Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Connecticut opens doors to lucrative career opportunities in one of the nation’s wealthiest states. With major financial centers in Hartford and Stamford, Connecticut offers CPAs unique advantages in insurance, finance, and corporate accounting sectors.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Connecticut CPA requirements, from education and exam preparation to licensing and career prospects. Whether you’re a college student planning your path or a working professional seeking advancement, you’ll find the specific steps and timeline to achieve CPA certification in the Constitution State.
Connecticut CPAs earn an average of $95,520 annually, with experienced professionals in Stamford and Hartford commanding salaries exceeding $130,000.
Jump to Section
- Step 1: Education Requirements
- Step 2: CPA Exam
- Step 3: Experience Requirements
- Step 4: Licensing Process
- Step 5: Ethics Requirements
- Connecticut CPA Salary Data
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Education Requirements for Connecticut CPAs
Connecticut requires 150 semester hours of college education to become a CPA, exceeding the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree. This requirement ensures CPAs possess comprehensive knowledge in accounting, business, and related fields.
Core Education Requirements
Qualifying Accounting Courses (36 hours)
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial/Cost Accounting
- Advanced Accounting
- Auditing
- Federal Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
Business Course Requirements (30 hours)
- Business Law
- Economics (Micro and Macro)
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
- Information Systems
Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement
Most candidates fulfill the 150-hour requirement through one of these pathways:
- Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree: Complete a bachelor’s in accounting (120 hours) plus a Master of Accountancy or MBA (30 hours)
- Five-Year Bachelor’s Program: Enroll in an integrated program designed to meet all requirements
- Bachelor’s + Additional Coursework: Take extra undergraduate courses or pursue a double major
Top Connecticut Accounting Programs
Connecticut offers several AACSB-accredited accounting programs that meet CPA education requirements:
- University of Connecticut (UConn): Offers BS in Accounting and MS in Accounting programs specifically designed for CPA candidates
- Quinnipiac University: Features a 3+1 BS/MS in Accounting program
- Sacred Heart University: Provides flexible accounting programs with CPA exam preparation
- Fairfield University: Offers a comprehensive accounting curriculum with strong placement rates
Step 2: Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements
The Uniform CPA Examination tests your knowledge across four comprehensive sections. Connecticut candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling window.
CPA Exam Sections and Testing Windows
Connecticut CPA Exam Application Process
- Verify Education: Submit official transcripts to Connecticut State Board of Accountancy
- Complete Application: Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Pay Fees: Application fee of $170 plus exam section fees
- Receive NTS: Notice to Schedule valid for 6 months
- Schedule Exam: Book at Prometric testing centers in Hartford, Stamford, or nearby locations
CPA Exam Preparation Timeline
Most successful candidates dedicate 300-400 hours of study time across all four sections. Here’s a recommended timeline:
- FAR: 100-120 hours (most comprehensive section)
- AUD: 70-90 hours
- REG: 80-100 hours
- BEC: 50-70 hours (shortest section)
Connecticut’s CPA exam pass rates consistently exceed the national average, with first-time candidates achieving a 58% pass rate compared to the 50% national average.
Step 3: Connecticut Experience Requirements
Connecticut requires one year (2,000 hours) of accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This practical experience ensures new CPAs can apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations.
Qualifying Experience Criteria
Connecticut-Specific Experience Opportunities
Connecticut’s diverse economy offers unique experience opportunities:
- Insurance Industry: Hartford’s insurance giants (Aetna, The Hartford, Travelers) offer specialized accounting roles
- Financial Services: Stamford and Greenwich hedge funds provide complex accounting experience
- Manufacturing: Aerospace companies like Pratt & Whitney offer cost accounting expertise
- Healthcare: Yale New Haven Health System provides healthcare accounting experience
Documenting Your Experience
Connecticut requires detailed documentation including:
- Employer verification forms
- Detailed description of accounting duties
- CPA supervisor’s license information
- Dates and hours of employment
Step 4: Connecticut CPA License Application Process
After meeting education, exam, and experience requirements, you can apply for your Connecticut CPA license through the Department of Consumer Protection.
License Application Requirements
- Complete Application: Submit the CPA License Application form
- Official Transcripts: Send directly from educational institutions
- Exam Scores: Request official score transfer from NASBA
- Experience Verification: Submit employer certification forms
- Background Check: FBI and state criminal history check
- Application Fee: $350 initial license fee
Processing Timeline
Connecticut typically processes complete applications within 4-6 weeks. Expedited processing is available for an additional fee.
License Renewal Requirements
Step 5: Ethics Requirements for Connecticut CPAs
Connecticut emphasizes ethical standards through specific education and examination requirements.
AICPA Ethics Exam
All Connecticut CPA candidates must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. This open-book exam covers:
- AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
- Independence requirements
- Integrity and objectivity standards
- Professional competence obligations
Connecticut-Specific Ethics Course
Connecticut requires completion of a Board-approved ethics course covering:
- Connecticut State Board of Accountancy regulations
- State-specific professional standards
- Disciplinary procedures and case studies
Continuing Ethics Education
Licensed CPAs must complete 4 hours of ethics CPE annually, including updates on Connecticut regulations and professional standards.
Connecticut CPA Salary and Career Outlook
Connecticut CPAs enjoy competitive salaries reflecting the state’s high cost of living and concentration of financial services firms.
Connecticut CPA Salary by Experience Level
Connecticut CPA Salary by City
Top Industries for Connecticut CPAs
- Insurance Carriers: Average salary $98,450
- Securities/Financial Investments: Average salary $115,230
- Management of Companies: Average salary $96,780
- Accounting/Tax Services: Average salary $89,340
- Government: Average salary $87,650
Career Growth Projections
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4% growth for accountants and auditors through 2029. Connecticut’s concentration of corporate headquarters and financial services firms provides above-average opportunities for career advancement.
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 Connecticut?
Most candidates complete all requirements within 5-7 years: 4-5 years for education (150 hours), 6-12 months for exam preparation and passing, and 1 year for experience requirements. Fast-track programs can reduce this timeline to 4-5 years total.
Can I sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 hours in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours completed, provided they have a bachelor’s degree with required accounting and business courses. However, you cannot receive your license until completing all 150 hours.
Does Connecticut have reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with states that have substantially equivalent CPA requirements. You must have an active CPA license in good standing and meet Connecticut’s education and experience requirements.
What’s the cost to become a CPA in Connecticut?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including: CPA exam fees ($1,000-$1,500), review courses ($2,000-$3,500), application and licensing fees ($520), and ethics exam/course fees ($200-$300).
Are there Connecticut-specific CPA exam topics?
The CPA exam is uniform across all states. However, Connecticut CPAs should be familiar with state-specific tax laws and regulations, particularly regarding insurance companies and financial services, which are covered in CPE requirements.
What are the best CPA review courses for Connecticut candidates?
Popular options include Becker (used by many Big 4 firms), Wiley CPAexcel, Roger CPA Review, and Gleim. UConn and Quinnipiac offer on-campus review courses specifically for their graduates.
Can international graduates become CPAs in Connecticut?
Yes, international graduates can become Connecticut CPAs. Educational credentials must be evaluated by an approved foreign credential evaluation service to ensure equivalency to U.S. standards. Additional requirements may include demonstrating English proficiency.
