Becoming a CPA in New Jersey takes dedication. But the payoff is a respected license that opens doors across industries. In this guide, we’ll uncover exactly what you need to do to get your CPA license in NJ.
Key Points
- To become a CPA in New Jersey, you need to accumulate 150 semester hours of education, pass the 4-part CPA Exam, complete 1 year of supervised work, pass the New Jersey Law and Ethics course, and apply for licensure with the state board.
- CPAs in New Jersey earn higher-than-average salaries, with entry-level roles starting around $65,670–$79,640. Experienced professionals might reach 6 figures.
- Maintaining your license requires 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 3 years.
- CPAs can prepare tax returns nationwide but may need extra licensing to perform auditing or attestation services in other states.
What Does a CPA Do?
CPAs wear many hats. They prepare and review tax returns, audit financial statements, and guide clients through complicated rules and regulations. Many consult on business strategy, too. For example, they might advise businesses on cutting costs or planning expansions. Some work with large corporations in finance or pharmaceuticals, while others support small businesses, local governments, or nonprofits.
CPAs also work one-on-one with individuals. They might help manage investment portfolios or use their knowledge of the tax code to help minimize a client’s tax liability. Some CPAs even have a hand in estate planning, helping families manage the balance sheet of a loved one’s estate.
The common thread is that CPAs help people make financial decisions with clarity and confidence. And in a state with a strong economy and close ties to New York’s financial markets, becoming a CPA in NJ puts you in a prime spot to grow a lasting career.
Requirements and Steps to Become a CPA in New Jersey
New Jersey follows national standards for CPA licensure but adds its own state-specific requirements. Here’s a step-by-step look at what it takes to meet the requirements to become a CPA in NJ.
Complete Required Education
New Jersey requires 150 semester hours of college education from an accredited institution, a bit more than a typical bachelor’s degree. You might meet this standard by earning a master’s degree in accounting or business or by taking extra coursework after graduation.
Your classes must include:
- 24 semester hours in accounting (covering topics like auditing, financial accounting, taxation, and management accounting)
- 24 semester hours in business courses (such as finance, business law, or economics)
Pass the CPA Exam
In New Jersey, you need only 120 credit hours to sit for the CPA Exam. You still need to meet the full 150-hour requirement to get licensed, but you can expedite your overall timeline by getting a head start on the exam at this point. You can apply to sit for the CPA Exam through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) CPA portal.
The exam has 4 total sections, including 3 required core sections:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
You’ll also need to pass 1 of these 3 discipline sections:
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
Each section contains a mixture of multiple-choice and task-based scenario (TBS) questions. The multiple-choice questions focus more on your ability to retain and recall the knowledge necessary to become a CPA. TBS questions focus on your ability to apply CPA knowledge to solve real-world problems.
You need a score of 75 or higher to pass each section. Once you pass your first section, you’ll have a 30-month rolling window to pass the remaining three.
Learn more: Curious about what’s waiting on test day? Check out our guide to the CPA Exam.
Complete Required Work Experience
New Jersey requires 1 year (at least 1,750 hours) of supervised work experience in accounting, verified by a licensed CPA. Your experience can be in public accounting, government, industry, or academia, as long as it includes “intensive and diversified” experience in auditing or accounting, according to the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy.
Take an Ethics Course
New Jersey requires candidates to pass the New Jersey Law and Ethics course. This is a 4-hour course you can take either 6 months before or after licensure.
You must notify the state when you’ve completed the course. You can do so by submitting your course confirmation to the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy within a month of completing the test. You can find approved classes through the New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJSCPA) course directory.
Apply for Your CPA License
After completing your education, passing the exams, and meeting work experience requirements, you can apply for licensure with the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy.
You’ll submit your transcripts and required documentation through NASBA. Once your file is complete—meaning your application, fees, and all supporting materials have been received—the initial review typically takes up to 2 weeks. After that, the board conducts its full review, which can take several additional weeks before your license number is issued.
CPA Career Path in New Jersey
Once you’ve earned your license, the opportunities open wide. New Jersey CPAs often start in public accounting firms or government agencies. That can eventually lead to roles with private corporations and, over time, senior positions like tax director or chief financial officer (CFO).
According to recent data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), entry-level CPAs often start in the $65,670–$79,640 range, with experienced CPAs earning up to $166,230. Specialized fields like forensic accounting, corporate finance, and tax strategy can push earnings even higher.
If you’re wondering how this compares to other paths, check out our breakdown of the EA vs. CPA designations.
Maintaining Your CPA License in New Jersey
Getting your license is just the start. To keep it active, New Jersey CPAs must renew it every 3 years and meet continuing professional education requirements.
Here’s how CPE works in New Jersey:
- You’ll need 120 CPE hours across the three-year reporting period, with a minimum of 20 hours earned each calendar year.
- Among those 120, you must take 4 credit hours in New Jersey Law and Ethics, delivered by a board-approved provider.
- Technical subject hours also carry requirements: All CPAs must complete 60 hours in technical areas (accounting, auditing, tax, etc.).
- If you practice in a public accounting or attest environment, at least 24 of those technical hours must be in accounting and auditing or attest-related topics.
- New licensees aren’t obligated to fulfill all 120 hours before their first renewal. The full requirement applies starting with the next triennial cycle.
Failing to complete these hours may lead to fines or suspension. The upside is that it keeps your skills sharp and ensures you’re up to date with changes in tax laws, reporting standards, and business practices.
FAQs
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes. A CPA licensed in New Jersey can prepare tax returns for clients in any state. However, if you plan to practice public accounting outside of tax preparation, such as auditing or attestation services, you may need to meet licensing or reciprocity rules in that state.
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?
Earnings vary depending on experience, specialization, and location. In New Jersey, new CPAs often start around $65,670–$79,640 annually, while seasoned professionals and specialists can earn well into 6 figures. CPAs in metropolitan areas like Newark or Jersey City may earn more due to higher demand and cost of living.
How often can I retake the CPA Exam?
The CPA Exam can be retaken as often as needed, but each attempt requires a new application and fee.
How do you maintain your CPA license?
New Jersey CPAs renew their license every 3 years by completing 120 hours of continuing professional education, with a minimum of 20 hours each year. This must include:
- 60 hours in technical subjects
- 4 hours in New Jersey law and ethics
CPAs who are in public practice or attest functions must complete a minimum of 24 hours in accounting and auditing subjects.
Start Your CPA Journey in New Jersey
Earning your CPA license is a big commitment, but it can change the course of your career. In New Jersey, CPAs find roles everywhere from global firms to growing local businesses. The rewards go well beyond the letters after your name, opening doors and positioning you as the go-to financial voice in the room.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore open tax preparer jobs at Intuit. Apply now and start building your future as a CPA in New Jersey.