Understanding the educational requirements for the CPA exam can be confusing to navigate, but is crucial for aspiring accountants. Here's a detailed look at the requirements for the states that Lehigh graduates tend to gravitate towards including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Washington D.C.
New York
To sit for the CPA exam in New York, candidates must have completed at least 120 semester hours of coursework, which includes specific courses in financial accounting and reporting (upper level), cost or management accounting, taxation, and auditing and attestation (upper level). Additionally, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or higher. A total of 33 credits in accounting coursework must be completed in order to qualify for a NY CPA license.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, candidates need at least 120 semester hours of college credit, which includes at least 24 semester hours in accounting courses and 24 semester hours in general business courses (excluding accounting). A bachelor's degree or higher is also required.
Pennsylvania
Candidates in Pennsylvania must have a minimum of 120 semester hours of education, which includes at least 24 semester hours in accounting and auditing, business law, finance, or tax subjects. A bachelor's degree or higher is mandatory.
Connecticut
Connecticut requires candidates to have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least 120 semester hours of college education to sit for the exam. This must include 46 semester hours in accounting and related subjects, with at least 24 semester hours specifically in accounting. For licensure, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of postsecondary education, including 36 semester hours in accounting and 30 semester hours in business administration or economics?.
Washington D.C.
Candidates in Washington D.C. must have completed at least 120 semester hours of college education and hold a bachelor's degree with specific coursework, including 24 semester hours in accounting subjects (such as financial accounting, auditing, and taxation) and 24 semester hours in business-related subjects. To obtain licensure, 150 semester hours are required along with one year of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA?.
To sit for the CPA exam in all of these states, candidates generally need a bachelor's degree and at least 120 semester hours of college education, with coursework in accounting and business-related subjects. This means that Lehigh students may have the opportunity to sit for the exam directly following graduation, as a BS in business and economics from Lehigh requires 124 credit hours. For licensure, a total of 150 semester hours of education is required in addition to work experience. These requirements ensure that candidates are thoroughly prepared for both the exam and their future roles as CPAs.
