The finance and accounting industry’s valuation stands at a robust $675.14 billion and is on an upward trajectory toward an impressive $938.38 billion by 2031. The role of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) has never been more pivotal.
New Mexico, with its unique blend of cultural heritage and economic diversity, offers a challenging yet rewarding path for aspiring CPAs. This comprehensive guide delves into the specifics of acquiring CPA licensure in the Land of Enchantment, detailing the 150-credit hour educational prerequisite, the nuances of requisite work experience, and the critical steps to certification. It’s an essential read for those ready to navigate the flourishing landscape of accounting in New Mexico and carve a niche in an industry that’s not just surviving but thriving, even in times of global economic shifts.
To be eligible to sit for the CPA exam, students must first fulfill these qualifications and requirements:
- Minimum age: 18
- U.S. Residency NOT Required; however, if you completed courses at a campus located outside the U.S. for a school located in the U.S., the official transcript must be issued by the registrar from the U.S. campus. Transcripts issued by the registrar for the campus located outside the U.S. will not be accepted.
- State Residency NOT Required
New Mexico CPA Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher
- 30 semester units of accounting courses, 3 of which can come from a Business Law course
For CPA licensure, commercial CPA review courses and finance courses cannot replace accounting courses. Only original transcripts from regionally accredited institutions are valid; photocopies or transcripts issued to students are not accepted. Education from regionally accredited community colleges or two-year institutions is acceptable. Additionally, correspondence courses, pass/fail grades, and CLEP credits are valid if they are credited by a regionally accredited university and documented on an official transcript.
NM CPA License Requirements
Work Experience
- 1 year of public or non-public accounting experience supervised and verified by an actively licensed United States CPA
- Chartered accountants from outside the US are not eligible for verification
Ethics Exam
- Passing the AICPA ethics exam (the cost of the exam is $245 or $189 for AICPA members)
New Mexico CPA Exam Fees
The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in New Mexico is $1,379.20 ($344.80 per section) plus the initial $90 education evaluation 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 | $190 |
**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 New Mexico 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
NM Exam Information and Resources
New Mexico CPA Exam CandidatesNew Mexico CPA License FAQ
For more details, please contact:
New Mexico Public Accountancy Board
5200 Oakland NE, Suite D
Albuquerque, NM 87113
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Phone: 505-222-9850
Fax: 505-222-9855
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.
New Mexico CPA Licensure FAQs
Yes, New Mexico requires relevant accounting work experience, supervised by a licensed CPA.
Yes, passing an ethics exam, like the AICPA ethics exam, is a requirement.
The cost to take all four sections of the CPA exam in New Mexico is $1,379.20 ($344.80 per section) plus the initial $90 education evaluation fee.
Licensure can be transferred, but you may need to meet specific reciprocity requirements of New Mexico.
In New Mexico, CPAs are required to complete 120 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every three years, with a minimum of 20 hours per year. Additionally, CPAs must complete 4 hours of ethics-related CPE within this three-year period.
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
