New York has no shortage of opportunities for people with accounting skills. But if you want to land more complex work or grow your own practice, becoming a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) is the next step. It takes time, strategy, and some serious prep, but the payoff can be worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide breaks down how to become a CPA in NY, step by step. We\u2019ll cover everything from meeting education requirements to passing the exam and building your CPA career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll need the right college coursework behind you to get started on the CPA track in New York. We\u2019ll go into more detail later, but here\u2019s a high-level look at what the educational requirements look like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The state requires 150 semester hours<\/a> <\/strong>of education to get licensed. But you can sit for the CPA exam once you\u2019ve earned <\/strong>120 hours\u2014usually the equivalent of a bachelor\u2019s degree. Many candidates reach the 150-hour mark by completing a master\u2019s program or taking extra coursework beyond their bachelor\u2019s. In June 2025, the New York State Senate approved a bill<\/a> that would create an alternative pathway to becoming a CPA. If signed into law, candidates could qualify with 120 semester hours of education and 2 years <\/strong>of relevant work experience, rather than the traditional 150 credits plus 1 year of experience. It would also enable CPAs licensed in other states to practice in New York if they meet comparable standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Becoming a CPA in New York requires more than passing a test. You\u2019ll need to check off several major requirements along the way, starting with education, then the exam, work experience, and, finally, your license application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s how it all comes together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In New York, the state sets a high bar for CPA education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most candidates complete a bachelor\u2019s degree with a concentration in accounting or a related field to meet the core requirements. But to get licensed, you\u2019ll need to complete 150 semester hours. A bachelor\u2019s degree program usually covers about 120 of those hours. Many candidates reach 150 by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whichever path you choose, your coursework needs to cover specific topics: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning August 1, 2027, New York state will adopt the 150-credit CPA Evolution (150E) model. The major change is that all candidates will need to meet new, more detailed coursework requirements across accounting, business, and technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re working toward a master\u2019s, make sure your program aligns with New York\u2019s requirements<\/a>. Some graduate courses may count toward general business hours but not toward accounting-specific credits\u2014and that can trip people up later. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your degree is from outside the US, you\u2019ll need to have it evaluated by a New York State Board-approved credential evaluation service before applying to take the exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may have heard that the CPA exam is challenging, but don\u2019t get discouraged. It tests how well you can apply your knowledge in real accounting scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> The CPA Exam itself is uniform across all states. However, licensing requirements\u2014education, work experience, and residency\u2014are set by each state and can vary. Always confirm details with your state board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In New York, you can sit for the exam once you\u2019ve completed at least 120 semester hours and met the course requirements in accounting and business. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The exam itself is broken into 3 core sections and 1 discipline section<\/a>. The core sections are:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, you\u2019ll choose the 1 discipline section that best fits your career goals. Your 3 choices are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of the 4 sections you take is scored out of 99 points, and you need a <\/strong>75 or higher to pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In New York, once you pass your first section, you have 30 months to pass all remaining required sections. And, yes, you can retake a section if you don\u2019t pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most candidates spend several months preparing, and many use a structured review course to stay on track. Think of it like training for a marathon. Pacing, consistency, and practice matter more than cramming at the last minute. For a closer look at what\u2019s on the test and how to prep for it, check out our CPA exam guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before you can get licensed in New York, you\u2019ll need to prove you\u2019ve applied your accounting knowledge in the real world. That means completing at least 1 year of full-time work experience, or the part-time equivalent, under the supervision of a licensed CPA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what counts: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You don\u2019t need to work in public accounting specifically, but the work must be relevant. New York doesn\u2019t allow experience that\u2019s purely administrative or unrelated to core CPA competencies. You\u2019ll also need to submit Form 4B (Verification of Experience)<\/a>\u2014signed by the CPA who supervised your work\u2014with your application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re earning your experience while still working toward the 150-credit requirement, that\u2019s fine. Just make sure your hours are documented and verified once you’re ready to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n New York doesn\u2019t require passing an ethics exam to get your CPA license, as some other states do. Instead, ethics is addressed through mandatory coursework in professional responsibility and reinforced by continuing education after licensure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, if you expect to transfer your license to another state in the future, you may want to complete the AICPA Ethics Exam. It\u2019s open-book, broadly accepted, and required in several jurisdictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve completed your education, passed all 4 sections of the CPA exam, and met the work experience requirement, it\u2019s time to apply for your license through the New York State Education Department (NYSED). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what you\u2019ll need to submit<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can file online or by mail, but either way, be prepared for some processing time. The state may take several weeks to review and approve your materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Upon approval, you\u2019ll receive your CPA license and appear in New York\u2019s public license verification system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting licensed is just the start. To keep your CPA credential active in New York, you\u2019ll need to stay current through continuing professional education. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each year, the state gives you 2 options: <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, you must complete at least 4 hours of ethics CPE every 3 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CPE providers must be approved by the NYSED. If you’re unsure whether a course counts, check the NYSED site<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also need to renew your license every 3 years. The NYSED will send you a notice, but it\u2019s on you to meet the CPE requirements and submit the renewal on time. If you let your license lapse, you may have to take additional steps to restore it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A license opens the door to a range of CPA careers in New York<\/a>. From fast-paced finance in Manhattan to growing markets in upstate cities like Rochester<\/a>, the demand for skilled CPAs spans industries and regions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s where CPAs are making an impact across the state: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Remote and hybrid roles are also a possibility, giving CPAs flexibility in how and where they work. While salaries vary based on the path you take, CPAs can expect strong earning potential. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors in the state average $113,310<\/a> annually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. Once you’re licensed, you can generally prepare tax returns for clients in any state. However, if you’re offering other services (like audits or attest work) across state lines, you may need to meet additional registration or licensing requirements depending on the state. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CPA salaries in New York vary based on experience, industry, and location. According to the BLS, New York accountants and auditors in the 10th percentile of earners make $62,430, with those in the 90th percentile making $178,500. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can retake a failed CPA exam section once your score from the previous attempt has been released. Keep in mind that once you pass your first section, you\u2019ll have 30 months to pass the remaining 3. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To keep your CPA license active in New York, you must complete either 40 hours of general continuing education or 24 hours in a recognized subject area each year, along with at least 4 hours of ethics every 3 years. You\u2019ll also need to renew your license with the state every 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s time to put your CPA skills to work. At Intuit, you\u2019ll have the freedom to grow your career on your terms with the support of expert teams and cutting-edge tools that let you focus on what you do best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Our job opportunities are built for every stage of the CPA journey, and can keep you close to home, whether you\u2019re in NYC, Rochester, or working remotely. Explore CPA-oriented opportunities with Intuit in New York<\/a> and take the next step in your career.<\/p>\n\n\n\nSteps to CPA Licensure in New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Complete the Educational Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Apply for and Pass the CPA Exam<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Fulfill Work Experience Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Meet New York\u2019s Ethics Requirements<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apply for Licensure<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Continuing Education and License Maintenance in New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Career Opportunities for CPAs in New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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FAQs About Becoming a CPA in New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How often can I retake the CPA exam?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you maintain your CPA license? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Launch Your CPA Career with Intuit in New York<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n