Your Guide to CPA Certification in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a unique two-tiered system for CPA certification, involving a Certificate upon passing the CPA Exam and a Permit to Practice after meeting experience requirements. This guide outlines the process for becoming a CPA in Nebraska, detailing the education, exam, work experience, and other essential criteria.
Educational Requirements
Nebraska has specific educational requirements for CPA candidates:
Degree and Credit Hours: Candidates must earn a baccalaureate or higher degree with 150 semester hours (225 quarter hours).
Accounting Coursework: This includes 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in accounting above the introductory level, encompassing areas like financial accounting theory, cost/managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, accounting information systems, and governmental/not-for-profit accounting.
General Business Subjects: Additionally, 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) in general business subjects are required, covering macroeconomics, microeconomics, business law, marketing, management, finance, business ethics, and principles of accounting.
CPA Exam Eligibility: College students can take the CPA Exam if they will meet these requirements within 120 days from the exam date. Documentation must be submitted to CPA Examination Services (CPAES) within 150 days from the exam date.
Work Experience Requirements
Nebraska offers three options to fulfill work experience requirements:
Public Accounting: Two years (4,000 hours) in public accounting.
Government: Two years (4,000 hours) at the Nebraska Department of Revenue or Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts.
Private Industry, Government, or Academia: Three years (6,000 hours).
Note: Combining different types of work experience increases the requirement to three years (6,000 hours). All experience must be supervised by an active CPA and completed within the past 10 years.
Ethics Exam Requirements
Nebraska requires two ethics exams:
NBPA Ethics Exam: Administered by the State Board.
AICPA’s Professional Ethics Exam: A self-study examination.
License Renewal and CPE Requirements
CPAs in Nebraska must renew their licenses every two years. The CPE requirements are:
Total Hours: 80 hours of CPE, including 4 hours in ethics.
Deadline: CPE must be completed by December 31 of the year prior to renewal and reported by January 31 of the renewal year.
International CPA Examination Program
Nebraska participates in the International CPA Examination Program. Non-U.S. candidates can take the CPA Exam through the State Board but must meet state requirements and have their transcripts evaluated by NASBA International Evaluation Services (NIES).
CPA Exam and Licensing Fees
The fee structure for first-time applicants and re-examination in Nebraska is as follows:
Initial Application Fee: $185.00
Examination Fees (per section):
Auditing and Attestation (AUD): $238.15
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): $238.15
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): $238.15
Regulation (REG): $238.15
Total for all sections: $1,137.60
Re-examination Application Fee: $85 (plus examination fee per section)
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Nebraska requires careful planning and dedication to meet the state's unique two-tiered system. By fulfilling the educational prerequisites, passing the CPA Exam, completing the required work experience, and adhering to the ethics and continuing education requirements, candidates can successfully navigate their way to CPA certification in Nebraska. This process not only paves the way for a prestigious career in accounting but also ensures adherence to the high standards set by the Nebraska Board of Public Accountancy.