This guide outlines how to become a CPA in Georgia, including the educational requirements, exam, and experience you need to get licensed. We\u2019ll also break down the timelines, costs, and jobs and salaries available once you\u2019re certified. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The path to becoming a CPA in Georgia starts with meeting specific requirements. The state sets standards for education, experience, and testing to make sure every CPA is fully prepared for the responsibilities of the profession. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what Georgia requires: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ve seen the big picture. Now let’s break down the step-by-step process, from your first day of coursework to becoming a licensed CPA in Georgia: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by earning a bachelor\u2019s degree and working toward 150 total semester hours. Your coursework should include at least 30 hours in accounting and 24 hours in business-related classes. Some students enroll in a master\u2019s program to hit the 150-hour mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve completed your bachelor\u2019s degree and at least 20 semester hours of upper-level accounting coursework, you\u2019re eligible to apply for the CPA Exam.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how the CPA Exam works<\/a>. It includes 3 core parts\u2014Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxation and Regulation (REG)\u2014plus 1 discipline of your choice. Your options are: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Controls (ISC), or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP). Once you pass your first section, you have a 30-month rolling window to pass the remaining 3.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The test itself contains multiple-choice and task-based simulation questions. The multiple-choice questions test your ability to retain and recall the knowledge necessary to be a successful CPA. Task-based simulations (TBSs) are more complex, and they test your application of CPA knowledge in real-world scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Georgia requires at least 1 year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience. \u201cAcceptable work experience\u201d means tasks and duties related to being a CPA. This can include public accounting, government, industry, or academia.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your education, exam scores, and experience are verified, the next step is applying for your license through the Georgia State Board of Accountancy<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 4-year bachelor\u2019s program will generally give you 120 of the 150 semester hours of education you need to move forward with the CPA process in Georgia. There are a few different ways to get the remaining 30 credits. Many CPA candidates: <\/p>\n\n\n\n One year of supervised accounting work\u2014about 2,000 hours\u2014is required before you can apply for your CPA license in Georgia. This experience must be verified by a licensed CPA and can come from public practice, private industry, government, or academia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Passing all 4 parts of the CPA Exam can take a year or 2, depending on how quickly you prepare and schedule your sections. Most candidates spend months studying before each part. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After meeting the education, exam, and experience requirements, you submit your licensure application to the GSBA. Once your file is complete (all documents, transcripts, verification, and fees), the board may take a few weeks to process the application. The application fee is $140. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Georgia CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years, including 4 ethics CPE credits, with 1 credit specifically focused on Georgia\u2019s laws, rules, and Board policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The total cost of becoming a CPA in Georgia depends heavily on where you complete your education and how you fulfill your ongoing CPE requirements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A full-on bachelor\u2019s program at an accredited institution can cost you tens of thousands of dollars. <\/p>\n\n\n\n CPE is a recurring expense that might cost you a few hundred dollars per renewal period, depending on the format. For example, the Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA)<\/a> advertises a wide range of options, including live streams, in-person seminars, multi-day conferences, and online self-study courses at a variety of price points.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your predictable costs are exam and licensing fees. As mentioned, the fee to apply for your state license is $140. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To take your CPA Exam in Georgia, you can reasonably expect to pay about $1,000\u2013$1,200. Here is how those fees break down: <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors\u2014including CPAs\u2014is projected to grow 5%<\/a> nationwide over the next decade. In Georgia, CPAs earn between $48,140 and $140,640<\/a> per year, with pay influenced by experience, education, and certifications.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n After you receive your license, you can take your career in a few different directions. Many CPAs go into public accounting, while others build careers in corporate finance, government, or education. Some open their own practices and work directly with individuals and small businesses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The education and certification requirements may seem demanding upfront, but they translate into career flexibility and strong earning potential over time. It\u2019s also worth comparing the CPA credential to other designations, such as an enrolled agent (EA)<\/a>, to understand which path fits best with your career goals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes. As a licensed CPA, you can generally prepare tax returns for clients across all 50 states. Most states allow CPAs in good standing to provide non-attest services (like tax, consulting, and advisory work) under mobility laws without needing full licensure in each state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Note:<\/strong> In Georgia, expanded practice mobility under House Bill 148 will take effect January 1, 2026. This legislation further streamlines how Georgia CPAs can offer services across state lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CPAs in Georgia earn competitive salaries that often exceed those of non-licensed accountants. Accountants and auditors in the 10th percentile of Georgia earners make nearly $50,000 per year, according to the BLS, while 90th-percentile earners average just over $140,000. Pay depends on your specialization and experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t pass a section on your first try, you can retake it during the next testing window. You must pass all 4 sections within a 30-month rolling period. There\u2019s no strict cap on retakes, but you\u2019ll need to pay exam fees each time you sit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After you\u2019re licensed, maintaining your CPA status in Georgia requires completing 80 hours of continuing professional education every 2 years. At least 4 of those hours must be in ethics. You\u2019ll also need to renew your license with the Georgia State Board of Accountancy every 2 years and stay in good ethical and professional standing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Earning your CPA license in Georgia is a big achievement that opens doors to many rewarding careers in the financial world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re ready to put your accounting skills to work, explore open roles with Intuit and apply now<\/a>. For those focused on the Atlanta market, keep an eye on our dedicated page for CPA jobs in Atlanta<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n4. Complete your work experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Apply for your CPA license<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Timeline for Earning Your CPA License\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Education (4\u20136 Years)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Experience (1 Year) <\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exam (1\u20132 Years)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Apply for a GA State License (A Few Weeks)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Continuing Education (Every 2 Years)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CPA Licensing Costs in Georgia\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Career Outlook for Georgia CPAs\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs About Becoming a CPA in Georgia<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can CPAs prepare tax returns in multiple states?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How much can I expect to earn as a CPA?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How often can I retake the CPA exam?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How do you maintain your CPA license?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Take the Next Step with Intuit\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n