The journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Connecticut is a testament to dedication, expertise, and adherence to high professional standards. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) recently implemented a crucial amendment to the Uniform Accountancy Act Model Rules, significantly impacting CPA candidates nationwide.
This amendment extends the CPA Exam testing window from 18 months to 30 months, offering candidates in Connecticut and across the U.S. more flexibility. This change reflects a concerted effort to support CPA candidates, recognizing the challenges of balancing rigorous exam preparation with personal and professional commitments. Aspiring CPAs in Connecticut now have an extended period to pass all exam sections, enhancing their prospects for success in this demanding field.
This article delves into the Connecticut CPA licensure process, incorporating these latest developments and outlining the path to achieving this esteemed professional designation. Plus, we make it so that you don’t have to spend hours on Reddit like other CPA candidates searching for answers.
To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, students must first fulfill these qualifications and requirements:
- Minimum age: None
- U.S. Residency NOT Required
- State Residency NOT required
Education Requirements
To qualify for a CPA certificate after January 1, 2000, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of postsecondary education from a CHEA-recognized college or university. This education must include:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- 36 semester hours in accounting, typically labeled as ACC or ACCT in course offerings.
- 30 semester hours in business or economics-related courses (excluding advertising, retailing, and insurance). Acceptable courses include Business Finance, Financial Management, Business Law, Principles of Management, Marketing Strategies, and Business Statistics.
- 60 semester hours in general education, which can also encompass additional accounting, business, or economics classes beyond the specified requirements.
CT CPA License Requirements
Work Experience
- 2 years of public or non-public accounting experience supervised and verified by an active CPA licensee
Ethics Exam
- Passing of the AICPA ethics exam (Cost of course is $245 or $189 for AICPA members)
Connecticut Exam Fees
The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in Connecticut is $743 plus the initial $135 application fee. The re-examination registration fee varies depending on the number of sections you are signing up for.
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $344.80 |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | $344.80 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $344.80 |
| Regulation (REG) | $344.80 |
| Education Evaluation Fee: | $90 |
**Important Note: You should not apply and pay for exam sections that will not be taken within six months because your Notice to Schedule (NTS) in Connecticut expires 6 months after issuance.
Additional CPA Requirements
- Pass all 4 sections of the CPA exam with a score of 75% or higher
- Complete verified accounting work experience
- Pass AICPA Ethics Exam
- Fill out and submit all required CPA license application paperwork
- Pay the CPA license application fee
CT Exam Information and Resources
Connecticut CPA Certificate ApplicationConnecticut CPA Education Requirements
Connecticut CPA Examination FAQ
For more details, please contact:
Connecticut State Board of Accountancy
Secretary of the State
30 Trinity Street
Hartford, CT 06106
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 860-509-6179
Fax: 860-509-6247
What’s Next?
Now that you have started the CPA exam application process, your next step is to find a CPA review course that fits your budget, learning style, and schedule.
It can take several weeks for your application to be processed, so don’t waste that valuable time waiting to hear back from your state board. If you start studying now, you will get a nice jump start on the material and will be better prepared to pass your first CPA exam!
Connecticut CPA Licensure FAQs
Candidates with foreign educational credentials must have them evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). The completed evaluation should be forwarded to the Connecticut Coordinator CPA Examination Services.
Yes, courses and degrees from online programs are acceptable if the college or university is accredited. Candidates should verify the accreditation status of the institution.
Courses in which a pass/fail grade was issued are eligible to meet the education requirement, provided the candidate has received a passing grade.
CPA licenses in Connecticut typically need to be renewed every two years. CPA licensees are also required to complete a specified number of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours within each renewal period. The specific CPE requirements can vary, so it’s important for CPAs to stay informed about current CPE standards and ensure they are met before each renewal deadline.
Bryce Welker is a regular contributor to Forbes, Inc.com, YEC and Business Insider. After graduating from San Diego State University he went on to earn his Certified Public Accountant license and created CrushTheCPAexam.com to share his knowledge and experience to help other accountants become CPAs too. Bryce was named one of Accounting Today’s “Accountants To Watch” among other accolades. As Seen On Forbes
