Understanding New Hampshire CPA requirements is the first step in learning how to become a licensed CPA in the Granite State. “Live Free or Die” is one of the most hardcore state mottos, and you will find many people from Manchester in the north who take it surprisingly seriously. In part, that means being financially independent. The Granite State isn’t among the richest in the nation but people here tend to hang on to what they make. New Hampshire has one of the best savings rates in the country, ranking second in the nation for retirement savings, with an average retirement account balance of nearly $500,000.
Those savings don’t just happen by magic. And once New Hampshire residents build up that nest egg, they are smart enough to seek professional advice for growing it. That’s where the state’s accounting professionals come in. The state Employment Security Department forecasts that accounting and auditing jobs will expand by 8.1 percent by 2028, a rate above the national average.
With 7,820 accounting and auditing professionals currently employed in New Hampshire and strong job growth projected, now is an excellent time to pursue CPA certification in the Granite State.
Those CPAs will be kept plenty busy by both the state’s aging population and retirees who got word that it’s one of the top places to retire to in the country for having a low cost of living and high healthcare standards. Of course, there’s plenty of work for CPAs outside of financial planning and individual tax preparation work, too. The state comes in at number 6 in the country on the Tax Foundation’s Top Ten Friendliest Tax Climate Index.
Follow the steps in this comprehensive guide to learn exactly how to meet New Hampshire CPA requirements and become a licensed CPA in the state.
New Hampshire CPA Quick Start Checklist
- ✅ Earn bachelor’s degree from accredited institution
- ✅ Complete 150 semester hours (30 in accounting, 24 in business)
- ✅ Apply for CPA exam through NASBA
- ✅ Pass all 4 sections of Uniform CPA Exam
- ✅ Gain 1 year of verified public/governmental accounting experience
- ✅ Apply for NH CPA license
- ✅ Complete 20 CPE hours annually
Jump to Section:
- New Hampshire CPA Education Requirements
- How to Take the CPA Exam in New Hampshire
- Work Experience Requirements for NH CPAs
- How to Get Your New Hampshire CPA License
- Continuing Education Requirements in New Hampshire
- New Hampshire CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. New Hampshire CPA Education Requirements
The first step in how to become a CPA in New Hampshire is meeting the state’s education requirements. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy requires all certified public accountants to hold a bachelor’s degree (at minimum) and complete 150 semester hours of college credit.
a. Reach out to New Hampshire universities offering accounting programs. With the standard bachelor’s degree in accounting consisting of just 120 semester hours, going on to earn a post-baccalaureate certificate or master’s in accounting represents the most tried and tested way to get those 30 additional credits. Many of these programs are available entirely online. You can also find specialized five-year CPA track programs that offer a blended bachelor’s and master’s curriculum designed to give you the 150 semester hours you need to meet New Hampshire CPA requirements.
b. Ensure your accounting program meets New Hampshire CPA requirements. Accreditation of your program must be granted through:
- A regional or national accreditation organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (click here for a searchable database), or
- American Assembly of Collegiate Schools (AACSB)
- Any college credits earned through a non-accredited program must be evaluated before you can take the Uniform CPA Exam. If you are unsure whether your credits are acceptable by the Board and/or the National Association of State Boards of Accounting (NASBA), you may contact CPA Exam Services at 800-CPA-EXAM to arrange a pre-evaluation. (The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy will not pre-evaluate your college credits).
- A three-year bachelor degree in combination with professional qualification will NOT be accepted in lieu of a U.S. bachelor degree
- A three-year bachelor degree will be accepted in combination with a two-year master degree
- If your credits were earned through a school in a foreign country, your transcripts must be evaluated by one of the approved credential evaluation agencies (contact the agency directly for instructions)
c. Complete specific coursework to become a CPA in New Hampshire. Between your bachelor’s and post-baccalaureate programs, your 150 hours of college credit must include:
Required Accounting Coursework (30 semester hours)
- Management accounting
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Financial accounting
Required Business Coursework (24 semester hours)
- Economics
- Business organizations
- Professional ethics
- Finance
- Business information systems
- Business law
Important Notes About Meeting Education Requirements
- CPA review courses are acceptable provided they are taken through an accredited program and you are awarded credit for them
- CLEP, distance learning and online courses are accepted provided they are taken through an accredited program and you are awarded credit for them
- Commercial review courses are not accepted by the Board
- Credit earned towards a Chartered Accountant credential will not be accepted by the Board
- The Board does not accept credentials from the Institute of Chartered Accountants
Accredited Accounting Programs in New Hampshire
To become a CPA in New Hampshire, consider these accredited institutions:
- University of New Hampshire – Durham campus offers AACSB-accredited accounting programs
- Southern New Hampshire University – Online and campus-based accounting degrees
- New England College – Business and accounting programs
2. How to Take the CPA Exam in New Hampshire
Once you have completed 120 semester hours of college credit and earned your bachelor’s degree with the required coursework, you can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination. This is a crucial step in how to become a CPA in New Hampshire. You’ll be required to complete the 30 additional hours to hit the 150 total before submitting your application to the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy.
a. Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES) to take the exam in New Hampshire. Register online. Mail all required documents (listed below) to:
CPA Examination ServicesNew Hampshire Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
You may reach them by phone at 800-CPA-EXAM.
b. Submit required documentation for New Hampshire CPA exam eligibility.
- Official college transcript showing the number of semester hours of credit you have completed along with receipt of a bachelor’s degree (this may be sent by you in a sealed official envelope, or by your school)
- If you attended school outside of the U.S., your official International Evaluation (you or the credential evaluation agency may send this)
- If you are requesting ADA accommodations for testing, send the completed ADA Accommodation Form
c. Receive your Notification to Schedule (NTS) for the New Hampshire CPA exam. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) will issue your Notification to Schedule (NTS) the Uniform CPA Exam by email.
d. Schedule your exam at New Hampshire testing centers. Tests are given at Prometric sites in New Hampshire, which include Concord and Portsmouth.
e. Take the CPA exam and await results. Arrive at the Prometric center that you have chosen on examination day prepared to test. Your exam scores will be mailed to you once they are calculated.
If you need to coordinate special accommodations for testing or require more information about how to become a CPA in New Hampshire, call the New Hampshire Coordinator of CPA Examination Services at 800-CPA-EXAM. For detailed information on the Uniform CPA Exam, click here.
CPA Exam Preparation Resources in New Hampshire
To successfully pass the CPA exam and become licensed in New Hampshire, consider these local review options:
- Becker CPA Review – Available in Manchester with comprehensive study materials
- Wiley CPAexcel – Online adaptive learning platform
- Surgent CPA Review – Adaptive learning technology that personalizes study plans
- Roger CPA Review – Video-based learning with engaging instruction
3. Work Experience Requirements for NH CPAs
Meeting work experience requirements is essential to become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy requires all CPA applicants to complete practical work experience requirements before a certificate or license is issued. Evidence of this work experience must be submitted to NASBA as part of the CPA licensure process.
a. Complete one year of qualifying work experience. The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy requires that all prospective CPAs fulfill one year of paid public or governmental accounting experience requirements. A supervising CPA must verify this experience. Your college or university’s career center can help you find appropriate work opportunities to become a CPA in New Hampshire.
Competencies that must be encompassed within your work experience include a combination of these skills:
- Auditing, reviewing, and reporting financial statements
- Financial advisory services
- Audit procedures
- Management advisory services
- Preparing tax returns
- Providing tax advice (tax matters and tax returns)
- Consulting services
Requirements for the Supervising CPA
To verify your experience and help you become a CPA in New Hampshire, your supervising CPA must:
- Hold a current license to practice as a CPA in New Hampshire, the United States, or in one of the following jurisdictions:
- CPA or CA from Australia
- Chartered Accountant from Canada, New Zealand and/or Ireland
- Contadores Publicos Certificado (CPC) from Mexico
- Submit required verification information via NASBA’s Experience Verification Interest Form
- Enclose a copy of your driver’s license or passport showing your photo and signature
Your Responsibilities as a CPA Candidate
To meet New Hampshire CPA requirements and complete your experience verification:
- Choose a licensed, certified CPA from one of the above jurisdictions
- Provide the Experience Verification forms to your verifying CPA
- Enclose a copy of your driver’s license and passport showing your photo and signature
- As NASBA handles the licensing process for the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy, mail the completed forms and supporting documents to: NASBA Licensing Services, P.O. Box 198589, Nashville, TN 37219.
