Colorado CPA Requirements at a Glance
- Education: 150 semester hours (Bachelor’s degree + 30 additional hours)
- Exam: Pass all 4 sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- Experience: 1 year (1,800 hours) supervised by a licensed CPA
- Ethics: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics course
- CPE: 80 hours every 2 years for license renewal
- Timeline: 12-18 months, average completion time
Colorado’s thriving economy, from the tech corridors of Denver and Boulder to the energy sector throughout the state, creates exceptional opportunities for CPAs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 20% growth rate in Colorado accounting jobs through 2028, significantly higher than the national average.
Whether you’re targeting positions at Big Four firms like KPMG in Denver, regional powerhouses like EKS&H, or boutique firms throughout the Front Range, understanding Colorado CPA requirements is your first step toward a rewarding career in public accounting.
Step 1: Complete Your Education – Meeting Colorado CPA Degree Requirements
The Colorado State Board of Accountancy requires all CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college education. Since a typical bachelor’s degree consists of 120 hours, you’ll need an additional 30 hours to meet Colorado CPA requirements.
Education Pathways to 150 Hours
Most candidates choose one of these paths to reach the 150-hour requirement:
- Master’s in Accounting: The most direct path, typically adding 30-36 hours
- MBA with Accounting Focus: Combines business leadership with accounting expertise
- Bachelor’s + Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Cost-effective option for specific accounting coursework
- 5-Year Integrated CPA Programs: Streamlined bachelor’s/master’s combination designed for the CPA track
Colorado’s Specific Curriculum Requirements
Your 150 semester hours must include specific coursework to meet Colorado CPA education requirements:
Accepted Institutions
Colorado recognizes credits from colleges and universities accredited by these regional accreditors:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Important Note: International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES-approved agency before submission to the Colorado Board.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam in Colorado
Colorado allows you to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam after completing 120 semester hours and earning your bachelor’s degree. However, you must complete all 150 hours before applying for licensure.
CPA Exam Application Process
- Register Online: Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Submit Required Documents:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your college(s) to CPAES
- Completed Colorado First-Time Application
- Signed Affidavit of Eligibility with ID copy
- Notarized Attestation Form
- Application fees (approximately $200-300)
- Receive Your NTS: Your Notice to Schedule arrives within 3-6 weeks
- Schedule Your Exam: Book through Prometric at Colorado testing centers
Colorado CPA Exam Testing Locations
For detailed information about exam content and preparation strategies, visit our comprehensive CPA exam guide.
Step 3: Gain Required Experience for Colorado CPA License
Colorado requires one year (1,800 hours) of supervised experience under a licensed CPA. This experience must be gained within a three-year period and completed no more than five years before your license application.
Qualifying Experience Types
AICPA Ethics Requirement
Before beginning your experience, you must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics course. This self-study course costs approximately $150-200 and takes 4-8 hours to complete.
Pro Tip: Start your ethics course early—you need the completion certificate before your supervisor can verify your experience hours.
Step 4: Apply for Your Colorado CPA License
Once you’ve completed your education, passed the CPA exam, fulfilled the ethics requirement, and gained your experience, you’re ready to apply for licensure.
Application Checklist
✓ Bachelor’s degree plus 150 total semester hours
✓ Passed all four CPA exam sections
✓ Completed AICPA Ethics course
✓ 1,800 hours of qualifying experience
✓ Certificate(s) of Experience in sealed envelopes
✓ Official transcripts
✓ Application fee (approximately $100)
Submit your application online through the NASBA Licensing portal. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
Interstate Reciprocity
If you hold a CPA license from another state, Colorado offers reciprocity if you:
- Hold an active license from a substantially equivalent state
- Complete 80 hours of CPE in the past two years
- Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam within two years of application
- Complete 2 hours of Colorado Rules & Regulations courses
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Professional Education
Colorado CPAs must complete continuing education to maintain their licenses. The requirements are calculated quarterly based on your license status.
Colorado CPE Requirements
Approved CPE Topics
Colorado accepts a wide range of CPE subjects, including:
- Financial accounting and reporting
- Auditing and attestation
- Taxation and tax planning
- Accounting information systems
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Specialized industry accounting
Colorado CPA Salary Information
CPAs in Colorado earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s strong economy and high cost of living in major metro areas. Here’s the latest salary data for accountants and auditors in Colorado:
CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than the general accountant salary ranges shown above, with additional premiums for specialized certifications and Big Four experience.
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 About Colorado CPA Requirements
Can I sit for the CPA exam before graduating in Colorado?
No, Colorado requires you to have completed at least 120 semester hours and earned your bachelor’s degree before sitting for the CPA exam. However, you can take the exam before completing all 150 hours.
How long do I have to pass all four CPA exam sections?
While Colorado doesn’t impose a specific time limit, exam credits begin expiring after 18 months. Most candidates complete all four sections within 12-18 months to avoid credit expiration.
Does Colorado accept online accounting courses?
Yes, Colorado accepts online courses from regionally accredited institutions. The courses must appear on official transcripts and meet the same standards as traditional classroom courses.
What’s the total cost to become a CPA in Colorado?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-5,000, including exam fees ($1,000-1,500), application fees ($200-300), ethics course ($150-200), and study materials ($1,500-3,000). This doesn’t include education costs.
Can I use internship hours toward the experience requirement?
Yes, internship hours count toward the 1,800-hour requirement as long as they’re supervised by a licensed CPA and involve qualifying accounting work.
Start Your Colorado CPA Journey Today
Becoming a CPA in Colorado opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in one of the nation’s most dynamic economies. While the journey requires dedication—from completing 150 education hours to passing the CPA exam and gaining supervised experience—the investment pays dividends throughout your career.
Ready to begin? Start by researching accredited accounting programs that align with Colorado’s specific requirements. Whether you’re just starting your accounting education or ready to sit for the CPA exam, understanding these requirements puts you on the path to success.
For the most current information and updates, always verify requirements with the Colorado State Board of Accountancy.
