CPA Requirements Overview for Georgia
To meet CPA requirements in Georgia, candidates must satisfy specific education, examination, and experience criteria as determined by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. The process to become a certified public accountant includes earning a baccalaureate degree, passing the CPA exam, and applying for CPA licensure in Georgia.
Table of Contents
Overview of CPA Exam Requirements, Georgia
| CPA Exam Requirements Georgia – 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 | $93 |
| Additional Requirements | Georgia Board of Accountancy Site |
Steps to Become a Georgia CPA
- Graduate from a Four-Year Accredited College
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (or baccalaureate degree awarded) in accounting or a related field.
- Your college education must come from a four-year accredited college or university accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the board.
- Complete Required Academic Coursework
- A total of 150 semester hours is required for licensure; 120 semester hours is sufficient to sit for the uniform CPA examination.
- Your academic coursework completed should include upper level accounting courses, elementary level courses, and business related subjects.
- Candidates from a non accounting concentration may supplement their degree with accounting coursework to meet eligibility.
- Apply for the CPA Exam
- Submit the Education Evaluation Application Fee and meet CPA exam requirements Georgia.
- The application process is managed through CPA examination services.
- Confirm your eligibility via the Georgia State Board and schedule your exam section(s) accordingly.
- Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- The uniform CPA exam assesses your knowledge in financial accounting, tax services, business law, and other accounting subjects.
- Preparation is key—many candidates use CPA review courses or CPA prep resources for success.
- Gain Professional Experience
- To obtain a CPA license in Georgia, candidates must meet CPA license requirements Georgia, including one year of qualifying experience.
- This experience can be in public accounting, college teaching, or relevant roles within a related entity.
- Apply for Licensure in Georgia
- Once you’ve passed all sections of the CPA exam and gained experience, apply for your Georgia CPA license.
- You must demonstrate good moral character and fulfill all education requirements, including related business course requirements.
- Consider obtaining a uniform CPA license if you intend to practice in multiple jurisdictions.
- Maintain Your CPA License
- Individual CPA licenses and firm licenses expire periodically; timely renewal is essential.
- Complete CPE hours and stay in good standing with the Georgia Board.
- Follow all rules regarding licensure in Georgia, including requirements for firm license renewal.
Accounting Courses & Academic Guidelines
- Accounting concentration should include coursework such as financial accounting, business administration, general business subjects, and business law.
- Acceptable coursework must be completed at an accredited institution.
- A non accounting concentration supplemented by approved courses can still qualify.
Educational Pathways
- Candidates may also fulfill requirements through a chartered accountant program or other recognized accounting programs.
- Your total educational program must align with Georgia CPA requirements.
- Both introductory level and upper level accounting classes are considered professional training.
Georgia CPA Exam Fees
Candidates can take one or more sections of the exam at a time and must pay the following fees to CPA Examination Services at the time of application:
- Education Evaluation Application Fee: $93 (one time)
- Exam Application Fee: $93
- Exam Fee: $262.64 per section
Georgia CPA Exam: FAQs
Do I need a Master’s in Accounting?
No, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college is sufficient. A master’s can enhance knowledge but is not required for licensure.
Where can I take the exam?
Testing is conducted at approved centers; the applicant initially sat may influence exam site options.
What if I studied outside the U.S.?
You may need an evaluation of your academic coursework by an approved agency.
What organizations provide support?
The Georgia Society of CPAs is a great resource for networking, exam prep, and updates.
This guide provides a detailed overview of the CPA requirements in Georgia, including pathways through academic coursework completed, the uniform CPA examination, and meeting standards set by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy. Stay proactive with CPA review courses, fulfill all education thirty requirements, and begin your career as a certified public accountant today.
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 Georgia Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.
Georgia State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 200 Piedmont Ave. Suite 1604, West Tower ATLANTA, GA 30334
Phone: (404) 463-0365
Email: GSBA@sao.ga.gov
Web: gsba.georgia.gov
Application Form: Georgia CPA Application Form
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