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Becoming A CPA In Texas

To become a CPA you’ll need strong communication, technology and problem-solving skills. The first step is to prepare with a well-rounded education. Besides accounting and business courses, plan on taking additional courses in finance, management, marketing, communications, economics, computer science, humanities and science. 

In Texas, to become a CPA you are required to: Earn 150 credit hours to become a LICENSED CPA, you only need 120 credit hours to sit and then can earn the other 30 credit hours later in accounting at an accredited college or university, pass the Uniform CPA Examination and attain a level of professional work experience in accounting. View the TSBPA Site-for CPA exam requirements.

Applying for the CPA exam

A candidate for the CPA exam must show completion of the following education requirements in order to apply for the exam: 

  • Baccalaureate or graduate degree conferred by an accredited institution of higher education recognized by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (the Board); 
  • Successful completion of at least 21 semester hours of accounting coursework beyond the first two semesters of elementary accounting, see TSBPA guidelines
  • Successful completion of at least 24 semester hours of related business courses as defined by Board rule, see TSBPA guidelines.

 

To become a licensed CPA, an applicant must: 

  • Successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination • File an application for issuance of the CPA certificate 
  • Provide confirmation of good moral character as demonstrated by a lack of history of dishonest of felonious acts 
  • Meet the education requirements (150 hours or more of college credit) 
  • Meet the work experience requirements (one year experience under the supervision of a CPA) 
  • Pass an examination on the Rules of Professional Conduct as determined by Board rule 
  • Take an oath of office to support the laws and Constitution of the United States and this state and rules adopted by the Board 
  • Pay a fee for certification 
  • Pay a fee for licensing 

 

Regulation in Texas

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy is the regulatory agency for public accounting in Texas. It is the agency to contact with all questions regarding CPA licensing and examination. For more information about qualifying and applying for the CPA exam contact: 

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)
333 Guadalupe, Tower III, Suite 900
Austin, TX 78701-3942
Telephone: 512-305-7800

TSBPA Qualifications/Exams: 512-305-7805 or 512-305-7851 FAX: 512-305-7875
E-mail: exam@tsbpa.state.tx.us.
Visit TSBPA exam/qualification for more information.

Check out AICPA's student websites, This Way to CPA and Start Here. Go Places., for more information on becoming a CPA.


 Information obtained from the TXCPA website at https://www.tx.cpa/resources/become-a-cpa/how-to-become-a-cpa