Georgia’s thriving business environment makes it an excellent state for CPAs. Home to Fortune 500 companies like Delta Airlines, Coca-Cola, and Home Depot, plus a growing tech startup scene, Georgia offers abundant opportunities for accounting professionals. This comprehensive guide covers all Georgia CPA requirements and provides a clear roadmap to earning your license.
Official Source: This guide is based on requirements from:
Georgia State Board of Accountancy
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA 31217
Phone: (478) 207-2440
Website: sos.ga.gov/georgia-state-board-accountancy
Quick Navigation
- Step 1: Meet Georgia’s Education Requirements
- Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
- Step 3: Gain Required Experience
- Step 4: Apply for Your Georgia CPA License
- Step 5: Maintain Your License with CPE
- Step 6: Georgia CPA Salary Information
- Step 7: Frequently Asked Questions
Georgia CPA Requirements Overview
Step 1: Meet Georgia’s Education Requirements
Georgia requires 150 semester hours of college credit to become a CPA. This exceeds the typical 120-hour bachelor’s degree, making additional education necessary. Here’s what you need to know about Georgia’s specific educational requirements.
Core Education Requirements
To qualify for CPA licensure in Georgia, you must complete:
- Total Credit Hours: 150 semester hours from an accredited institution
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher
- Accounting Courses: 30 semester hours above the elementary level
- Business Courses: 24 semester hours in general business
Accepted Educational Paths
Since a standard bachelor’s degree provides only 120 hours, you’ll need 30 additional credits. Common paths include:
- Master’s in Accounting: The most popular option, providing specialized knowledge
- MBA with Accounting Concentration: Combines business strategy with accounting expertise
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Focused coursework for career changers
- 150-Hour Bachelor’s Programs: Five-year integrated programs designed for CPA candidates
Accreditation Requirements
Georgia accepts degrees from institutions with standard national or regional accreditation listed in the U.S. Department of Education database. For international credentials, you’ll need an evaluation from NASBA International Evaluation Services.
Course-Specific Rules
Important: CLEP courses are NOT accepted by the Georgia State Board of Accountancy for CPA requirements.
Acceptable courses include:
- College-credit CPA review courses
- Online courses with college credit
- Accounting internships (maximum 2 courses)
- Upper-level courses from 2-year colleges (if accepted for credit at 4-year institution)
Unacceptable courses:
- Commercial CPA review courses without college credit
- CLEP examinations
- Non-credit bearing courses
Georgia CPA at a Glance
- Total Education: 150 semester hours
- Exam Eligibility: 120 hours + 20 accounting hours
- Experience: 1 year (2,000 hours)
- License Fee: $170
- CPE: 80 hours every 2 years
- Average Timeline: 5-6 years total
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Georgia allows you to sit for the CPA exam before completing all 150 hours, giving you flexibility in your timeline.
Exam Eligibility Requirements
You can take the exam in Georgia when you have:
- Bachelor’s degree (120 semester hours)
- At least 20 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses
The remaining 30 credits must be completed before applying for licensure.
Application Process
- Register Online: Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Submit Required Documents:
- Official college transcripts
- Foreign evaluation forms (if applicable)
- Application fees
- ADA Accommodation Form (if needed)
- Mail to: CPA Examination Services-GA, P.O. Box 198469, Nashville, TN 37219
- Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS)
- Schedule through Prometric
Georgia Testing Locations
For exam assistance, contact the Georgia Coordinator at 800-CPA-EXAM.
Step 3: Gain Required Experience
Georgia requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience. This experience shapes your professional development and must meet specific criteria.
Qualifying Experience Types
Public Accounting Experience
Must be supervised by a Georgia-licensed CPA and include:
- Accounting and auditing
- Attestation services
- Compilation engagements
- Tax preparation and consulting
- Financial and management advisory
Business/Industry Experience
Must involve financial accounting and auditing skills under CPA supervision:
- Internal control systems
- Financial reporting
- Tax compliance
- Regulatory compliance
- Management consulting
Government Experience
- Federal, state, or local government agencies performing accounting/auditing
- IRS positions must be GS-11 level or above
Academic Experience
- Teaching at accredited 4-year colleges/universities
- Minimum 2 accounting courses above the elementary level
- 24 semester hours over 12-36 months
Experience Restrictions
Note: Experience cannot be gained while enrolled as a full-time student, and self-employment does not qualify.
