Navigating the process of becoming a CPA in Colorado can be complex, but this step-by-step guide simplifies the journey. Aspiring certified public accountants in Colorado must fulfill specific education requirements, CPA examination criteria, and work experience obligations.
First, ensure you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Your education must include hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework at the college level coursework, covering analysis accounting theory auditing. Colorado requires at least 150 semester hours, with a focus on accounting coursework, business coursework, and accounting or business ethics.
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To meet the Colorado CPA exam requirements, your coursework should cover:
- Generally accepted auditing standards
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Risk assessment and managerial accounting
- Analysis of accounting theory
Next, apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination. The Colorado CPA exam tests your knowledge in four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation Services
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Regulation
- One of three discipline sections, based on your area of focus:
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR) – Emphasizes financial data analysis, technical accounting, and reporting.
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC) – Focuses on IT governance, cybersecurity, and system controls.
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP) – Covers individual and entity taxation, tax research, and tax planning strategies.
This structure allows candidates to specialize in their chosen area of public accounting while maintaining a strong foundation in financial accounting and auditing standards.
After passing the CPA exam, you must complete the required work experience. Colorado mandates one year of professional experience in public accounting, which can be acquired in business organizations, government, academia, or industry. Work experience must include attestation services financial accounting tasks under a licensed CPA.
Finally, apply for your Colorado CPA license through the Colorado Board of Accountancy, ensuring all licensure requirements are met. With diligent preparation and adherence to these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed CPA in Colorado.
| CPA Exam Requirements Colorado – 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 | Not required |
| Application Fee | $160.00 |
| Additional Requirements | Colorado Board of Accountancy Site |
Colorado CPA Exam Requirements
Colorado CPA Exam Requirements: Concentrations, Credits, and Course Acceptance
To meet Colorado CPA requirements, candidates must have a baccalaureate degree or higher and complete 150 semester hours of college-level coursework. This can be achieved by earning a combined degree program such as a master’s in accounting or a post-baccalaureate certificate. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy recognizes credits earned at any accounting programs accredited by a state board of accountancy.
Key state board requirements include:
- 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA examination.
- 33 semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework.
- 27 semester hours of business administration coursework.
- 6 semester hours in auditing courses.
These semester hours of non-duplicative coursework must include both introductory-level and advanced coursework to provide a comprehensive understanding of financial accounting, auditing standards, and business administration.
Eligibility to Take the CPA Exam
To become eligible to take the Uniform CPA Exam, you must meet certain educational credentials and procedural requirements set by the Colorado Board of Accountancy.
CPA candidates must:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including accounting coursework.
Once you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree and completed 120 semester hours, you can take the CPA licensure exam. This standardized test assesses proficiency in financial accounting, business administration, and public accounting.
To begin the process:
- Register online or download the education evaluation application fee forms from CPA Exam Services (CPAES).
- Submit required documentation.
- Await your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
Additionally, passing the AICPA ethics exam is mandatory, ensuring adherence to professional ethics and compliance with legal and social environment standards.
CPA Exam Fees and Scheduling
To take the CPA exam in Colorado, be aware of the application fee and scheduling process. The initial education evaluation application fee is $160. Additional fees apply for each section of the Uniform CPA Exam, payable to CPA Examination Services.
Your total semester hours must include three semester hours of ethics coursework to meet AICPA ethics standards. Regularly check with CPA Examination Services for updates on fees and scheduling.
By meeting these requirements, you can pursue opportunities in public bookkeeping and private industries.
Meeting the Experience Requirements
To become a CPA in Colorado, fulfilling the experience requirements is crucial. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy mandates that all candidates complete 1800 hours (one year) of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA.
This experience must include:
- Auditing, attestation services financial accounting, and financial reporting tasks.
- Preparing financial statements.
- Applying risk assessment methodologies.
Ensure your application fee and documentation are submitted per the Colorado rules. Your hours must be verified by your supervising licensed CPA.
Ethics and Professional Development
To obtain a CPA license in Colorado, candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam. This written ethics exam ensures accounting professionals adhere to professional ethics and best practices.
Candidates must complete:
- The AICPA ethics course.
- Hours of non-duplicative coursework in accounting or business ethics.
Ensure your coursework meets the State Board’s licensing requirements.
Applying for a CPA License
To become a CPA in Colorado, you must:
- Complete 150 semester hours, including business administration coursework and audit courses.
- Ensure your hours must include business statistics and legal and social environment subjects.
- Submit an online application via NASBA Licensing Services.
Once approved, you will receive your Colorado CPA license.
Maintaining a CPA License
To maintain an active CPA license, the Colorado State Board of Accountancy requires continuing professional education (CPE).
- Complete 10 CPE hours per full quarter of active CPA status.
- Take courses in bookkeeping, auditing, taxation, and commercial CPA review courses.
- Maintain CPE records for five years.
This ensures proficiency in public accounting and private industry.
FAQs For Education and Licensure Requirements in Colorado
What Are CPA Examination Services?
CPA Exam Services (CPAES) is a specialized entity that facilitates the administration of the Uniform CPA Exam across various states, including the Colorado Board.
Key functions of CPAES include:
- Processing applications for the Colorado CPA Exam.
- Verifying educational and eligibility requirements set by the Colorado Board.
- Coordinating with candidates to schedule exam sections.
CPAES ensures that all candidates meet the necessary criteria before sitting for the exam. This includes validating that applicants have completed the required bookkeeping and business coursework.
Additionally, CPAES assists with the registration for the AICPA ethics exam, a mandatory component for CPA licensure.
By streamlining the application and scheduling processes, CPAES plays a crucial role in helping candidates navigate the path to becoming a CPA.
What Are the Educational Requirements for Becoming a CPA in Colorado?
To become a CPA in Colorado, you must meet specific educational requirements. The Colorado rules mandate completing a total of 150 semester hours from an accredited institution. This must include:
- A baccalaureate degree or higher.
- 33 semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework, covering essential topics such as financial accounting, cost accounting, and taxation.
- An audit course to ensure proficiency in auditing standards and practices.
- 27 semester hours in related business courses, such as finance, management, and business law.
These requirements ensure that candidates have a comprehensive understanding of both accounting and business administration, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to excel as CPAs.
Additional Information
While we do our best to keep all of this information up to date you are welcome to visit and or contact the Colorado Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.
Colorado State Board of Accountancy
Address: Division of Professions and Occupations 1560 Broadway-Suite 1350 Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800 Fax: (303) 894-2310
Email: dora_accountancyboard@state.co.us
Web: dpo.colorado.gov
Application Form: Colorado CPA Application Form