Indiana’s robust economic landscape, driven by major healthcare corporations like Anthem and diverse industries, creates exceptional opportunities for certified public accountants. With the state’s continued economic growth, qualified CPAs find themselves in high demand across public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, and consulting organizations.
This comprehensive guide outlines the exact steps to become a licensed CPA in Indiana, covering education requirements, examination procedures, experience criteria, and ongoing professional obligations.
Expert Insight: Indiana’s CPA requirements align with national standards while offering specific pathways for both traditional and accelerated educational tracks, making it accessible for diverse career backgrounds.
Complete CPA Requirements Overview:
- Education Requirements – 150 semester hours minimum
- Uniform CPA Examination – Four-section comprehensive test
- Professional Experience – 24 months verified employment
- License Application – Final certification process
- Continuing Education – Ongoing CPE requirements
- CPA Salary Information – Indiana compensation data
- Frequently Asked Questions – Common inquiries answered
Step 1: Complete Education Requirements
The Indiana Board of Accountancy mandates specific educational criteria for CPA licensure, emphasizing both breadth and depth in accounting and business knowledge.
Core Education Requirements
Educational Pathways
Indiana offers two primary pathways to meet the 150-hour requirement:
Pathway 1: Traditional Bachelor’s + Master’s Combination
- Complete 120-hour bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field
- Add 30 graduate-level hours through master’s program or post-baccalaureate certificate
- Ideal for students seeking advanced specialization
Pathway 2: Accelerated Five-Year CPA Track
- Integrated bachelor’s/master’s program design
- Streamlined curriculum meeting all 150-hour requirements
- Often includes CPA exam preparation components
Required Course Distribution
Accreditation Requirements
The Indiana Board recognizes degrees from institutions accredited by these regional bodies:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools–Commission on Colleges
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Higher Learning Commission
- New England Association of Schools and Colleges
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Foreign Degree Evaluation: International credentials require evaluation by approved agencies including Foreign Academic Credentials Service, Educational Credential Evaluators, or Josef Silny & Associates.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
The Uniform CPA Exam represents a critical milestone in professional certification, testing competency across four core areas of accounting practice.
Eligibility Requirements
- Completion of 150 semester hours
- Bachelor’s degree conferral
- Meeting Indiana’s specific course requirements
Application Process
Current Students:
- Register through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Submit official transcript showing 150 hours and degree completion
- Provide completed Certificate of Enrollment
- Include ADA Accommodation Form if needed
- Pay application fees via certified check, money order, or credit card
Graduates:
- Request official transcript submission directly to CPAES
- Complete online registration
- Submit required documentation and fees
Testing Centers and Scheduling
Indiana offers multiple Prometric testing locations:
- Indianapolis
- Evansville
- Fort Wayne
- Lafayette
- Merrillville
- Mishawaka
- Terre Haute
After receiving your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from NASBA, schedule examinations at your preferred location through the Prometric website.
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
Indiana mandates 24 months of qualifying accounting experience, emphasizing practical application of professional skills in real-world environments.
Qualifying Experience Types
Experience Requirements
- Duration: 24 months full-time equivalent
- Verification: Licensed CPA must validate experience
- Scope: Must involve substantial accounting judgment and analysis
- Exclusions: Clerical functions do not qualify
Part-Time Calculation: Part-time employment converts to full-time equivalent. For example, 20 hours weekly for 48 months equals 24 months full-time experience.
Experience Verification Process
- Identify supervising CPA for verification
- Complete Verification of Experience Form
- Ensure notarization of completed form
- Submit directly to Indiana Board of Accountancy
Step 4: Obtain Indiana CPA License
The final licensure step culminates your professional preparation, authorizing practice as a certified public accountant in Indiana.