Non-qualifying activities include:
- Clerical functions
- Basic bookkeeping
- Data entry
- Experience with gaps exceeding one year
Documentation Requirements
Download the Certificate of Experience form and have your supervisor complete it. The supervisor must:
- Hold an active CPA license
- Directly supervise your work
- Return the form in a sealed envelope
Step 4: Apply for Your Georgia CPA License
Once you’ve met all requirements, you’re ready to apply for your Georgia CPA certificate.
Application Checklist
Application Process
- Choose Application Method:
- Online: NASBA’s online application
- Paper: Download the application package
- Gather Documents:
- Official transcripts (sealed)
- Certificate of Experience (sealed)
- Employer Verification Form (if applicable)
- Signed Consent Form for background check
- Submit Payment: $170 via check, money order, or credit card
- Mail to: NASBA Licensing Services – GA, P.O. Box 198589, Nashville, TN 37219
Interstate Reciprocity
If you hold a CPA license from another state, Georgia offers reciprocity if:
- The other state recognizes Georgia licenses
- You meet Georgia’s education, exam, and experience requirements
- You establish residency or business presence in Georgia
Reciprocity application fee: $320
International Reciprocity
Georgia recognizes credentials from:
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)
- CPA Australia (CPAA)
- Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
- Instituto Mexicano De Contadores Publicos (IMCP)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
- Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)
International candidates must pass the IQEX examination.
Step 5: Maintain Your License with CPE
Georgia requires ongoing education to maintain your CPA license.
CPE Requirements
Qualifying CPE Topics
- Accounting and auditing
- Taxation
- Business law
- Management services
- Computer sciences
- Ethics
- Specialized industries
- Communication skills
Approved CPE Providers
- Georgia Society of CPAs
- American Institute of CPAs
- NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors
- Georgia colleges and universities
Note: The Georgia Board does not pre-approve providers. Maintain CPE records for five years.
Step 6: Georgia CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career path. Here’s current salary data for accountants and auditors in Georgia:
Georgia Statewide Salary Data
Major Georgia Metro Area Salaries
Georgia CPAs typically earn 15-20% more than non-certified accountants. Specializations like tax advisory or financial planning can further increase earnings.
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.
Step 7: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the education requirements to become a CPA in Georgia?
Georgia requires 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree, with 30 semester hours in accounting courses above elementary level and 24 semester hours in general business courses.
Can I sit for the CPA exam in Georgia before completing 150 hours?
Yes, you can take the CPA exam in Georgia after earning a bachelor’s degree (120 hours) and completing at least 20 semester hours of upper-level accounting courses. The remaining 30 credits must be completed before licensure.
How much experience do I need to get my Georgia CPA license?
Georgia requires one year (2,000 hours) of supervised accounting experience in public accounting, government, business, industry, or college teaching. The experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
What is the total cost to become a CPA in Georgia?
Total costs typically range from $8,000-$21,000, including exam fees ($1,000-$1,500), study materials ($2,000-$4,000), additional education ($5,000-$15,000), and the initial license fee ($170). This excludes the cost of your bachelor’s degree.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Georgia?
The typical timeline is 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1-2 years for additional education and exam preparation, and 1 year to gain required experience.
Does Georgia have CPA reciprocity with other states?
Yes, Georgia offers reciprocity to CPAs from states that recognize Georgia licenses. You must meet Georgia’s education, exam, and experience requirements and establish residency or business presence in Georgia.
What are the CPE requirements for Georgia CPAs?
Georgia requires 80 hours of CPE every two years, including 16 hours in accounting and auditing. You must complete at least 20 hours annually, and can carry forward up to 15 hours to the next period.
Can online accounting courses count toward Georgia CPA requirements?
Yes, online courses are acceptable if you receive college credit from an accredited institution. However, commercial CPA review courses without college credit do not qualify.
Next Steps
Now that you understand Georgia’s CPA requirements, take action:
- Evaluate Your Current Status: Determine which requirements you’ve already met
- Create a Timeline: Map out your path to licensure
- Research Schools: Find programs that fit your needs and schedule
- Connect with Professionals: Join the Georgia Society of CPAs for networking
- Start Your Journey: Take the first step toward your CPA license today
For the most current requirements and updates, always consult the Georgia State Board of Accountancy directly.
