New Hampshire CPA Licensure and CPE Requirements Guide
Navigate New Hampshire's CPA licensure and CPE requirements with this comprehensive guide, covering essential criteria and renewal processes.
Understanding the requirements for CPA licensure and continuing professional education (CPE) in New Hampshire is essential for maintaining an accounting career. These guidelines ensure that CPAs remain competent, ethical, and up-to-date with industry standards.
This guide provides information on what aspiring and current CPAs need to know about obtaining and maintaining their licenses in New Hampshire.
Initial CPA Licensure Requirements
Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New Hampshire requires candidates to meet specific qualifications to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. The process begins with earning a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, including at least 120 semester hours of coursework in accounting and business-related subjects, as outlined by the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy.
Candidates must then pass the Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). The exam consists of four sections: Auditing and Attestation, Business Environment and Concepts, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Regulation. Passing all sections is required for licensure.
To be licensed, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of education, often requiring additional coursework beyond a bachelor’s degree, such as a master’s program. They must also gain at least one year of relevant work experience under a licensed CPA, involving services or advice in areas like accounting, auditing, tax, or consulting.
CPE Criteria
Maintaining a CPA license in New Hampshire involves meeting Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements. CPAs must complete 120 hours of CPE over a three-year rolling period, with at least 20 hours annually. This structure ensures consistent professional development.
Within the 120 hours, at least 4 must focus on ethics education, emphasizing ethical decision-making and professional integrity. The remaining hours can be customized to address topics such as tax updates, financial reporting, or technology trends. Eligible programs must be developed by qualified individuals, include clear learning objectives, and adhere to NASBA/AICPA CPE Standards. Delivery methods can vary, including live seminars, webinars, or self-study courses.
CPE Credit Calculation
CPE credits in New Hampshire are calculated based on participation in approved activities. Live programs typically award one credit for every 50 minutes of instruction. Self-study courses require passing an assessment to verify understanding, as per NASBA standards.
CPAs must maintain detailed records of their participation, including program titles, content summaries, and credits earned. This documentation is essential for compliance and may be requested during audits by the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy. CPAs should also distinguish between technical and non-technical subjects, as this impacts how credits are allocated.
Approved CPE Providers
New Hampshire CPAs must use approved providers to meet their CPE obligations. Providers listed on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors by NASBA ensure high-quality educational standards.
Organizations like the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants (NHSCPA) offer courses on topics such as GAAP updates or changes in tax laws. Online platforms like Becker Professional Education and Surgent provide flexible learning options for CPAs to meet their requirements.
Recordkeeping and Documentation
Accurate recordkeeping is critical for New Hampshire CPAs to demonstrate compliance with CPE requirements. CPAs should retain certificates of completion, which include details such as the provider’s name, course title, dates, and credits earned. These records are essential in case of an audit by the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy.
Organized and accessible documentation ensures CPAs can quickly provide evidence of compliance. Whether through digital or physical systems, efficient record management simplifies the tracking of progress toward meeting CPE requirements and responding to any inquiries from the Board.
Renewal Process and Deadlines
New Hampshire CPAs must renew their licenses every three years, coinciding with the CPE reporting cycle. Renewal involves submitting personal information, attesting to completed CPE credits, and paying the renewal fee.
The renewal deadline is December 31 of the third year in the cycle. Failure to renew on time may result in penalties, including late fees or license suspension. To avoid issues, CPAs should begin the renewal process well in advance, allowing time to resolve any discrepancies. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy provides guidance to help CPAs complete the renewal process efficiently.