Pennsylvania is packed with opportunities for prospective accountants. From Philadelphia’s financial districts to Pittsburgh’s thriving healthcare and manufacturing sectors, demand for skilled certified public accountants (CPAs) is consistent.
A CPA license remains the profession’s gold standard. It signals to employers and clients that you’ve met rigorous standards and are ready to take on complex financial challenges. With that designation comes access to broader career paths, including leadership tracks, and higher earning potential.
If you’re ready to learn how to become a CPA in Pennsylvania, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Key Points
- Pennsylvania gives applicants flexibility by offering 3 different pathways to meet the CPA education and experience requirements.
- The CPA Exam has 4 sections. You must score 75 or higher on each and pass all within a 30-month window.
- Candidates with 150 semester hours or a graduate degree must complete 1 year (1,600 hours) of work experience before applying for licensure.
- Candidates with only a 120-hour bachelor’s degree must complete 2 years (3,200 hours) of experience before getting their license.
- To maintain your license, Pennsylvania requires 80 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Education and Coursework Requirements
Becoming a CPA in Pennsylvania involves the right mix of education and supervised experience. The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy recognizes 3 pathways to meet these requirements, each combining coursework and practical experience in different ways.
Note: Pennsylvania lets you sit for the CPA Exam once you’ve completed 120 semester hours of coursework, even if your chosen path requires 150 hours to qualify for licensure.
Path 1: 150-Hour Undergraduate Track
This is the most common route for new graduates. On this track, you must:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Complete 150 semester credits of coursework, including at least 24 credits of accounting and auditing, business law, economics, technology, finance, or tax subjects, and an additional 12 credits in accounting and auditing or tax subjects
- Gain 1 year (1,600 hours) of supervised work experience
Path 2: Experience-Forward Track
This path relies more heavily on work experience. It requires you to:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree or higher
- Coursework must include at least 24 semester credits of accounting and auditing, business law, economics, technology, finance, or tax subjects
- Gain 2 years (3,200 hours) of supervised work experience
Path 3: Graduate Degree Track
Your third option is rooted in obtaining a master’s degree. On this track, you must:
- Complete a master’s degree or other post-graduate degree
- Coursework must include at least 24 semester credits of accounting and auditing, business law, economics, technology, finance, or tax subjects
- Gain 1 year (1,600 hours) of supervised work experience
This mix of general business knowledge and advanced accounting education sets the foundation for your career. By the time you’re ready to apply for the exam, you’ll already have a strong understanding of the principles and practices you’ll be tested on, helping you build confidence and move 1 step closer to getting your CPA license in Pennsylvania.
CPA Exam Overview
Once your education is complete, your next goal is to pass the CPA Exam. It involves 4 sections that test your knowledge across key areas of accounting and business. You’ll take:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Taxation and Regulation (REG)
- 1 Discipline section of your choice:
- Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)
- Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
- Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
Each section is 4 hours long, computer-based, and scored on a scale of 0–99. You’ll need a 75 or higher on each part to pass.
Pennsylvania provides a rolling 30-month window to pass all 4 sections after completing your first section. Most candidates take 1 section at a time, often starting with the part that best matches their coursework or work experience.
To apply in Pennsylvania, you’ll submit your transcripts and an exam application through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), along with the $96 evaluation fee and per-application cost of $262.64. Applicants will also need to submit a character reference and a Social Security number. You can apply for 1 section per application and, once approved, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS), which allows you to book exam dates with nearby testing centers.
Work Experience and Verification
In Pennsylvania, earning your CPA license requires proven, hands-on experience. The State Board of Accountancy requires at least 1 year (1,600 hours) of qualifying work experience, completed under the supervision of a licensed CPA. If you choose the experience-focused track, you would need 2 years (or 3,200 hours).
Your experience can come from public accounting, government, industry, or academia, as long as the work involves applying accounting, attestation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills. What matters most is that your tasks demonstrate professional competency in the field.
How to Apply for Your CPA License in Pennsylvania
Once you’ve met the education, exam, and experience requirements, it’s time to apply for your CPA license. You’ll submit your application through the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy website, and submit your official transcripts, exam score reports, and verified work experience forms through their portal.
The board reviews your documents and, if everything checks out, issues your license for a $65 initial licensure fee. From there, you can officially use the CPA title in Pennsylvania.
Maintaining Your CPA Licensure
Earning your CPA license is a big achievement, but keeping it active requires ongoing commitment. In Pennsylvania, CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every 2-year license period. You’ll need at least 20 hours each year, with a minimum of 4 hours in ethics during every reporting cycle.
Pennsylvania renews CPA licenses every 2 years, with each reporting period running from January 1 of even-numbered years through December 31 of the next odd-numbered year. The renewal fee is $100.
Falling short on CPE requirements can result in penalties or even license suspension, so it’s important to plan ahead. Keep accurate records of your coursework and track your progress throughout the reporting period to stay in good standing.
CPA Career Outlook in Pennsylvania
CPAs are in high demand nationwide and across Pennsylvania, in major metro areas and smaller communities alike. Nationwide, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 5% growth for accountants and auditors through 2034. In Pennsylvania, BLS data shows that accountants and auditors earn between $48,850 and $128,300 annually.
For those committed to accounting as a career, becoming a CPA is a proven path to stability, growth, and long-term success. Job opportunities can be especially strong in metro areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where a diverse range of industries rely on skilled accountants. State and local government agencies also hire CPAs to manage budgets, audits, and compliance.
The career path is flexible, too. Many professionals may begin their careers in public accounting before transitioning into corporate finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship. Others move up within firms, progressing from staff accountant to manager, then senior leadership.
Further reading: If you’re weighing your options, explore our guide on CPAs vs. EAs (enrolled agents) to see how the 2 tax-related roles compare.
FAQs
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?
Yes. Once licensed, CPAs can generally prepare tax returns for clients across state lines. However, if you plan to provide services beyond tax preparation, like auditing or attestation work, you may need to obtain reciprocal practice rights or licensure in that state. Always check with the state’s board of accountancy for specific requirements.
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?
CPA salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry. In Pennsylvania, the BLS reports a median annual earnings of $77,330. CPAs in specialized fields such as auditing or corporate finance can see even higher pay potential.
How often can I retake the CPA Exam?
The CPA Exam allows unlimited retakes, but each attempt requires payment of exam fees. You can only retake a failed section once the next testing window opens. Keep in mind you must pass all 4 sections within a 30-month rolling period to earn credit.
How do you maintain your CPA license?
Pennsylvania CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education every 2 years, with at least 4 hours in ethics. Licenses are renewed biennially, starting on January 1 of even-numbered years and ending on December 31 of odd-numbered years.
Get Started as a CPA in Pennsylvania
Becoming a CPA in Pennsylvania takes time, but every step moves you closer to a respected and rewarding career. After you’re licensed, continue to build your career, and make sure you keep track of CPE credits throughout your renewal periods to keep your license active. The process is demanding, but the payoff can be well worth it.
If you’re considering this path, now is the time to take action. Explore open tax preparer jobs and see how the career path for tax preparers can evolve into a CPA journey that drives growth and opens doors.
Ready to make your move? Apply now and take the first step toward a CPA career in Pennsylvania.