How Much Does It Cost to Become a CPA?

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) represents a significant career milestone, opening doors to diverse opportunities and increased earning potential within the financial and accounting sectors. Pursuing this designation involves a series of financial commitments that extend beyond typical educational expenses. The total investment encompasses costs related to academic qualifications, the CPA Examination itself, the licensure application process, and ongoing requirements to maintain the credential.

Educational Requirements and Associated Costs

Meeting educational prerequisites is often the first financial step toward becoming a CPA. Most jurisdictions require candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework, which typically exceeds the 120 hours needed for a standard bachelor’s degree. This additional credit hour requirement often necessitates a master’s degree in accounting or related field, or extra undergraduate courses.

Tuition and fees for these educational programs vary widely based on the institution and residency status. For a bachelor’s degree, in-state public universities average $10,940 per year, while out-of-state public university tuition can be around $28,240 annually. Private non-profit institutions average $39,400 per year for tuition and fees. If pursuing a master’s degree to meet the 150-hour requirement, public graduate programs average about $12,410 in tuition, and private institutions average $26,597. Some online master’s programs may offer lower costs; online bachelor’s degrees range from $30,000 to $60,000 in total.

Beyond tuition, students incur costs for textbooks and study materials. These vary by course and program but represent a consistent expense throughout academic pursuits. Some universities offer academic courses designed to prepare students for the CPA Exam, distinct from dedicated CPA review courses. These academic courses contribute to the credit hour count and provide foundational knowledge, adding to the total educational expenditure.

Additional academic expenses include transportation, particularly for on-campus programs. For students who relocate, living expenses like housing and food also contribute to the financial burden. Technology requirements, like a computer and software, are also part of the educational investment.

CPA Examination Costs

The Uniform CPA Examination involves costs candidates must consider as they progress towards licensure. Before taking the exam, an initial application fee is paid to the state board of accountancy for eligibility. This one-time fee typically ranges from $50 to $300, with some states averaging $125. International candidates may face higher application fees, up to $390.

The CPA Examination is divided into four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG), or the new Disciplines sections (BAR, ISC, TCP). Each section incurs a separate examination fee, generally $250 to $400, totaling $1,000 to $1,600 for all four parts if passed on the first attempt. Some states also impose a registration fee per section, an additional $40 to $100. If a candidate needs to retake a section, additional fees apply, typically $50 to $200 per retake.

A dedicated review course is a substantial investment in the CPA examination process. These comprehensive courses, offered by providers like Becker, Wiley, Surgent, and UWorld Roger CPA Review, prepare candidates for the rigorous exam content. Costs for these courses generally range from $1,300 to $5,000, depending on features like online video lectures, textbooks, practice tests, and personalized tutoring. Some premium packages can even reach up to $5,999. While optional, these review courses can significantly improve the chances of passing the exam, potentially saving money on retake fees.

Supplemental study materials, such as flashcards, question banks, or specific textbooks not included in a primary review course, may also contribute to expenses. Administrative or scheduling fees associated with testing centers, such as rescheduling fees of $35 to $85, can arise if changes to exam appointments are needed. The total cost for the CPA Examination, including application, registration, and exam fees, ranges from $1,210 to $2,200, excluding review courses.

CPA Licensure Application Costs

After passing the Uniform CPA Examination, candidates encounter costs associated with applying for the CPA license. An initial licensure application fee is paid to the state board of accountancy to process the final license. This fee varies by jurisdiction, typically ranging from $50 to $450.

Many jurisdictions require an ethics examination as part of the licensure process. This ethics exam, often administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), typically costs between $150 and $200. This self-study, open-book exam focuses on professional conduct and ethical principles.

Additional fees may include costs for background checks or fingerprinting, standard procedures for professional licensure. Background checks cost $10 to $50, and fingerprint processing fees range from $25 to $50. Minor administrative costs might also be incurred for obtaining official transcripts or for securing verification letters from employers to confirm work experience requirements.

Ongoing Costs of Maintaining CPA Licensure

Once the CPA license is obtained, recurring costs are necessary to maintain an active credential. License renewal fees are periodically paid to the state board of accountancy, typically annually or biennially. These fees vary widely by state, with some states charging around $120 every three years, and others having biennial renewal fees of $340.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) is an ongoing expense. CPAs are required to complete a specified number of CPE hours to ensure their knowledge and skills remain current. The cost of CPE varies based on format and provider, encompassing options such as webinars, online courses, self-study programs, and professional conferences. Individual CPE courses range from $50 to $100 per credit hour, while subscription services or conference registrations can also represent substantial costs. While some employers may cover CPE costs, individual CPAs are responsible for these expenses if their employer does not.

Many CPAs choose to join professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or their state CPA societies. Membership dues for the AICPA range from $0 for student affiliates to several hundred dollars annually for licensed professionals, with some regular memberships costing around $340 per year. State CPA societies also charge annual dues, which vary but typically range from $125 to over $400 depending on membership category. These memberships, while optional, provide access to resources, networking opportunities, and professional development.