Becoming a CPA in Alaska opens doors to lucrative opportunities in one of America’s most unique business environments. With the state’s booming oil and gas industry generating 90% of state revenues, skilled CPAs are in high demand to manage complex financial operations for extraction companies, Native corporations, and growing businesses across the Last Frontier.
Alaska ranks #3 nationally in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index, making it an attractive location for businesses and the CPAs who serve them. Whether you’re drawn to the state’s frontier spirit or its business-friendly environment, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every requirement to earn your Alaska CPA license.
Alaska CPA Requirements at a Glance
- ✓ Bachelor’s degree + 150 total semester hours
- ✓ 24 semester hours in accounting subjects
- ✓ Pass all 4 sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- ✓ 2-4.5 years of supervised experience (depending on education)
- ✓ Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics exam
- ✓ 80 CPE hours every 2 years for license renewal
Navigate This Guide:
- Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
- Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
- Step 4: Apply for Your Alaska CPA License
- Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
- Alaska CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
The Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy requires all CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education. Since most bachelor’s degrees contain only 120 semester hours, you’ll need an additional 30 credits through graduate coursework, a master’s degree, or a specialized 5-year CPA track program.
Specific Coursework Requirements
Within your 150 semester hours, Alaska requires specific accounting and business coursework:
Approved Educational Institutions
Alaska recognizes degrees from colleges and universities accredited by one of these six regional accreditors:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
International Education Credentials
If you completed your education outside the United States, your transcripts must be evaluated by:
- A member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- The NASBA International Evaluation Services
- Or be recognized by the University of Alaska
Note: CPA review courses may count toward your 150-hour requirement, but commercial CPA review courses are not acceptable. CLEP, correspondence, and online courses are acceptable if you receive credit from an accredited institution.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Alaska allows you to sit for the CPA Exam before completing all 150 semester hours, providing flexibility in your path to licensure. You must be at least 19 years old and meet one of these conditions:
CPA Exam Application Process
- Register Online: Visit CPA Examination Services (CPAES) to begin your application
- Submit Required Documents:
- Official college transcripts (sent directly from your institution)
- Certificate of Enrollment form (if still in school)
- Verification of Supervised Work Experience form (if applying under Condition 4)
- Application and examination fees
- Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS): NASBA will send your NTS via your preferred method
- Schedule Your Exam: Use Prometric’s website to schedule at a convenient testing location
- Take the Exam: Arrive 30 minutes early on test day
- Check Your Scores: View results within 48 hours at the NASBA Candidate Portal
Ethics Exam Requirement
In addition to the four CPA Exam sections, Alaska requires you to pass the AICPA Professional Ethics course. This self-study course must be completed before licensure.
For detailed information about the Uniform CPA Exam format and content, visit our comprehensive CPA Exam guide.
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
Alaska uses an innovative point system for experience requirements, with points awarded based on your educational background and type of experience:
How Experience Points Work
- Public Accounting Experience: 1 year = 2 experience points
- Private/Government Accounting: 1 year = 1⅓ experience points
- Attestation Requirement: All candidates must complete at least 500 hours of attestation services
Qualifying Experience Types
Your experience must involve providing one or more of these professional services:
- Attestation services
- Compilation services
- Financial advisory services
- Management advisory services
- Tax preparation and consulting
- General accounting services
Important: All experience must be verified by a licensed CPA supervisor who will complete the verification forms and submit them directly to the Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy.
Learn more about the differences between public and private accounting careers to help guide your experience choices.
Step 4: Apply for Your Alaska CPA License
Once you’ve completed your education, passed both exams, and gained the required experience, you’re ready to apply for licensure.
Application Requirements
- Complete the Application for Certified Public Accountant
- Submit the application fee (check current rates with the Board)
- Ensure all supporting documents are received:
- Updated official transcripts (if changed since the exam)
- Verification of Accounting Experience forms from your supervisor
- Official verification of Ethics Exam completion from AICPA
- Authorization for Interstate Exchange (if you passed the exam in another state)
- Mail to: Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy, P.O. Box 110806, Juneau, AK 99811-0806
Processing Time: Allow 8-12 weeks for application review and license issuance.
Reciprocal License for Out-of-State CPAs
If you hold an active CPA license in another U.S. jurisdiction (except Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands), you may qualify for reciprocity if you have:
- Four years of qualifying experience after passing the CPA Exam (within the past 10 years)
- A valid license in good standing
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Education
Alaska CPAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain their licenses:
Approved CPE Formats
- College courses (1 semester hour = 15 CPE hours for credit courses)
- AICPA professional development programs
- Programs from NASBA Registry sponsors
- Technical sessions at professional conferences
- Teaching/presenting (maximum 30 hours per renewal period)
- Published articles or books
Stay current with CPE requirements by joining the Alaska Society of CPAs, which offers regular educational opportunities tailored to Alaska practitioners.
Alaska CPA Salary Information
CPAs in Alaska enjoy competitive salaries that reflect the state’s high cost of living and strong demand for qualified professionals. The unique business environment, dominated by oil and gas companies, Native corporations, and government entities, creates excellent earning potential.
Entry-level CPAs in Alaska typically start between $55,000-$65,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills in areas like oil and gas taxation or Native corporation accounting can earn well over $120,000 annually.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Alaska?
The timeline varies based on your educational path and experience. Typically, it takes 5-7 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits (often through a master’s program), plus 2-3 years of qualifying experience. You can take the CPA Exam during this time.
Can I take the CPA Exam before graduating in Alaska?
Yes! Alaska allows you to sit for the exam when you’re within 18 semester hours of completing your bachelor’s degree, provided you’ve completed at least 15 accounting credit hours.
What’s the CPA Exam pass rate in Alaska?
Pass rates vary by section and testing window. Alaska candidates typically perform at or above the national average, which ranges from 45-60% per section. The key to success is thorough preparation using quality CPA review materials.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Alaska?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including exam fees (approximately $1,000), application fees ($100-$200), study materials ($2,000-$3,000), and licensing fees. Additional education costs vary by institution.
Does Alaska accept online accounting courses?
Yes, Alaska accepts online courses as long as you receive credit from an accredited college or university. This includes online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
Can I fulfill Alaska’s 150-hour requirement with a graduate certificate?
Yes, post-baccalaureate certificates in accounting are an excellent way to earn the additional 30 credits needed beyond your bachelor’s degree. Many are designed specifically for CPA candidates.
What’s unique about being a CPA in Alaska?
Alaska CPAs often work with unique clients, including oil companies, commercial fishing operations, Native corporations, and businesses operating in remote locations. The state’s tax structure (no state income tax) and permanent fund dividend system create distinctive accounting challenges.
Ready to Start Your Alaska CPA Journey?
Take the first step by exploring accredited accounting programs in Alaska. Whether you’re just starting your education or ready to complete your 150-hour requirement, finding the right program is crucial to your success.
For more information about CPA careers, explore these helpful resources:
- CPA Career Guide
- Forensic Accounting Specialization
- Government Accounting Careers
- Management Accounting Opportunities
