Louisiana’s diverse economy—from its world-renowned tourism sector to offshore oil and gas operations, and its strategic position where the Mississippi River meets global trade routes—creates exceptional opportunities for Certified Public Accountants. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant business environment of New Orleans, the state capital of Baton Rouge, or the energy corridor of Lafayette, becoming a CPA in Louisiana opens doors to rewarding careers across multiple industries.
The path to CPA licensure in Louisiana requires careful planning and dedication. This comprehensive guide walks you through each requirement, from education and examination to experience and continuing education. We’ll also explore salary expectations and career opportunities unique to the Pelican State and answer frequently asked questions about the licensure process.
Important: CPA requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with the Louisiana State Board of CPAs before making educational or career decisions.
Ready to start your journey? Here are the steps to becoming a CPA in Louisiana:
Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
Step 4: Apply for Your Louisiana CPA License
Step 5: Maintain Your License with CPE
Louisiana CPA Salary Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
Louisiana requires CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Since most bachelor’s degrees consist of 120 credit hours, you’ll need an additional 30 hours to meet CPA requirements.
Education Pathways to 150 Hours
Several paths can help you reach the 150-hour requirement:
- Bachelor’s + Master’s Degree: Pursue a Master’s in Accounting or MBA with an accounting concentration
- Five-Year CPA Track Programs: Combined bachelor’s/master’s programs designed specifically for CPA candidates
- Bachelor’s + Additional Coursework: Complete extra undergraduate or graduate courses
- Bachelor’s + Certificate Program: Earn a post-baccalaureate certificate in accounting
Required Coursework
Louisiana mandates specific accounting and business coursework within your 150 hours:
Accounting Requirements (24 undergraduate or 21 graduate semester hours)
- Intermediate Accounting: 6 undergraduate hours (or 3 graduate hours)
- Cost Accounting: 3 hours
- Income Tax Accounting: 3 hours
- Auditing: 3 hours
- Accounting Electives: 9 hours, including:
- 3 hours of advanced financial accounting, nonprofit accounting, or accounting theory
- 6 hours of upper-level accounting electives
Business Requirements (24 semester hours, non-accounting)
- Commercial Law: 3 hours (must cover Uniform Commercial Code)
- General Business Courses: 21 hours
Acceptable Institutions
Louisiana recognizes degrees from institutions accredited by these regional agencies:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools–Commission on Colleges
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- Higher Learning Commission
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
International Degrees: If you attended school outside the U.S., have your transcripts evaluated by Foreign Academic Credentials Service, Inc.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Exam
The Uniform 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). Louisiana candidates must meet all education requirements and reside in the state for at least 120 days before applying.
Application Process
- Register Online: Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Submit Documentation:
- Official transcripts showing 150 hours and a bachelor’s degree
- Application and examination fees
- Course substitution affidavit (if applicable)
- ADA accommodation requests (if needed)
- Receive Your NTS: Wait for your Notice to Schedule from NASBA
- Schedule Your Exam: Book through Prometric at Louisiana testing centers
Louisiana Testing Locations
- Alexandria
- Baton Rouge
- Bossier City
- Lake Charles
- Metairie
For questions, contact the Louisiana CPA Examination Services at 800-CPA-EXAM.
Step 3: Gain Required Professional Experience
Louisiana requires one year (2,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must occur within four years before your license application.
Qualifying Experience
Your experience must involve at least one of these competency areas:
- Attestation services
- Compilation and review services
- Financial statement preparation
- Tax preparation and consulting
- Management advisory services
- Financial planning and analysis
Acceptable Employment Settings
- Public accounting firms
- Private industry
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Academia (teaching accounting courses)
Experience Verification
Your supervising CPA must provide a letter on company letterhead that includes:
- Employment dates
- Job titles and descriptions
- Specific accounting duties performed
- Confirmation of CPA supervision
- Time records for part-time work
Step 4: Apply for Your Louisiana CPA License
After completing education, exam, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for licensure. Louisiana uses the terms “certificate” and “license” interchangeably.
Application Requirements
- Download the Application for Certificate as a CPA
- Gather supporting documents:
- Official transcripts
- Experience verification letters
- $100 application fee
- Submit to: State Board of CPAs of Louisiana, 601 Poydras Street, Suite 1770, New Orleans, LA 70130
Important: Submit applications 30 days before quarterly board meetings (held last working days of January, April, July, and October).
Interstate Reciprocity
Louisiana offers reciprocal licenses to CPAs from states with substantially equivalent requirements. The process includes:
- Reciprocal certificate application
- Interstate information exchange authorization
- One year of recent qualifying experience
- Character references
- $100 application fee
International Reciprocity
Louisiana recognizes credentials from select international accounting bodies through the IQEX exam process. Eligible jurisdictions include:
- Australia (ICAA and CPA Australia)
- Canada (CPA Canada)
- Hong Kong (HKICPA)
- Ireland (ICAI)
- Mexico (IMCP)
- New Zealand (NZICA)
Step 5: Maintain Your License with CPE
Louisiana CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years to maintain their licenses.
