Learning how to become a CPA in Arizona requires completing 150 semester hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and gaining 2000 hours of relevant work experience under CPA supervision. The Arizona State Board of Accountancy (ASBA) oversees the certification process, making Arizona an attractive destination for accounting professionals seeking licensure.
If you’re wondering how to become a CPA in Arizona, you’re entering a growing market with excellent opportunities. Arizona has become the fastest-growing state in the nation according to the Census Bureau, with more than 18 percent of the population over 65. These demographics create robust demand for CPA services including retirement planning, estate planning, and investment advisory services.
O*Net, a U.S. Department of Labor-sponsored resource, projects a strong 15 percent growth rate in the accounting profession through 2028. From high-end firms like Wallace Please + Dreher to international consultancies like KPMG, Arizona is home to successful CPAs serving businesses and wealthy families.
This comprehensive guide explains exactly how to become a CPA in Arizona through five essential steps, covering all Arizona CPA requirements needed to obtain your license.
Quick Navigation – How to Become a CPA in Arizona
1. Get Your Education – Meeting Arizona CPA Requirements
The first step in how to become a CPA in Arizona is meeting the education requirements. The Arizona State Board of Accountancy requires all CPA applicants to hold a bachelor’s or higher degree and complete 150 total semester hours of college credit.
With the standard bachelor’s degree in accounting consisting of 120 semester hours, earning a master’s in accounting or a post-baccalaureate certificate is the most common path to get the additional 30 credits needed. Many of these programs are available entirely online, and specialized five-year CPA track programs offer blended bachelor’s and master’s curricula designed specifically for those learning how to become a CPA in Arizona.
Accreditation Requirements
The Arizona Board recognizes degrees and credits earned through colleges or universities that hold basic institution-level accreditation from one of the six U.S. Department of Education recognized regional accreditation agencies:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Higher Learning Commission
- Southern Association of Schools and Colleges
Arizona CPA Requirements for Coursework
Understanding how to become a CPA in Arizona includes knowing the specific course requirements. You become eligible to take the CPA exam after earning your bachelor’s degree with these requirements:
For full licensure, Arizona CPA requirements include completing 30 additional credits beyond the bachelor’s degree:
Business course options include marketing, ethics, advanced communication, business law, management, finance, economics, computer science, business administration, and statistics.
Foreign Credential Evaluation
If you studied outside the U.S., understanding how to become a CPA in Arizona requires foreign academic credits evaluated by the Association of International Credential Evaluators or the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services. The course-by-course evaluation should be sent directly to:
Arizona State Board of Accountancy
100 N. 15th Avenue, Suite 165
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Important Note: Becker CPA Exam prep review courses can count toward your total college credit hours, but avoid duplicative courses as they may not count toward Arizona CPA requirements.
2. Take The Uniform CPA Exam
The second step in how to become a CPA in Arizona is passing the Uniform CPA Exam. Once you’ve satisfied the education requirements, you’re ready for the application and scheduling process.
Application Process
Step 1: Download the Uniform CPA Exam Initial Application form.
Step 2: Send the completed and signed application, $100 initial application fee, and sealed transcripts to:
The Arizona State Board of Accountancy
100 North 15th Ave., Ste. 165
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Make checks payable to the Arizona State Board of Accountancy. The transcript request form is available on the ASBA website.
ADA Accommodations: Submit written requests with official documentation from your doctor confirming disability and accommodation needs at the time of initial application.
Re-exam Candidates: Submit the re-examination application with a $50 fee and complete the CBT supplemental form if not previously submitted.
Review and Authorization Process
The ASBA review committee meets monthly (except December) to review applications and transcripts. When approved, they send an electronic Authorization to Test (ATT) notification to NASBA.
You’ll receive a NASBA payment coupon for your chosen exam sections. Use this coupon with a credit card to pay NASBA fees and schedule within 90 days of the ATT date.
The Notice to Schedule (NTS) comes from [email protected]. Contact NASBA at 1-866-MY-NASBA (866-696-2722) if you don’t receive your NTS within 3 weeks.
Scheduling and Test Centers
Schedule your exam at www.prometric.com/CPA. Exams are offered in the first two months of every quarter. Arizona Prometric test centers include:
- Phoenix
- Tempe
- Tucson
- Flagstaff
- Goodyear
NASBA sends scores to ASBA, who will mail or email results based on your chosen method.
3. Gain The Necessary Experience
The third step in how to become a CPA in Arizona is completing the experience requirement. After passing all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination within an 18-month rolling period, you must fulfill the work experience component of the Arizona CPA requirements.
Experience Requirements
The experience must involve:
- Recording and summarizing financial transactions
- Analyzing and verifying financial information
- Examining, reviewing, and reporting on financial statements
- Reporting financial results and providing attestation, tax, and management advisory services
Supervisor Requirements
If your supervisor isn’t a CPA licensed in Arizona, complete the Request for Supervisor Licensure Verification Form and send it to their state board for return to ASBA.