Application Checklist
- ✅ 150 semester hours completed
- ✅ Bachelor’s degree conferred
- ✅ Official transcripts submitted
- ✅ Uniform CPA Exam passed
- ✅ 24 months experience completed
- ✅ Experience verification submitted
License Application Process
- Download and complete Accountancy Application Parts I and II
- Ensure all supporting documents are submitted
- Include appropriate licensing fees
- Mail complete application to Indiana Board of Accountancy
- Await NASBA and Board approval notifications
Mailing Address:
Indiana Board of Accountancy
Professional Licensing Agency
402 West Washington Street, Room W072
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Reciprocity Options
Indiana offers reciprocal licensing for qualified out-of-state CPAs through two pathways:
Substantially Equivalent States: Streamlined process for most jurisdictions (excludes CA, CO, NH, VT, VI)
Non-Equivalent States: Additional documentation required including exam verification, transcripts, and enhanced experience validation
Step 5: Maintain Through Continuing Education
Indiana’s continuing professional education (CPE) requirements ensure CPAs maintain current knowledge and professional competency throughout their careers.
CPE Requirements Overview
Approved CPE Sources
- Accredited colleges and universities
- Indiana CPA Society programs
- American Institute of CPAs courses
- NASBA’s National Registry of CPE Sponsors
- Professional accounting organizations
- Government agencies and regulatory bodies
CPE Credit Methods
- Formal Instruction: Classroom and webinar participation
- Self-Study: Independent learning with completion certificates
- Teaching: Accounting instruction (maximum 50% of total)
- Graduate Study: 1 semester hour = 15 CPE hours
- Professional Preparation: CPA exam coaching = 10 CPE hours
Indiana CPA Salary Information
Understanding compensation expectations helps inform career planning and professional development decisions for aspiring and practicing CPAs in Indiana.
Statewide Compensation Data
According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, Indiana accountants and auditors demonstrate strong earning potential across various career stages and specializations.
Indiana Employment Statistics:
- Total Employment: Approximately 29,070 accountants and auditors statewide
- Hourly Mean Wage: $37.85
- Annual Mean Wage: $78,720
- Annual Median Wage: $66,990
Career Progression Opportunities
Indiana’s diverse economy supports CPA career advancement across multiple sectors:
- Public Accounting: Audit, tax, and consulting services
- Corporate Finance: Controller and CFO positions
- Financial Analysis: Investment and business analysis roles
- Business Valuation: Specialized consulting services
- Information Systems Auditing: Technology-focused positions
Major metropolitan areas including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville offer concentrated opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Indiana?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4-5 years for education (150 credit hours), 6-18 months for CPA exam completion, and 2 years for required experience, which can be earned concurrently with education.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing all 150 credit hours?
No, Indiana requires completion of all 150 semester hours and bachelor’s degree conferral before CPA exam eligibility.
What types of accounting experience qualify for the 24-month requirement?
Qualifying experience includes public accounting, corporate finance, government accounting, nonprofit accounting, consulting, and teaching accounting at accredited institutions. Clerical work does not qualify.
Does Indiana accept CPA exam scores from other states?
Yes, Indiana accepts Uniform CPA Exam scores from any U.S. jurisdiction, provided they meet current validity requirements and scoring standards.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Indiana?
Total costs vary significantly based on education path, but typically include: education expenses ($40,000-$100,000+), CPA exam fees (~$1,000), review courses ($1,000-$3,000), and licensing fees (~$200-$300).
Can I practice public accounting immediately after getting my CPA license?
Yes, once licensed, you can practice public accounting. However, some positions may require additional experience or specialization depending on the firm and role complexity.
Professional Tip: Join the Indiana CPA Society early in your career for networking opportunities, continuing education resources, and professional development support that can accelerate your career advancement.
Becoming a CPA in Indiana requires dedication and systematic preparation, but the professional rewards—including career flexibility, earning potential, and intellectual challenge—make the investment worthwhile. As Indiana’s economy continues growing, qualified CPAs will find expanding opportunities across diverse industries and specializations.
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.
