CPA Exam Requirements – Arizona
Understanding CPA exam requirements in Arizona is essential for anyone planning to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). The Arizona State Board of Accountancy sets the education requirements, exam eligibility, and licensing procedures for CPA candidates.
To qualify, candidates must complete specific accounting courses from an accredited institution, including upper-level coursework and non-duplicative accounting courses. In addition, passing an ethics exam is required before earning your Arizona CPA license.
This guide explains every step of the Arizona CPA licensure process, from eligibility to maintaining certification.
Table of Contents
| CPA Exam Requirements Arizona – Overview | |
| Educational Hours Required for Exam | 120 Semester Hours |
| Educational Hours Required for Licensure | 150 Semester Hours |
| Residency Required | Not required |
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Application Fee | $100.00 |
| Additional Requirements | Arizona Board of Accountancy Site |
Meeting these Arizona CPA requirements ensures you are well-positioned to pass the Uniform CPA Examination and begin your accounting career.
Uniform CPA Testing Eligibility
To be eligible for the Arizona CPA Exam, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. The degree must include a combination of accounting and business courses such as:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Business law
- Related business administration courses
At least 24 semester hours of upper-level accounting coursework are required.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, demand for accounting professionals in Arizona is projected to grow by over 20% this decade. Although residency requirements do not apply, your coursework must align with Arizona CPA eligibility requirements.
Gaining Relevant Work Experience
To earn your CPA license in Arizona, the State Board of Accountancy requires one to two years of relevant work experience. This may include:
- Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Consulting or business administration
Experience can be paid or unpaid, but it must be supervised by a licensed CPA and properly documented.
Approved experience may also include:
Projects involving upper-level accounting principles
Data processing and financial accounting information
Business law or advisory services
Scheduling the Arizona CPA Exam
Once your initial application is approved, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) — your official Authorization to Test (ATT). The NTS is valid for six months.
How to schedule:
- Visit Prometric.com/CPA or call Prometric to schedule your exam.
- Choose your preferred test section(s) and date.
- Bring valid identification to the exam center.
The CPA Exam includes four sections, which can be taken in any order:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
Ensure your accounting education includes non-duplicative upper-level coursework to remain eligible.
Initial Exam Fee and Re-Exam Fee
Fees for the Arizona CPA Exam are as follows:
- Initial application fee: $100
- Re-exam application fee: $50
- Exam fee per section: $262.64
Payments must be submitted to CPA Exam Services (NASBA) and may require a payment coupon.
It’s recommended to verify current fees through the Arizona State Board or NASBA website.
Additional expenses may include:
- Continuing professional education (CPE) courses
- CPA exam preparation materials
- Consulting services or tutoring
Arizona CPA License Requirements
To obtain your Arizona CPA license, candidates must:
- Complete 150 semester hours of accounting-related coursework.
- Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam with a minimum score of 90%.
- Provide documentation of relevant work experience under a licensed CPA.
- Comply with Arizona accountancy statutes, administrative rules, and the AICPA Professional Code.
Meeting these CPA license requirements Arizona ensures you’re prepared to practice as a licensed CPA in compliance with professional standards.
Concentrations, Credits, and Course Acceptance
A bachelor’s degree is required to sit for the exam, and 150 semester hours are required for licensure. You can fulfill these credits through:
- A bachelor’s + master’s degree combination
- An integrated 150-hour accounting program
Accepted coursework includes:
- Financial statements and reporting
- Taxation and auditing
- Business law
- College algebra or advanced mathematics
- Information systems and computer science
- Critical inquiry and advanced communication
Courses must be from an accredited institution. Quarter hours will be converted to semester hours as per State Board policy.
Retaining Licensure and Certification
To maintain your CPA licensure in Arizona, you must complete continuing professional education (CPE) and comply with all professional ethics standards.
Ongoing requirements include:
- Following administrative rules and professional conduct standards
- Renewing your license according to your birth month
- Remaining up to date with exam fee schedules and CPE requirements
- Staying current on financial accounting information and evolving accounting standards
Membership in the Arizona Society of CPAs is optional but beneficial for professional development and networking.
Exam and Licensure Requirements FAQ’s
Who Can Take the Arizona CPA Exam?
You can apply for the Arizona CPA Exam if you:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- Have completed 150 semester hours of related coursework
- Have taken courses in auditing, taxation, and business law
- Electronically submit your application and supporting documents to NASBA or the Arizona State Board
All candidates must achieve a passing score on each section of the Uniform CPA Examination and on the AICPA Ethics Exam before applying for their CPA license.
Additional Information
While we do our best to keep all of this information up to date you are welcome to visit and or contact that Arizona Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.
Arizona State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 100 N. 15th, Suite 165 Phoenix, AZ 85007
Phone: (602) 364-0804 Fax: (602) 364-0903
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.azaccountancy.gov
Application Form: Arizona CPA Application Form
Following these CPA requirements ensures you are well-prepared to launch a successful career in the accounting profession and maintain your CPA licensure in Arizona.
Recommended Reading
What Skills Bookkeepers Transfer Into Career As a CPA
|
CPAExam.com Team
The terms “bookkeeper” and “accountant” are often used interchangeably by the general public, and for good reason. While bookkeeping services and accounting represent distinct professional services, they are deeply intertwined, particularly in smaller organizations. Well-kept financial records are essential for accountants—whether they work in corporate, individual, nonprofit, or government agencies—and bookkeepers play a critical role in maintaining these records. Furthermore, many accountants engage in bookkeeping tasks, while some professional bookkeepers handle basic accounting principles and tasks. Differences Between Bookkeeping and AccountingUnderstanding CPAsSalary ComparisonTransitioning from Bookkeeper to CPAEducational RequirementsThe CPA ExamAdditional Steps to CPA SuccessThe Role of CPAs in Business and Financial ManagementBookkeeper vs. Accountant / CPA — Quick ComparisonBookkeeping and Accounting – Pros and Cons at a GlanceConclusionHave a CPA Exam Question? Start Your CPA Journey Here Differences Between Bookkeeping… Read More
CPA Exam Grading Error: What to Do if You Suspect a Mistake
|
CPAExam.com Team
The CPA Exam is notoriously difficult, and after months of studying, receiving an unexpected score can be discouraging. But what if you believe there was a mistake? While errors in… Read More
How Hard is it to Get CPA Certified?
|
CPAExam.com Team
Becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) is a goal for many aspiring accounting professionals. But how hard is it to get CPA certified? This pillar article explores the journey toward… Read More
Find the Best CPA Review Courses in 2025
Choosing the best CPA Review course can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This article breaks down three of the most popular options—Becker, Surgent, and NINJA—and offers key insights to help you decide. Find out how factors like budget, learning style, and adaptability can impact your choice and why getting this decision right is critical for your CPA Exam success. Getting this choice right is critical to your success as a CPA candidate and becoming a CPA. Get the best course here.