CPE Requirements
- Total Hours: 120 hours per three-year period
- Ethics: 2 hours in professional ethics
- Attest Practitioners: 20% of hours in attest subjects
- Personal Development: Maximum 25% of total hours
Acceptable CPE Formats
- University courses (1 semester hour = 15 CPE hours)
- Professional conferences and seminars
- Self-study programs
- Teaching/presenting (max 50% of requirement)
- Published articles (max 25% of requirement)
- Webinars and online courses
CPE Providers
- American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- Society of Louisiana CPAs
- NASBA Registry of CPE Sponsors
- Louisiana colleges and universities
Maintain CPE records for five years, including certificates of completion, course descriptions, and attendance documentation.
Louisiana CPA Salary Information
Understanding salary expectations helps you make informed career decisions. Louisiana CPAs earn competitive salaries that reflect the state’s diverse economic opportunities and lower cost of living compared to many other states.
Salary Factors
Several factors influence CPA salaries in Louisiana:
- Industry Specialization: Oil & gas sector typically offers 15-20% premiums
- Firm Size: Big Four firms generally pay 10-15% above market
- Additional Certifications: CFP or forensic accounting credentials can boost earnings
- Location: New Orleans and oil industry hubs offer higher compensation
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.
Louisiana CPA Career Opportunities
Louisiana’s unique economic landscape creates specialized opportunities for CPAs:
Key Industries
- Energy Sector: Oil, gas, and petrochemical companies need CPAs for complex tax and royalty calculations
- Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues require specialized hospitality accounting
- Maritime & Logistics: Port operations and shipping companies need international tax expertise
- Healthcare: Major medical centers in New Orleans and Shreveport employ healthcare accounting specialists
- Government: State and local agencies offer governmental accounting positions
Major Employers
Big Four Presence:
- Deloitte (New Orleans)
- EY (New Orleans, Baton Rouge)
- KPMG (New Orleans)
- PwC (New Orleans)
Regional Firms:
- Postlethwaite & Netterville (Baton Rouge)
- LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors (New Orleans)
- Hannis T. Bourgeois (multiple locations)
- Kearney Companies (New Orleans)
Specialized Opportunities
- Disaster Recovery Accounting: Unique expertise needed for hurricane preparedness and recovery
- Tax Credits & Incentives: Louisiana’s film and historic preservation tax credits create niche practices
- International Trade: Port of New Orleans connections offer global accounting opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CPA in Louisiana?
Most candidates complete all requirements in 5-7 years: 4-5 years for education (150 hours), 6-18 months for the CPA exam, and 1 year for experience. The timeline varies based on your educational path and exam performance.
Can I start taking the CPA exam before graduating?
No, Louisiana requires candidates to complete all 150 education hours before sitting for the exam. Some states allow testing at 120 hours, but Louisiana maintains the stricter requirement.
What’s the CPA exam pass rate in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s pass rates typically align with national averages: approximately 50% for each section on first attempts. Candidates who use comprehensive study programs often achieve higher success rates.
How much does it cost to become a CPA in Louisiana?
Total costs typically range from $3,000-$5,000, including CPA exam fees ($1,000-$1,500), study materials ($2,000-$3,000), application fees ($100), and initial licensing ($100). This excludes education costs.
Can I transfer my scores from another state?
Yes, CPA exam scores can transfer between states. However, you must still meet Louisiana’s specific education and residency requirements for licensure.
Do I need to join the Society of Louisiana CPAs?
Membership isn’t required but offers valuable benefits including networking, CPE opportunities, and practice resources. Many employers cover membership fees as a professional development benefit.
What if my degree is in a field other than accounting?
Louisiana accepts candidates with non-accounting bachelor’s degrees, provided you complete the required accounting and business coursework within your 150 hours. Many pursue post-baccalaureate certificates or master’s degrees to meet these requirements.
Next Steps: Launch Your Louisiana CPA Career
Becoming a CPA in Louisiana opens doors to diverse career opportunities across the state’s unique economic landscape. Whether you’re drawn to the energy sector, international trade, or traditional public practice, your CPA license provides the foundation for a rewarding career.
Ready to start? Begin by evaluating your current education against Louisiana’s requirements. If you need additional coursework, explore accounting programs in Louisiana that can help you reach the 150-hour requirement efficiently.
For the latest updates on Louisiana CPA requirements, visit the Louisiana State Board of CPAs or contact them at (504) 566-1244.
