas Board of Accountancy (KSBOA) has set forth specific guidelines for CPA licensure which includes education, passing the CPA Exam, gaining work experience, and completing an ethics exam. Kansas operates on a two-tier system where a certificate is issued upon passing the CPA Exam, and a license is granted upon fulfilling work experience requirements.
Education Requirements
To qualify for the CPA Exam in Kansas, you need:
A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
A minimum of 150 semester hours, including:
42 semester hours in Business and General Education, covering courses like economics, business law, finance, marketing, etc.
30 semester hours in Accounting Theory and Practice, including financial accounting, auditing, U.S. income taxation, etc.
11 semester hours in Written and Oral Communication.
Exam Eligibility and Structure
Age and Residency: Candidates must be at least 18 years old and residents of Kansas.
Social Security Requirement: Yes.
Exam Structure: The CPA Exam consists of four sections, with a passing score of 75 required in each.
Ethics Exam: Candidates must pass the AICPA ethics exam.
Work Experience Requirements
Experience: One year of full-time experience in accounting.
Verification: The experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
Nature of Work: The experience should involve services or advice using accounting, attest, tax, or consulting skills.
CPA Licensing in Kansas
Initial Permit to Practice: Issued by KSBOA upon meeting experience requirements.
International Candidates: Eligible under the International CPA Examination Program.
Application Process and Fees
Initial Application Fee: $170.
Exam Section Fees: $238.15 per section.
Re-examination Fee: $85.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Renewal: Biennially by June 30.
Fee: $165.
CPE Requirements: 80 hours every two years, including two hours of ethics.
Record Keeping: Maintain CPE records for five years.
Exam Application and Scheduling
Submit Application: Via NASBA's CPA Central portal.
Authorization to Test (ATT): Issued by KSBOA upon verifying eligibility.
Notice to Schedule (NTS): Received within three to six weeks of applying.
Scheduling the Exam: Through Prometric’s website.
Passing the Exam: Score a minimum of 75 in each section within 18 months.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Kansas offers a promising career path. Understanding and meeting the state-specific requirements is key to achieving licensure. With careful planning and commitment, your journey to becoming a CPA in Kansas can be a fulfilling and successful venture.