Non-CPA supervisors must attach a resume and job description to verify education and experience for overseeing CPA candidates. Competency can be established through signed, dated letters from three clients.
Documentation Process
Download the Certificate of Experience form for every employer where you gained experience. Send completed forms to the ASBA address above.
Ethics Requirement
Complete the AICPA ethics course managed by the Arizona Society of CPAs. Notify ASCPA that you’re taking the exam for Arizona certification. AICPA will notify ASBA of your passing score.
4. Get your Arizona CPA License
The fourth step in how to become a CPA in Arizona is obtaining your license. You’re now ready to apply for your Arizona State CPA certificate and practice license. Arizona is not a two-tier state, so certification automatically grants a practice license.
Licensure Checklist
Final Application
Download the Application for Arizona CPA Certificate. Submit the application and $100 non-refundable fee to ASBA, along with a form verifying your lawful presence in the U.S.
ASBA will notify you if any documents are missing. If complete, they’ll issue your CPA license.
Alternative Certification Paths
Substantial Equivalency: Available for those licensed in substantially equivalent states.
Reciprocity: For candidates who don’t qualify for substantial equivalency.
Grade Transfer: For those who passed all four exam sections in another state but aren’t licensed elsewhere.
All certification methods require meeting age (18+), character, and fitness requirements, plus providing one signed letter of reference from a licensed CPA.
5. Stay Current Through Continuing Professional Education
The final step in how to become a CPA in Arizona is understanding the ongoing requirements. Your Arizona CPA certificate renews every two years, and maintaining your license requires completing continuing professional education (CPE).
CPE Requirements Breakdown
Arizona-Specific Ethics Requirements
In addition to the 80 CPE hours, complete four hours of Arizona-specific ethics courses with at least one hour each in:
- Ethics related to accounting practice, including the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct
- ASBA statutes and administrative rules
Exemptions and Record Keeping
CPE requirements are waived if you’re retired, 60 years or older, and don’t perform accounting services.
Record Retention: Maintain course outlines, proof of participation, and written completion proof for three years.
Registration Periods: Your registration period begins on the first day after your birth month and runs through the last day of your birth month two years later. You register in odd or even years based on your birth year.
CPA Salaries in Arizona
Understanding potential earnings is a crucial aspect of learning how to become a CPA in Arizona. Arizona offers competitive salaries for CPAs and accountants, with compensation varying significantly based on experience and location.
Statewide Salary Data
Major Arizona Metropolitan Areas
The Phoenix metropolitan area offers the highest average salaries and most excellent employment opportunities for CPAs in Arizona, while smaller markets like Flagstaff provide competitive compensation with potentially lower cost of living.
Arizona’s growing economy, particularly in retirement and wealth management services, creates expanding opportunities for CPAs specializing in estate planning, tax preparation, and financial advisory services, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to learn how to become a CPA in Arizona.
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.
Congratulations on Learning How to Become a CPA in Arizona!
You now have a complete roadmap for how to become a CPA in Arizona. As a licensed public accounting professional, consider joining organizations that promote your profession and provide professional development, networking, and CPE opportunities.
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the premier national organization, while the Arizona Society of CPAs provides state-level resources. These organizations offer valuable networking opportunities and help you stay current with accounting career developments.
Related Arizona Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Arizona?
The timeline to become a CPA in Arizona typically ranges from 4-6 years total, including completing your bachelor’s degree (4 years), additional coursework for 150 credit hours (6 months to 2 years), passing the CPA exam (3-18 months), and gaining required work experience (1-2 years, which can overlap with education).
What are the education requirements to become a CPA in Arizona?
To become a CPA in Arizona, you need a bachelor’s degree with 150 total semester hours, including 36 semester hours of accounting courses (30 upper-level) and 30 semester hours of business-related courses.
How much work experience is required to become a CPA in Arizona?
You need 2000 hours of relevant accounting experience supervised by a licensed CPA to become a CPA in Arizona. This experience can be obtained before or after passing the CPA exam.
What is the average CPA salary in Arizona?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPAs and accountants in Arizona earn an average annual salary of $85,700, with entry-level positions starting around $78,620 and senior positions reaching $125,990.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing all 150 credit hours in Arizona?
Yes, you can take the CPA exam after completing your bachelor’s degree, provided you have completed the required accounting and business coursework. However, you must complete all 150 credit hours before applying for your CPA license in Arizona.
Does Arizona have reciprocity with other states for CPA licenses?
Yes, Arizona offers certification by substantial equivalency for candidates licensed in qualifying states, as well as reciprocity options for those who don’t qualify for substantial equivalency when becoming a CPA in Arizona.
