To meet the Texas CPA requirements, follow these steps:
- Educational Requirements: Obtain a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited institution with at least 150 semester hours, including two semester hours in accounting ethics and graduate hours in accounting.
- Initial Application: Submit your initial application to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy.
- Take the CPA Exam: Ensure you have met all prerequisites before you take the CPA exam. Achieve a passing score in all sections of the exam administered by the American Institute of CPAs.
- Issuance of the CPA: Upon meeting the board rule and all requirements, the issuance of the CPA license will follow.
By adhering to these steps, you can navigate the process efficiently.
Table of Contents
| Texas CPA Requirements – 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 or Master’s |
| Minimum Age | Not required |
| Application Fee | Application of Intent Fee: $20 (non-refundable) This fee is required when submitting the initial Application of Intent to determine eligibility for the CPA exam. Eligibility Application Fee: $15 per exam section (non-refundable) This fee is required when applying for each section of the CPA exam. |
| Additional Requirements | Texas Board of Accountancy Site |
Texas CPA Requirements
Overview of the Requirements
To become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Texas, you must meet specific education requirements, experience, and ethics standards set by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA).
This includes passing the Uniform CPA Examination. Participants need sufficient college credit in accounting and business courses to meet eligibility requirements.
A background check is also required. The process typically takes several years but leads to a rewarding career in higher education and the accounting industry.
Education Requirements
To be eligible for the Texas CPA exam, you must hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from an accredited college or university. Texas rules require at least 120 semester hours of education, including:
- 24 hours in accounting courses.
- 24 hours in business courses.
The board rule mandates an accounting concentration with upper-level accounting coursework. Meeting these education requirements is crucial for obtaining your CPA certificate.
This ensures public safety and upholds the standards of public accountancy for certified public accountants.
Experience Requirements
To meet Texas experience requirements for CPA licensure, you must complete two years of work experience under a licensed CPA.
This can be full-time, part-time, or unpaid. Full-time work requires 12 calendar months of 40 hours each week. Part-time work requires 2,000 employment hours within two consecutive years.
Teaching experience in accounting or related fields also qualifies. This experience is essential for meeting state board standards and complements the upper-level accounting courses and CPA examination requirements.
Texas CPA Exam Fees
Application of Intent Fee: $20 (non-refundable)
Required when submitting the initial Application of Intent to determine eligibility for the CPA exam.
Eligibility Application Fee: $15 per section (non-refundable)
Required when applying for each section of the CPA exam.
Exam Section Fees: $262.64 per section
Applies to each of the four sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
- Disciplines (ISC, TCP, or BAR)
Total for All Four Sections: $1,050.56
CPA License Requirements for Texas
Application Process and Scheduling
To apply for the Uniform CPA Examination, submit an application to the TSBPA with official transcripts and required fees.
Ensure you meet the education requirements of 120 semester hours, including upper-division courses in accounting and business statistics.
After applying, you’ll get instructions to register for the CPA exam via the NASBA website. Schedule your exam at Prometric or call 1-800-580-9648.
Adhering to these board rules ensures you meet the public accounting standards.
Study Materials and Resources
To pass the Uniform CPA Examination, utilizing study materials and resources is crucial. The average pass rate for any exam section is about 50%, highlighting its difficulty.
- CPA Review Courses are essential for preparation.
- These courses have a proven track record in helping accounting professionals pass the exam.
You can obtain materials from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or other reputable providers.
This aligns with board rules and ensures you are ready by the CPA exam date.
Continuing Education and Licensure
To maintain your Texas CPA certification, you must complete continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, which are mandatory for CPAs in Texas.
- The renewal cycle is biennial.
- Licensees receive the renewal deadline by mail nearly 90 days in advance.
You must adhere to professional conduct and ethics requirements set forth by the Texas Department and TSBPA.
These guidelines ensure compliance with board rules and maintain standards in the profession, aligning with the Uniform CPA Examination and higher education standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a CPA in Texas?
To become a CPA in Texas, follow these steps:
- Education: Earn a bachelor’s degree and complete at least 150 semester hours of college credit, including specific accounting and business coursework.
- Application of Intent: Submit an Application of Intent to the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) to determine your eligibility to take the CPA exam.
- CPA Examination: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination.
- Ethics Exam: Score at least 85% on the open-book exam on the Texas Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Work Experience: Complete one year of full-time work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.
- Certification: Submit an application for certification and complete the required background check.
What are the requirements for the CPA exam in Texas?
To qualify for the CPA exam in Texas, you must:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution.
- Complete at least 120 semester hours of college credit.
- Complete 21 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses.
- Complete 24 semester hours of upper-level business courses, including 2 hours in accounting or business communications.
- Submit an Application of Intent to the TSBPA to verify eligibility.
How many years does it take to become a CPA in Texas?
Becoming a CPA in Texas typically takes about 5 to 6 years:
- Around 4–5 years to complete the required education.
- Several months to study for and pass all four sections of the CPA exam.
- One year of full-time work experience under a licensed CPA.
This timeline may vary depending on individual progress through education, exam preparation, and experience requirements.
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 Texas Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 505 E. Huntland Dr, Suite 380 Austin, TX 78752-3757
Phone: (512) 305-7800 Fax: (512) 305-7854
Email: exam@tsbpa.texas.gov
Web: www.tsbpa.texas.gov
Application form: Texas CPA Application Form