Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Kansas opens doors to rewarding career opportunities in the state’s thriving business sectors, from aerospace manufacturing in Wichita to agricultural finance across the plains. With Kansas ranking 7th nationally in agricultural production and hosting major corporations like Spirit AeroSystems, CPAs play a vital role in the state’s economic landscape.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact Kansas CPA requirements and provides a clear roadmap to earning your license in 2025.
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Step 1: Meet Kansas CPA Education Requirements
The Kansas Board of Accountancy (KSBOA) requires all CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college credit with specific coursework in accounting and business. Here’s what you need to know:
Education Overview
Required Accounting Coursework (30 semester hours)
Your accounting credits must include:
- Financial accounting (intermediate or advanced level)
- Managerial accounting (beyond introductory level)
- Auditing course
- Income tax course
- Accounting systems (post-basic computer course)
Note: CPA review courses and internship hours cannot count toward the 30 accounting credit requirement but may apply to the overall 150-hour requirement.
Business and General Education Requirements (42 semester hours)
Required business courses include:
- Macro and microeconomics plus one upper-division economics course
- Two business law courses minimum
- College algebra or higher mathematics
- Statistics and probability theory
- Computer systems and applications
- Finance
- Administration and management
- Marketing
- Production or operations research
Meeting the 150-Hour Requirement
Since most bachelor’s degrees contain only 120 credit hours, consider these pathways to reach 150 hours:
- Complete a Master’s in Accounting (most common route)
- Pursue a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting
- Enroll in a 5-year CPA track program combining bachelor’s and master’s degrees
- Take additional undergraduate courses
Many accounting programs now offer specialized CPA tracks designed to efficiently meet the 150-hour requirement.
Accreditation Requirements
KSBOA accepts degrees from institutions accredited by regional agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Verify your school’s accreditation status in the Department of Education database.
Online and correspondence courses are acceptable if:
- You received credit at a KSBOA-approved institution
- They appear on your official transcripts
- The institution maintains proper accreditation
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
The CPA exam tests your knowledge across four sections: Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Business Environment and Concepts (BEC), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Regulation (REG).
Exam Application Process
- Submit your application through NASBA’s CPA Exam Services
- Include required documents:
- Official transcripts sent directly from your institution
- 2″ x 2″ recent photograph
- Signed Kansas Board of Accountancy Cheating Policy form
- Application fees (see table below)
- Wait for approval (typically 4-6 weeks)
- Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
- Schedule your exam through Prometric
Kansas Testing Locations
Prometric testing centers in Kansas include:
- Wichita
- Hays
- Topeka
Important: You must pass all four exam sections within an 18-month window to qualify for licensure.
For comprehensive exam preparation strategies, explore our complete CPA exam guide.
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
Kansas operates as a two-tier state, meaning you can obtain a CPA certificate after passing the exam, but you need qualifying experience to receive a permit to practice.
Experience Requirements Overview
Qualifying Experience Details
General Experience (2,000 hours):
- Can be obtained in various settings (public, private, government, academia)
- Does NOT require direct CPA supervision
- Must be verified by a CPA with an active license
- Should demonstrate progressive accounting responsibilities
Attest Experience (375 hours):
- Required ONLY if you plan to provide attest services
- Includes audits, reviews, and examinations of financial statements
- Counted within the 2,000-hour total, not additional
- Must be under direct CPA supervision
Documenting Your Experience
Complete the Certificate of Experience form with your supervising CPA. This form includes:
- Detailed description of duties performed
- Verification of hours worked
- CPA supervisor’s license information
- Attestation of experience quality
Step 4: Apply for Your Kansas CPA License
After meeting the education, exam, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for your Kansas CPA permit to practice.
