How Much Does It Cost to Become a CPA?

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) opens doors to diverse career opportunities in accounting and finance. Pursuing this license involves financial commitments beyond passing the CPA Exam. These expenses include educational prerequisites, study materials, and the final licensing process. The total financial outlay varies, influenced by individual academic backgrounds, chosen study methods, and specific state board requirements. Understanding these costs allows for informed financial planning.

CPA Exam Application and Section Fees

The journey to becoming a CPA begins with application and examination fees. An initial application fee is paid to the state board of accountancy or directly to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) to establish exam eligibility. This one-time fee ranges from $20 to $200, varying by jurisdiction. Some state boards may also charge an education evaluation application fee, which can be $90 to $150.

After initial approval, candidates face fees for each of the four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination. As of January 2025, the CPA Exam structure includes three core sections—Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG)—along with a choice of one of three discipline sections: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Each exam section costs $390, making the total examination fee for all four sections $1,560 if passed on the first attempt.

Candidates incur registration fees, which can range from $40 to $200 for each section and vary by state. These examination and registration fees are non-refundable. If a candidate does not pass a section, re-examination requires repaying both the registration and examination section fees, which can range from $50 to $200 per section. Rescheduling an exam appointment carries costs: no fee if done 30 or more days in advance, $35 for changes made 6-29 days prior, and $85 for changes within 1-5 days of the scheduled exam. Forfeiting the fees is a possibility if cancellation occurs within 24 hours of the exam.

CPA Exam Review Material Costs

Preparing for the CPA Exam requires investing in comprehensive review materials. The cost of these review courses varies widely, depending on the provider and the package selected. Basic self-study options can cost a few hundred dollars, while premium bundles can exceed several thousand dollars. A CPA review course costs between $1,300 and $5,000.

Leading providers such as Becker, Wiley (now UWorld), Surgent, and Roger (also UWorld) offer various packages. Becker CPA Review courses range from $2,499 to $4,999, providing multiple-choice questions, task-based simulations, and live online or in-person classes with private tutoring options. Wiley CPA, offering self-paced learning with a large bank of practice questions, costs between $1,399 and $2,499. Surgent CPA Review has course prices ranging from $1,299 to $3,799. Roger CPA Review falls within the $1,499 to $3,900 range.

These packages include features like access to thousands of multiple-choice questions and task-based simulations, digital and physical textbooks, video lectures, and personalized study plans or one-on-one academic tutoring. Some courses provide unlimited access until the candidate passes the exam. Candidates may also incur costs for supplementary materials, such as additional question banks, flashcards, or specialized textbooks, if these are not included in their chosen primary review course. Many review course companies offer discounts, and some candidates may benefit from employer sponsorships or scholarships, which can reduce this expense.

Educational Hour Costs

A component of the overall cost for many aspiring CPAs involves meeting the educational requirements for licensure. Most states mandate that candidates complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to qualify for a CPA license, a requirement that exceeds the 120 hours needed for a bachelor’s degree. For individuals who have not met this 150-hour threshold, acquiring additional credits incurs costs. This can involve enrolling in additional undergraduate courses, pursuing a master’s degree, or taking courses at community colleges or through online programs.

The cost of these additional credits varies based on the type of institution and residency status. Community colleges offer the most economical option, with per-credit-hour costs ranging from $85 to $296 for in-state students. Four-year public universities can charge in-state students an average of $192 to $447 per credit hour. Private four-year institutions represent the highest cost, with credit hours exceeding $1,200, averaging $1,280 per credit hour. Online programs can offer a more flexible and less expensive alternative, depending on the institution.

The total expense for these additional educational hours depends on how many credits a candidate still needs and their chosen educational pathway. For instance, obtaining 30 additional semester hours at a community college might cost a few thousand dollars, while the same number of credits at a private university could amount to tens of thousands. Many candidates fulfill the 150-hour requirement in the most cost-effective manner, by taking extra courses during their undergraduate studies or by enrolling in more affordable post-baccalaureate programs.

Licensing and Ethics Course Fees

The final financial steps in the CPA licensure process involve fees associated with the license application and any mandatory ethics components. After successfully passing all sections of the CPA Exam and fulfilling the education and experience requirements, candidates must apply to their state board of accountancy for the CPA license. This initial license application fee is distinct from the exam application fee and can vary by state, ranging from $50 to $500.

Most states require candidates to complete an ethics examination or course as a prerequisite for licensure. This involves passing the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Professional Ethics Exam, which costs between $150 and $320. Some states have their own state-specific ethics courses or exams, such as California’s PETH exam, which costs $150. These ethics requirements ensure that new licensees possess an understanding of professional conduct and ethical responsibilities within the accounting profession.

Once the CPA license is obtained, ongoing fees are necessary to maintain it. This includes license renewal fees, which are paid annually or biennially. These renewal fees can range from $50 to $200 per year. Maintaining the license also requires completing Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits, which can incur additional costs for courses. These regular payments ensure that CPAs remain in good standing and are authorized to practice public accountancy within their jurisdiction.