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What are the requirements to be CPA certified in the state of New York and New Jersey ?
I live in New Jersey but I work mostly in the state of New York and I would like to be certified in both states.
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Doc’s Answer
To become a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), Adriana you need to meet specific educational, examination, and experience requirements, which vary by state but generally involve a bachelor's degree in accounting, passing the Uniform CPA Examination, and gaining relevant work experience.
STEP 1️⃣ EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step toward becoming a CPA is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. This gives students the opportunity to develop foundational business and finance skills, as the curriculum offers courses in business relevant to the accounting industry. Undergraduate programs teach students a range of applicable skills, such as good business communication, strategic financial analysis, and key computer concepts. Examples of core classes include managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business law, and principles of marketing. Required courses also cover accounting basics, such as accounting theory, auditing, information systems, managerial accounting, and forensics.
STEP 2️⃣ PASS THE CPA EXAM
Students are allowed to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam in New York after successfully completing at least 120 of the 150 required semester hours and one course in each of the following areas:
• Audit and attestation
• Taxation
• Cost/management accounting
• Financial accounting
In order to become a CPA, accounting professionals must pass a national exam and fulfill the licensing requirements of the Board of Accountancy in the state where they want to practice. On the national level, applicants must pass the four-part Uniform CPA Examination offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which consists of task-based simulations, multiple-choice questions, and written communication tasks.
STEP 3️⃣ ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE
One possible route to becoming a CPA involves working through the ranks from an entry-level position. However, it’s important to note that one cannot become a CPA without passing the required exams. That said, the real-world accounting experience that professionals can gain from working in entry-level or mid level jobs while pursuing a degree and preparing for CPA exams can be invaluable. These kinds of opportunities may exist at small or large public accounting firms, private corporations across multiple industries, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Hope this was helpful Adriana
STEP 1️⃣ EARN A BACHELOR'S DEGREE
The first step toward becoming a CPA is to earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting. This gives students the opportunity to develop foundational business and finance skills, as the curriculum offers courses in business relevant to the accounting industry. Undergraduate programs teach students a range of applicable skills, such as good business communication, strategic financial analysis, and key computer concepts. Examples of core classes include managerial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, business law, and principles of marketing. Required courses also cover accounting basics, such as accounting theory, auditing, information systems, managerial accounting, and forensics.
STEP 2️⃣ PASS THE CPA EXAM
Students are allowed to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam in New York after successfully completing at least 120 of the 150 required semester hours and one course in each of the following areas:
• Audit and attestation
• Taxation
• Cost/management accounting
• Financial accounting
In order to become a CPA, accounting professionals must pass a national exam and fulfill the licensing requirements of the Board of Accountancy in the state where they want to practice. On the national level, applicants must pass the four-part Uniform CPA Examination offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which consists of task-based simulations, multiple-choice questions, and written communication tasks.
STEP 3️⃣ ON-THE-JOB EXPERIENCE
One possible route to becoming a CPA involves working through the ranks from an entry-level position. However, it’s important to note that one cannot become a CPA without passing the required exams. That said, the real-world accounting experience that professionals can gain from working in entry-level or mid level jobs while pursuing a degree and preparing for CPA exams can be invaluable. These kinds of opportunities may exist at small or large public accounting firms, private corporations across multiple industries, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
Hope this was helpful Adriana
Updated
Tyler’s Answer
Hi Adrianna,
As a CPA in New York, I can assure you that the basics of what Doc and Martha mentioned cover much of what you need to know about the education and experience required to take the CPA exams and get your license.
Equally important is preparing for the commitment needed to pass these exams. There are four exams you need to pass:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- One of several options like Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
You have 18 months to pass all four exams. Each exam requires a good amount of study time, around 300-400 hours in total, or 80-100 hours per exam. If you're not familiar with the topics, you might need more time. Although the AICPA offers free study materials, investing in resources from a provider like Becker CPA could be beneficial, as they offer guided materials to help you succeed.
While this requires a lot of time and some money for study materials, earning your CPA will be incredibly valuable for your career.
For more details, you can visit the AICPA's website.
Wishing you the best of luck!
As a CPA in New York, I can assure you that the basics of what Doc and Martha mentioned cover much of what you need to know about the education and experience required to take the CPA exams and get your license.
Equally important is preparing for the commitment needed to pass these exams. There are four exams you need to pass:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- One of several options like Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
You have 18 months to pass all four exams. Each exam requires a good amount of study time, around 300-400 hours in total, or 80-100 hours per exam. If you're not familiar with the topics, you might need more time. Although the AICPA offers free study materials, investing in resources from a provider like Becker CPA could be beneficial, as they offer guided materials to help you succeed.
While this requires a lot of time and some money for study materials, earning your CPA will be incredibly valuable for your career.
For more details, you can visit the AICPA's website.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Updated
Marcy’s Answer
Starting February 11, 2026, the requirements to become a CPA in New Jersey are changing. You can choose one of two pathways to meet the requirements:
Pathway 1:
- Complete 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Credits can be earned during or after your degree, even through work-for-credit programs.
- Take 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 in business. Your degree can be in any field.
- Gain one year of experience in public accounting or a similar field, supervised by a licensed professional. This experience must be broad and thorough in auditing or accounting, as defined by New Jersey regulations.
Pathway 2:
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
- Complete 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 in business. Your degree can be in any field.
- Gain two years of experience in public accounting or a similar field, supervised by a licensed professional. This experience must also be broad and thorough in auditing or accounting, as defined by New Jersey regulations.
For both pathways, you must pass the CPA Exam, which is a 16-hour computer-based test with four sections. You need to pass all sections within 30 months, scoring at least 75 on each.
Core Exam Sections (all required):
- Auditing and Attestation
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Taxation and Regulation
Disciplines (choose one):
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Information Systems and Controls
- Tax Compliance and Planning
You can apply to take the exam after earning a bachelor's degree and completing 120 semester hours.
Pathway 1:
- Complete 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited school. Credits can be earned during or after your degree, even through work-for-credit programs.
- Take 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 in business. Your degree can be in any field.
- Gain one year of experience in public accounting or a similar field, supervised by a licensed professional. This experience must be broad and thorough in auditing or accounting, as defined by New Jersey regulations.
Pathway 2:
- Earn a bachelor's degree from an accredited school.
- Complete 24 semester hours in accounting and 24 in business. Your degree can be in any field.
- Gain two years of experience in public accounting or a similar field, supervised by a licensed professional. This experience must also be broad and thorough in auditing or accounting, as defined by New Jersey regulations.
For both pathways, you must pass the CPA Exam, which is a 16-hour computer-based test with four sections. You need to pass all sections within 30 months, scoring at least 75 on each.
Core Exam Sections (all required):
- Auditing and Attestation
- Financial Accounting & Reporting
- Taxation and Regulation
Disciplines (choose one):
- Business Analysis and Reporting
- Information Systems and Controls
- Tax Compliance and Planning
You can apply to take the exam after earning a bachelor's degree and completing 120 semester hours.
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Adriana - this is an excellent question and Doc has provided valuable information. I have added links to the state requirements for both New Jersey and New York. Please note that both require on-the-job experience as part of the licensing process.
Good luck!
NJ CPA - https://www.njcpa.org/build-career/become-a-cpa/requirements
NY CPA - https://www.njcpa.org/build-career/become-a-cpa/requirements
Good luck!
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