Prerequisites Checklist
Before applying, ensure you have:
- ✓ Completed 150 semester hours of education
- ✓ Passed all four CPA exam sections
- ✓ Gained 2,000 hours of qualifying experience
- ✓ Passed the AICPA Professional Ethics exam
- ✓ Obtained your Kansas CPA certificate
Application Process
- Take the AICPA Professional Ethics Course
- Complete the AICPA ethics course
- Have results sent directly to KSBOA
- Apply for CPA Certificate ($25 fee)
- Submit certificate application
- Sign and submit the required oath
- Apply for Permit to Practice
- Download the permit application
- Include Certificate of Experience
- Pay appropriate fees (see below)
Reciprocity for Out-of-State CPAs
If you hold a CPA license from another state, Kansas offers reciprocity if:
- Your state has substantially equivalent requirements
- You meet Kansas education and experience standards
- You pass the AICPA ethics exam
- You submit the $250 reciprocity application fee
Check the NASBA substantial equivalency list to verify your state’s status.
Step 5: Maintain Your License with Continuing Professional Education
Kansas CPAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) to maintain their licenses. Your permit renews biennially based on your certificate number.
CPE Requirements
Qualifying CPE Activities
Acceptable CPE includes:
- Formal courses from accredited institutions
- Professional development programs
- Self-study programs meeting NASBA standards
- Teaching accounting courses (limited credit)
- Publishing accounting articles or books
Pro Tip: New permit holders receive prorated CPE requirements for their first renewal period based on when they obtain their permit.
Use the CPE reporting form to document your continuing education credits.
Kansas CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you make informed decisions about your career. Here’s the current compensation data for accountants and auditors in Kansas:
CPAs typically earn 10-15% more than general accountants due to their advanced certification and expertise. Factors affecting salary include:
- Years of experience
- Industry specialization
- Size of employer
- Additional certifications
- Geographic location within Kansas
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 Kansas?
Typically 5-6 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits to reach 150 hours, plus 6-12 months for exam preparation and experience requirements. The exact timeline varies based on your educational path and exam performance.
Can I start taking the CPA exam before graduating?
Yes, Kansas allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after completing 120 credit hours, provided they have finished the required accounting coursework. However, you must complete all 150 hours before receiving your certificate.
What’s the difference between a CPA certificate and permit in Kansas?
A certificate allows you to use the CPA designation but not practice public accounting. A permit to practice grants full privileges to offer accounting services to the public. The permit requires completing experience requirements in addition to education and exam requirements.
Do online accounting degrees qualify for Kansas CPA requirements?
Yes, online degrees from properly accredited institutions qualify. The key is ensuring your school has regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and that courses appear on official transcripts.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Kansas?
Total costs typically range from $3,000 to $5,000, including exam fees ($800-$ 1,200), application fees ($170-$ 395), study materials ($2,000-$ 3,500), and an ethics course ($150-$ 250). This doesn’t include education costs.
What happens if I don’t pass all the CPA exam sections within 18 months?
If you don’t pass all four sections within 18 months of your first passed section, that first section’s credit expires. You’ll need to retake any expired sections while maintaining the 18-month window for all four.
Next Steps: Your Path to Kansas CPA Success
Now that you understand the requirements for becoming a CPA in Kansas, take these action steps:
- Evaluate your current education – Calculate how many credits you need to reach 150 hours
- Research CPA review courses – Invest in quality exam preparation materials
- Connect with Kansas CPAs – Join the Kansas Society of CPAs as a student member
- Plan your timeline – Create a realistic schedule for completing each requirement
- Start gaining experience early – Look for internships or entry-level positions in accounting
Remember, becoming a CPA in Kansas is a marathon, not a sprint. With proper planning and dedication, you’ll join the ranks of Kansas’s distinguished CPAs serving businesses from Wichita’s aerospace industry to the agricultural enterprises across the Sunflower State.
Additional Resources
Kansas-Specific Resources:
- Kansas Board of Accountancy – Official licensing body
- Kansas Society of CPAs – Professional networking and CPE
National CPA Resources:
- AICPA – American Institute of CPAs
- NASBA – National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
- Complete Guide to Becoming a CPA
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