Kansas CPA Quick Facts
- Education: 150 semester hours + bachelor’s degree
- Exam: Uniform CPA Exam (4 sections)
- Experience: 1 year under licensed CPA
- Median Salary: $81,420 (May 2024 BLS)
- Job Growth: 7.5% (2018-2028)
- Total Employment: 14,030 accountants and auditors
Kansas operates a comprehensive two-tier system for becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Candidates first apply for a certificate without practice rights after passing the Uniform CPA Exam, then apply for a license to practice once they complete the Kansas Board of Accountancy’s one-year work experience requirement.
The process requires strategic planning, as many candidates pursue a master’s in accounting to meet the 150-hour education requirement while gaining the practical experience needed for full licensure. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about CPA requirements in Kansas, from educational pathways to salary expectations and career opportunities.
Step 1: Complete Educational Requirements
Kansas CPA candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. The educational requirements include:
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- 150 total semester hours of education
- 30 semester hours in accounting subjects
- 24 semester hours in business-related courses
The additional 30 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree can be completed through:
- A master’s degree in accounting or business administration
- Additional undergraduate coursework
- Graduate-level courses in accounting or business
- Combination of undergraduate and graduate work
Kansas requires specific accounting courses including financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting to ensure candidates have comprehensive knowledge across all CPA exam sections.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Exam is a computer-based test administered in four sections. Kansas candidates must pass all four sections within an 18-month rolling period:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): 4 hours
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): 4 hours
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): 4 hours
- Regulation (REG): 4 hours
Kansas candidates can apply to take the CPA exam once they have completed 120 semester hours of education. This allows students to begin testing before graduation, providing more flexibility in the certification timeline.
The exam is administered at Prometric testing centers throughout Kansas, including locations in Wichita, Overland Park, and Topeka. Candidates should plan their exam schedule strategically, considering the 18-month window and the demands of their educational and work commitments.
Step 3: Gain Required Work Experience
Kansas requires one year (1,740 hours) of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must be obtained after completing the educational requirements and can include:
- Public accounting: Auditing, tax preparation, consulting services
- Private industry: Corporate accounting, financial analysis, internal auditing
- Government: Municipal accounting, state agency financial management
- Non-profit: Financial management for charitable organizations
The supervising CPA must:
- Hold an active CPA license in Kansas or another state
- Have at least two years of CPA experience
- Directly supervise and evaluate the candidate’s work
- Provide verification of the experience to the Kansas Board of Accountancy
Step 4: Apply for Kansas CPA License
Once you’ve completed the education requirements, passed the CPA exam, and gained the required experience, you can apply for your Kansas CPA license through the Kansas Board of Accountancy. The application process includes:
- Application form: Complete Form 1 (Application for CPA Certificate and License)
- Fees: $200 for initial license and certificate
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all colleges and universities
- Experience verification: Form 3 completed by supervising CPA
- Character references: Professional references attesting to your character
The Board typically processes applications within 4-6 weeks of receiving all required documentation. Licensed CPAs must renew their license every three years and complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each renewal period.
Kansas CPA Salary and Career Opportunities
Kansas offers competitive compensation for accounting professionals, with salaries varying by experience level, specialization, and geographic location. According to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, accountants and auditors in Kansas demonstrate strong earning potential across various career stages.
Salary by Geographic Area
Compensation varies significantly across Kansas markets, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher salaries:
Career Specialization Opportunities
Kansas CPAs can pursue various specializations, each offering unique career paths and earning potential:
- Public Accounting: Audit, tax, and consulting services with firms like Mayer Hoffman McCann in Leawood
- Corporate Accounting: Financial reporting and analysis for aviation companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Cessna Aircraft
- Government Accounting: Financial management for state agencies and municipalities
- Forensic Accounting: Specialized investigation and litigation support services
- Tax Specialization: Advanced tax planning and compliance for businesses and individuals
Major Accounting Markets in Kansas
Wichita Metropolitan Area
As Kansas’s largest city and the aviation capital of the world, Wichita offers diverse accounting opportunities. The city hosts major employers including:
- Spirit AeroSystems: Major aerospace manufacturer requiring cost accountants and financial analysts
- Cessna Aircraft: General aviation leader with opportunities in management accounting
- Koch Industries: Diversified corporation offering corporate accounting roles
- Intrust Bank: Regional financial institution with audit and compliance positions
Kansas City Metropolitan Area
The Kansas City region provides access to major financial institutions and corporate headquarters, including:
- Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City: Specialized forensic accounting and bank examination roles
- Edward Jones: Investment services requiring financial reporting expertise
- Rubin Brown: Regional CPA firm offering comprehensive public accounting services
- Cochran Head & Vick: Established firm providing audit and tax services
Government and Non-Profit Sector
Kansas offers substantial opportunities in government accounting, including:
- State of Kansas: Budget analysis and financial management positions
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Managing veteran benefit program funds
- University of Kansas: Educational institution financial management
- Municipal governments: Local government accounting and budgeting roles
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Kansas CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years to maintain their license. The CPE requirements include:
- 120 total hours over three-year period
- Minimum 20 hours per year
- Ethics requirement: 8 hours of ethics training every three years
- Approved providers: NASBA-approved CPE sponsors
Popular CPE topics for Kansas CPAs include:
- Updates to federal and state tax regulations
- New accounting standards and pronouncements
- Technology and data analytics in accounting
- Professional ethics and independence requirements
- Industry-specific accounting issues
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Kansas?
The typical timeline is 5-7 years, including a four-year bachelor’s degree, additional coursework to reach 150 hours, time to pass the CPA exam, and one year of supervised work experience.
Can I get my CPA license in Kansas with an online degree?
Yes, Kansas accepts degrees from regionally accredited institutions, including online programs. The key requirement is that the institution must be properly accredited and meet Kansas Board of Accountancy standards.
What’s the pass rate for the CPA exam in Kansas?
Kansas follows national CPA exam pass rates, which typically range from 45-55% per section. The cumulative pass rate for all four sections is approximately 20-25% for first-time candidates.
Do I need to be a Kansas resident to get licensed?
No, Kansas does not require residency for CPA licensure. However, you must meet all educational, examination, and experience requirements regardless of your state of residence.
Can I practice in other states with a Kansas CPA license?
Kansas has mobility agreements with most states, allowing temporary practice in other jurisdictions. For permanent practice in another state, you may need to obtain that state’s CPA license through reciprocity agreements.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Kansas?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including education beyond the bachelor’s degree, CPA exam fees ($884.80), review materials ($1,000-$3,000), and licensing fees ($200).
The investment in CPA certification typically pays for itself within the first year through increased earning potential and career advancement opportunities.
For detailed information about specific CPA requirements and the application process, visit our comprehensive guide on how to become a CPA in 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.
