Quick Facts: Becoming a CPA in Guam
- Time to Complete: 5-7 years (including education and experience)
- Education Required: 150 semester hours with specific accounting courses
- Exam Components: 4 sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- Experience Required: 2 years under licensed CPA supervision
- Estimated Total Cost: $3,000-$5,000 (exam fees, application, study materials)
- Licensing Authority: Guam Board of Accountancy
Earning your CPA license in Guam opens doors to advanced accounting careers in both public and private sectors across this U.S. territory. The Guam Board of Accountancy regulates CPA licensure following standards similar to U.S. states, with some unique territorial requirements.
This comprehensive guide walks you through each requirement and step to become a licensed CPA in Guam, from education prerequisites through maintaining your license. Whether you’re a current accounting student or an experienced professional seeking licensure, you’ll find the specific information needed to navigate Guam’s CPA requirements successfully.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
The Guam Board of Accountancy requires all CPA candidates to complete specific educational requirements before sitting for the CPA exam. These requirements ensure candidates have a strong foundation in accounting principles and business practices.
150 Semester Hour Requirement
Guam follows the 150-hour education standard adopted by most U.S. jurisdictions. Your education must include:
Required Accounting Courses
Your 24 semester hours of upper-division accounting must cover:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Auditing and Attestation Services
- Management/Cost Accounting
- Taxation (Federal and Guam)
- Accounting Information Systems
- Government/Non-profit Accounting
Important: The Guam Board of Accountancy requires that accounting courses be taken at the upper-division (junior/senior) level. Introductory accounting courses typically don’t count toward the 24-hour requirement.
Acceptable Business Courses
Your 24 semester hours of business courses may include:
- Business Law and Ethics
- Finance and Financial Management
- Economics (Macro and Micro)
- Management and Organizational Behavior
- Marketing Principles
- Statistics and Quantitative Methods
- Information Systems Management
Step 2: Apply for Exam Eligibility
Once you’ve completed or are near completing your education requirements, you can apply to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination through the Guam Board of Accountancy.
Application Requirements
Notice to Schedule (NTS)
After approval, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) for each exam section. The NTS allows you to:
- Schedule exam appointments with Prometric
- Take exams at any Prometric testing center
- Sit for exams within the 6-month validity period
Tip: Many candidates find success taking 2 exam sections per testing window. This allows focused study time while maintaining momentum through the exam process.
Step 3: Pass the CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination consists of four sections that test your knowledge across various accounting and business topics. Guam uses the same exam as all U.S. jurisdictions.
CPA Exam Sections
MCQ = Multiple Choice Questions; TBS = Task-Based Simulations; WC = Written Communications
Passing Requirements
- Minimum score of 75 on each section
- Complete all four sections within 18 months
- If the 18-month window expires, you lose credit for passed sections
Testing in Guam
While Guam doesn’t have a Prometric testing center, candidates can test at any location worldwide, including:
- U.S. mainland testing centers
- International locations in Asia-Pacific region
- Military testing facilities (for eligible personnel)
Step 4: Gain Required Experience
Guam requires two years of public accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience ensures you can apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
Experience Requirements
Qualifying Experience Areas
Your experience should include exposure to:
- Auditing: Financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations
- Taxation: Individual, corporate, and Guam territorial tax preparation
- Advisory Services: Consulting, financial planning, and business advisory
- Accounting: Financial reporting, bookkeeping, and internal controls
Alternative Experience Paths
The Guam Board may accept alternative experience, including:
- Government accounting (GovGuam agencies)
- Internal audit positions
- Corporate accounting roles
- Teaching accounting at the university level
Note: Alternative experience may require additional documentation and board review. Contact the Guam Board of Accountancy for specific guidance on your situation.
Step 5: Apply for CPA License
After passing all exam sections and completing experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for your CPA license in Guam.
License Application Checklist
Ethics Requirement
Guam requires completion of the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam with a score of 90% or higher. The exam covers:
- AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
- Guam-specific ethics rules
- Independence requirements
- Professional responsibilities
License Maintenance
Once licensed, maintain your CPA status by:
- License Renewal: Every two years by December 31
- Renewal Fee: $300 for active license
- CPE Requirements: 80 hours every two years
- Ethics CPE: 4 hours of ethics training required
CPA Salary in Guam
CPAs in Guam typically earn competitive salaries that reflect the specialized nature of their work and the territory’s unique economic conditions. While specific Guam data is limited, accountants and auditors in similar Pacific territories and regions show strong earning potential.
Salary Factors in Guam
Several factors influence CPA salaries in Guam:
- Experience Level: Entry-level vs. senior positions
- Industry: Public accounting, government, or private sector
- Specialization: Tax, audit, or advisory services
- Employer Type: Big 4, regional firms, or local practices
- Additional Certifications: CMA, CIA, or other credentials
Career Opportunities
Guam CPAs find opportunities in various sectors:
- Public Accounting Firms: Deloitte, EY, and regional firms have Guam offices
- Government of Guam: Department of Revenue and Taxation, Public Auditor
- Financial Services: Banks, credit unions, and insurance companies
- Tourism Industry: Hotels, resorts, and hospitality groups
- Military Contractors: Companies supporting military installations
For detailed salary information across different accounting roles, visit our accounting careers guide.
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
Can I transfer my CPA license to Guam from another state?
Yes, Guam has reciprocity agreements with states that have substantially equivalent requirements. You’ll need to demonstrate that your original licensing state required 150 hours of education, passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and relevant experience. Additional requirements may include completing an ethics course specific to Guam regulations.
How long does the entire CPA licensure process take in Guam?
The timeline varies by individual, but typically includes: 4-5 years for education (bachelor’s plus additional credits), 6-18 months for exam preparation and passing, and 2 years for experience requirements. Most candidates complete the entire process in 5-7 years from starting their undergraduate degree.
Do I need to be a Guam resident to become a CPA in Guam?
No, Guam does not have a residency requirement for CPA licensure. However, if you plan to practice public accounting in Guam, you must hold an active Guam CPA license regardless of licenses held in other jurisdictions.
What if my degree is from a foreign university?
Foreign degrees must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service approved by the Guam Board of Accountancy. The evaluation must show that your education is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree and meets the specific accounting and business course requirements.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Guam?
Total costs typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, including: exam application fees ($150), exam section fees (~$1,000 total), study materials ($2,000-3,000), ethics exam ($190), license application ($200), and miscellaneous fees. This doesn’t include education costs.
Can I start gaining experience before passing the CPA exam?
Yes, Guam allows you to gain qualifying experience before, during, or after passing the CPA exam. However, the experience must be verified by a licensed CPA and meet the board’s requirements for type and duration of work performed.
Are there continuing education requirements after licensure?
Yes, Guam CPAs must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every two years, including 4 hours of ethics. CPE must be from board-approved providers and cover relevant technical subjects to maintain professional competency.
What happens if I don’t pass all CPA exam sections within 18 months?
If you don’t pass all four sections within 18 months of passing your first section, you lose credit for any passed sections outside the 18-month window. You’ll need to retake those sections. This rolling 18-month period is why strategic exam scheduling is crucial.
