Kansas CPA Exam & License Requirements

Updated: May 23, 2023 You’re our #1 priority.
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In the state of Kansas, the journey to becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is marked by a series of rigorous requirements that align with national standards, ensuring that CPAs are well-equipped for the evolving demands of the accounting profession. Notably, stats show that CPAs in the United States, on average, earn significantly higher salaries compared to their non-certified counterparts, a trend that highlights the value of this esteemed certification.

In Kansas, candidates are required to meet specific educational and work experience criteria before they can sit for the CPA exam and obtain their license, a path that promises both professional recognition and financial advancement. Let’s take a look at each of these requirements. 

To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, students must first fulfill these qualifications and requirements:

  1. Minimum age: None
  2. U.S. Residency NOT Required
  3. State Residency Required: Must be a resident, employee, OR have an office in the state
  4. Social Security Number (SSN) Required

Education Requirements

Education requirements are very strict for Kansas CPA candidates. In fact, there are quite a few Reddit posts from CPA hopefuls discussing how strict the class requirements are (particularly oral communication) for licensure. 

One user posted: “Currently, I live in Kansas, but their requirements to sit for the exam are insane, and even though I have like 200+ credits as I have an MBA and many doctoral classes in businesses, I am missing a lot of their basic classes like oral communication and micro and macroeconomics.”

To receive licensure, this candidate (and all others) would need to have the following:

  1. Bachelor’s degree or above
  2. 150-semester units from an accredited university that include:
    1. Accounting: 30-semester units
    2. General education: 42-semester units — please check Kansas Education Requirements for details
    3. Oral and communication: 11-semester unit
    4. CPA review courses can be counted towards this as long as they are offered by an accredited educational institution

KS CPA License Requirements

Kansas is a two-tier state, which means that you must obtain a CPA certificate before you can apply for a CPA license. Certification does not allow you to practice or hold yourself out as a CPA. Once you have passed the CPA exam, you are required to pass the AICPA’s Professional Ethics course. Once a candidate has successfully completed the ethics course and has been issued a Kansas CPA certificate, a person may use the CPA as a credential only. 

Certification

  • The passing of the AICPA ethics exam (The cost of the course is $245 or $189 for AICPA members)

License – Permit to Practice

  • Must have a Kansas CPA certificate
  • Work Experience:
    • 1 year of public or non-public accounting experience verified by an active CPA licensee
    • Part-time work can count toward the requirement

Kansas CPA Exam Fees

The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in Kansas is $1,379.20 ($344.80 per section) plus the initial $90 education evaluation application fee. The re-examination registration fee varies depending on the number of sections you are signing up for. 

**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 Kansas expires six months after issuance. However, once a candidate has passed a section, they will have 18 months from the date that part is passed to pass the remaining sections before losing credit for the passed part.

Additional CPA Requirements

  1. Pass all 4 sections of the CPA exam with a score of 75% or higher
  2. Complete verified accounting work experience
  3. Pass the AICPA ethics exam
  4. Fill out and submit all required CPA license application paperwork
  5. Pay the CPA license application fee

KS Exam Information and Resources

Kansas CPA Exam CandidatesKansas CPA Examination FAQ

For more details, please contact:

Kansas Board of Accountancy

Landon State Office Building
900 SW Jackson, Suite 556
Topeka, KS 66612-1239
Email: [email protected][email protected]
Phone: 785-296-2162
Fax: 785-291-3501

What’s Next?

Now that you have started the CPA exam application process, your next step is to find the right CPA review course that best 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!

 

Kansas CPA Licensure FAQs

What are the educational requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Kansas?

You need a bachelor’s degree or higher with 150 semester hours, including 42 hours in business and 30 hours in accounting.

How do I apply to take the CPA exam in Kansas?

Submit an application to the Kansas Board of Accountancy with your transcripts and fee, then apply to NASBA for a Notice to Schedule upon eligibility confirmation.

How can I retake a section of the CPA exam in Kansas and what is the process?

Complete the ethics exam, fulfill work experience requirements, and then apply for licensure.

For how long are my CPA exam scores valid in Kansas?

Exam scores are valid for 18 months, within which all four sections must be passed.

What work experience is required for CPA licensure in Kansas?

One year (2,000 hours) of verifiable accounting work experience is needed.