Navigating the process of becoming a Colorado CPA can be complex, but this step-by-step guide simplifies the journey. Aspiring CPAs in Colorado must fulfill specific educational, examination, and experience requirements.
First, ensure you have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. Your education must include non-duplicative bookkeeping coursework at the undergraduate or graduate level. Colorado requires at least 150 semester hours, with a focus on bookkeeping and accounting ethics.
To meet the Colorado CPA exam requirements, your coursework should cover:
- Generally accepted auditing standards
- Financial bookkeeping and reporting
- Management accounting
Next, apply to take the CPA exam. The Colorado CPA exam tests your knowledge in four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation
- Business Environment and Concepts
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Regulation
After passing the CPA exam, you must complete the required work experience. Colorado mandates one year of professional experience in accounting, which can be acquired in public practice, industry, government, or academia.
Finally, apply for your Colorado CPA license through the Colorado States Board of Accountancy, ensuring all Colorado CPA exam requirements are met. With diligent preparation and adherence to these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed Colorado CPA.
| 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
Concentrations, Credits, and Course Acceptance
- To meet Colorado CPA requirements, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and complete 150 semester hours of college credit. This can be achieved by earning a master’s in accounting or a post-baccalaureate certificate.The Colorado State Board of Accountancy recognizes credits earned at any college or university in the U.S. with institutional accreditation from one of the six regional accreditors sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Education.Key state requirements include:
- 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA exam.33 semester hours of accounting courses.27 semester hours of upper-division business administration courses.6 semester hours in auditing courses.
Eligibility to Take the CPA Exam
To become eligible to take the CPA Exam, you must meet certain educational and procedural requirements. Aspiring CPAs in Colorado must adhere to the guidelines set by the Colorado Boards of Accountancy.
CPA Requirements in Colorado include the following:
- Earn a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
- Complete a minimum of 120 semester hours, including accounting courses.
- These semester hours must cover introductory and advanced topics in accounting and related fields.
Once you’ve earned a bachelor’s degree and completed 120 semester hours, you can take the Uniform CPA Exam. This standardized test assesses your proficiency in accounting and public finance.
To begin the process:
- Register online or download application forms from CPA Exam Services (CPAES).
- Submit the required documentation.
- Await your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).
Apart from the CPA Exam, you must also pass the AICPA ethics exam, which tests your understanding of ethical practices in accounting.
Meeting these educational and exam requirements will put you on the path to earning the CPA credential, which is crucial for a career in public accounting.
Keep in mind that obtaining a CPA in Colorado fulfills the technical criteria and positions you within a professional and social environment conducive to career growth.
Understanding and following these steps ensures you meet all licensing requirements and are well-prepared for a successful career in bookkeeping.
CPA Exam Fees and Scheduling
To take the CPA exam in Colorado, you need to be aware of the associated fees and scheduling process. The initial application fee for the CPA exam in Colorado is $160. This fee is required to start your journey to become a licensed CPA.
Candidates have the flexibility to take one or more sections of the exam at a time. When scheduling, remember that additional fees apply for each section you take. These fees must be paid to CPA Examination Services.
Examination requirements include not only the financial aspects but also the educational prerequisites. Your total semester hours must include three semester hours of ethics to meet the AICPA ethics standards.
Fees are subject to change, so it’s essential to regularly check with CPA Examination Services for the most current information.
Meeting these requirements ensures you are on the right path to joining the ranks of licensed CPAs.
By fulfilling these criteria, you can pursue opportunities in both the public bookkeeping and private industries.
CPA Licensure Requirements in the State of Colorado
Meeting the Experience Requirements
To become a CPA in Colorado, meeting the experience requirements is crucial. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy mandates that all aspiring certified public accountants fulfill specific experience requirements before obtaining licensure.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Complete one year (1800 hours) of supervised work experience.
- This experience must be under the guidance of a certified CPA in Colorado.
The supervised work should encompass tasks related to auditing, preparing financial statements, and other relevant accounting coursework. This practical exposure ensures that candidates have hands-on experience in real-world bookkeeping environments.
Ensure that your application fee and necessary documentation are submitted as per the Colorado rules. Your hours must be verified by your supervising CPA, providing detailed reports of the work completed.
Remember, your experience hours have an expiration date. This means you need to complete all requirements within a specified timeframe to remain eligible.
Before applying, ensure you have met the educational requirements, including three semester hours of ethics and introductory-level bookkeeping courses from an accredited university.
Passing the ethics exam is another critical step toward licensure. Make sure your total semester hours meet the board’s requirements to proceed smoothly.
By fulfilling these criteria, you are well on your way to becoming a licensed C.P.A. in Colorado.
Ethics and Professional Development
Accounting or Business Ethics Requirements
To obtain a CPA license in Colorado, fulfilling the accounting or business ethics requirements is essential. One key requirement is to take and pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Home Study Course on Professional Ethics.
The AICPA Professional Ethics Exam is mandatory for CPA licensure in Colorado. This exam ensures that accounting professionals adhere to the highest ethical standards.
In addition to passing the ethics exam, candidates must complete hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework. These courses must be part of accredited accounting programs.
Ensure all coursework and exams meet the State Board requirements for the CPA exam.
Applying for a CPA License
To become a CPA in the state of Colorado, you must meet specific education requirements and follow the State rules for licensure.
Here’s how to apply for a CPA license:
- Complete the necessary total semester hours of business administration coursework and audit courses at an accredited college.
- Ensure your hours must include business statistics and other required subjects.
- Accumulate the required semester hours of non-duplicative accounting coursework.
Apply for your State CPA Certificate by submitting an online application and required documentation to NASBA Licensing Services, CO.
Once your application is approved, wait to receive your Colorado CPA Certificate by mail.
Meeting these requirements helps CPA candidates achieve an active CPA status.
Maintaining a CPA License
To maintain a CPA license in Colorado, you must adhere to specific continuing education requirements. The Colorado State Board of Accountancy mandates that all CPAs complete 10 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) for every full quarter their CPA certificate is in active status.
To fulfill these requirements:
- Register for CPE programs in approved subjects, including bookkeeping, auditing, and taxation.
- Ensure the courses align with your previous CPA exam requirements and professional practice.
Additionally, it’s crucial to:
- Maintain records of your CPE for at least five years.
- Include diverse subjects like business administration coursework and ethics.
These steps help ensure you remain proficient in both public bookkeeping 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: [email protected]
Web: dpo.colorado.gov
Application Form: Colorado CPA Application Form