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CPA Exam Requirements in Alabama

To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Alabama, candidates must meet education, examination, and licensing requirements set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. Alabama uses a two-tier system:

• 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA exam
• 150 semester hours to obtain a license
• U.S. citizenship or legal residency
• Minimum age: 19
• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution

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Alabama CPA Education Requirements

Minimum Semester Hours Required

• At least 120 semester hours are required to sit for the exam
• 150 semester hours are needed for licensure

Accounting & Business Course Requirements

• 24 hours in upper-level accounting courses (e.g., auditing, financial, managerial)
• 24 hours in business-related courses (e.g., business law, economics, finance)

See the Alabama State Board Exam Package (August 2025) for complete eligibility and education requirements.

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CPA Exam Fees in Alabama

Application Fees

• A $120 non-refundable fee must be submitted with the application

Examination Fees

• $262.64 per section, paid to NASBA
• Additional fees may apply for rescheduling

Recommended CPA review providers:

• Becker CPA Review
• Surgent CPA Review
• NINJA CPA Review

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How to Apply for the CPA Exam in Alabama

1. Submit transcripts to NASBA
2. Complete the Alabama CPA Application
3. Pay all application and exam fees
4. Receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS)
5. Schedule your exam with Prometric or by calling 1-800-580-9648

Need help? See our CPA Exam Scheduling Guide.

Appointments are first-come, first-served. It’s advisable to schedule early to secure your preferred exam date, time, and location.

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Preparing for the Alabama CPA Exam

The CPA exam is rigorous, with an average pass rate around 50%. Because of its difficulty, many candidates invest in CPA review courses to help meet education requirements and improve their chances of passing the CPA exam. These resources offer structured content review, practice questions, and mock exams covering all four sections of the exam content.

Trusted study programs:

• Becker
• Surgent
• NINJA CPA

Study tips:

• Use a 10–12 week prep plan per section
• Take full-length practice tests
• Review AICPA Blueprints regularly

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Alabama CPA License Requirements

Work Experience Requirements

• One year (2,000 hours) of full-time accounting experience
• Must be supervised and verified by a licensed CPA

Ethics Exam Requirement

• Alabama does not require a separate ethics exam
• Ethics topics are covered within the Uniform CPA Exam

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Maintaining Your CPA License in Alabama

Once you’ve earned your CPA license in Alabama, you’re required to meet certain ongoing professional standards to keep your license active. These requirements apply only after licensure and help ensure you remain up to date with industry knowledge and ethics.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Rules

To keep your Alabama CPA license active and in good standing, you must meet the continuing education requirements set by the Alabama State Board. This includes:

• 40 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every two years
• At least 2 of those hours must be in ethics
• Qualifying subjects include accounting, auditing, taxation, and regulatory ethics

Refer to the CPE Requirements for more info.

Failure to meet CPE requirements may result in disciplinary action or license suspension. You must also renew your license periodically with the Alabama Board of Accountancy.

License Renewal Process

• License must be renewed every 2 years
• Renewal via ASBPA’s online portal
• Late renewal may result in penalties or suspension

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Why Pursue CPA Licensure in Alabama?

The Alabama licensure process may seem demanding, but becoming a certified public accountant can greatly enhance your career. Whether you’re working in a public accounting firm, pursuing college teaching, or supporting businesses with financial accounting, holding a CPA license gives you an edge. It signals to employers that you meet high standards in education, exam performance, and professional experience.

Aspiring CPAs should begin by understanding CPA exam eligibility, focusing on education requirements, and preparing thoroughly for the Uniform CPA Exam. Ensure all application materials, including official transcripts and proof of residency requirements, are submitted correctly. From passing sections of the exam to gaining qualifying experience, the path to CPA licensure in Alabama is clear—and highly rewarding.

For more information, visit the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy to get official updates and start your CPA journey today.

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FAQs: Becoming a CPA in Alabama

Can I sit for the CPA exam with 120 hours?
Yes, but you must complete 150 hours before licensure.

Is a separate ethics exam required?
No — ethics is included in the Uniform CPA Exam.

Where do I apply?
Apply via the Alabama CPA Application Portal.

Can I retake a failed exam section?
Yes, but you’ll need to wait for score release and reapply for that section.

When do I renew my CPA license?
Every two years, through the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy.

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Additional Information

To maintain your CPA license in Alabama, you must complete continuing professional education (CPE) courses, typically totaling 40 hours every two years, including specific ethics training. You must also adhere to ethical standards set by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy and renew their licenses periodically.

While we do our best to keep all of this information up to date, you are welcome to visit and or contact the Alabama Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.

Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy

Address: PO Box 300375 Montgomery, AL 36130-0375
Phone: (334) 242-5700 Fax: (334) 242-2711
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.asbpa.Alabama.gov 
Application Form: Alabama CPA Application Form