CPA (Certified Public Accountant): Requirements & Exam Details

Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.

The CPA (Certified Public Accountant) certification is issued jointly by the AICPA, NASBA, and individual state boards. To qualify for the exam, candidates must complete 150 college credit hours and meet additional requirements set by their state of licensure, which vary by jurisdiction. The Uniform CPA Exam consists of four sections and carries a base fee of approximately $1,051 for a single attempt, which includes application costs and is subject to variation by state and change over time. As of June 2026, this fee structure breaks down to roughly $262.64 per section plus approximately $96 in application fees, though actual costs are state-determined and subject to change.

The CPA license is renewed according to each state's individual renewal cycle and continuing professional education (CPE) requirements. Eligibility criteria, examination fees, and renewal rules are established and may be modified by the issuing bodies and state boards. Candidates should verify all current requirements, fees, and deadlines directly on their state board's official website and the AICPA/NASBA portal before registering, as these standards are subject to change and vary by location.

Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by AICPA / NASBA / state boards and can change — confirm on the official page.

Full cost breakdown → · How to prepare →