Finding Qualifying Experience in New Hampshire
Common employers that provide qualifying experience to become a CPA in New Hampshire include:
- Public Accounting Firms – Regional and national firms like KPMG, BDO, and local practices
- Government Agencies – State of New Hampshire departments, municipal governments
- Non-profit Organizations – 501(c)(3) organizations requiring audited financial statements
- Corporate Accounting Departments – Internal audit and financial reporting roles
4. How to Get Your New Hampshire CPA License
After successfully passing the Uniform CPA Examination and satisfying the prerequisite of practical work experience, you can apply for your New Hampshire CPA Certificate (New Hampshire’s term for a CPA license). This final step completes how to become a CPA in New Hampshire.
a. Pre-Application Checklist
Verify you meet all New Hampshire CPA requirements before applying:
- ✅ Completed 120 semester hours with required accounting and business concentration and earned a bachelor’s degree
- ✅ Applied through CPA Examination Services and passed all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam
- ✅ Completed 150 total semester hours of college credit
- ✅ Fulfilled New Hampshire’s one-year practical work requirement with proper CPA verification
- ✅ Submitted Experience Verification Forms to NASBA
b. Submit your New Hampshire CPA license application. Apply online for your New Hampshire CPA License through NASBA Licensing Services. If you have any further questions regarding how to become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire, email [email protected] or call (866) 350-0017.
Special Circumstances for Licensure
Interstate Reciprocal License
If you currently hold a CPA license from another state and want to become licensed in New Hampshire, you might be eligible for a reciprocal certificate. Education and experience requirements are the same for reciprocity applicants as they are for initial applicants. Begin the process online at NASBA Licensing Services.
International Reciprocal License
The International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB), made up of representatives from NASBA and the AICPA has recommended that reciprocity be granted to chartered accountants credentialed through the following international jurisdictions:
- Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA)
- New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)
- Instituto Mexicano De Contadores Publicos (IMCP)
- Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA)
The New Hampshire Board of Accountancy accepts these IQAB recommendations. CPAs or chartered accountants from Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Mexico may take the International Qualification Exam (IQEX) in order to become licensed in New Hampshire. Apply here to take the International Uniform Certified Public Account Qualification Examination.
Additionally, all foreign CPA licensure applicants must meet these requirements:
- Hold a current foreign credential in good standing from an authority that regulates public accounting in that country
- The foreign authority must recognize New Hampshire CPA Certificates/Licenses
- The foreign credential must allow you to issue reports on financial statements
- The foreign credential must have been issued through meeting requirements of education, experience and examination
- The experience you have acquired must meet one of these requirements:
- Is substantially equivalent to New Hampshire’s experience requirements
- Equals four years of professional accounting experience in New Hampshire
- Equals a combination of five years of foreign and New Hampshire professional accounting experience
5. Continuing Education Requirements in New Hampshire
Once you become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire, you must fulfill continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to maintain your license. Under rules of the New Hampshire Board of Accountancy, every CPA in the state must complete ongoing education to keep their certification current.
a. Complete required CPE hours to maintain your New Hampshire CPA license. CPAs in New Hampshire must complete 120 hours of CPE in the three years preceding each license renewal. You must complete 20 hours of CPE every year to maintain your New Hampshire CPA license.
- 60 hours of CPE may be carried over to the next triennial period
- 20 hours of CPE must be completed by June 30 of each year
- 4 hours of CPE in professional ethics must be completed every three years
- 50 minutes of class time will equal one CPE hour
b. Choose acceptable educational formats and subjects. Pursuing CPE in approved formats and subjects to maintain your status as a licensed CPA in New Hampshire.
The following educational formats are acceptable for CPE credit:
- Seminar
- Lecture
- Self-study
- Authoring books, publication or articles
- Instructing, lecturing or presenting
The following subjects are acceptable for CPE credit:
- Governmental accounting
- Public accounting
- Governmental auditing
- Public auditing
- Social environment of business
- Administrative practices
- Business law
- Regulatory ethics
- Finance
- Business organization and management
- Marketing
- Management advisory services
- Communications
- Behavioral ethics
- Human resources
- Personal development
- Economics
- Computer science
- Production
- Mathematics
- Taxes
- Statistics
- Specialized knowledge and its application
c. Find qualified CPE providers in New Hampshire. Obtain CPE credits at one of the following qualified locations:
- National, state and local accounting organizations’ educational and professional development programs
- National, state and local accounting organizations’ technical sessions of meetings
- Credit and non-credit college and university courses
- Formal in-house educational programs at an accounting firm (on accounting subjects as well as general professional procedure and policy)
- Professional accounting and industry programs
- Professional accounting and trade societies’ educational program meetings
- Dinner, lunch or breakfast meetings if they are formal educational programs
d. Locate CPE programs in New Hampshire through these resources:
- New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants
- New Hampshire Tax and Accounting Professionals
- American Institute of CPAs
- New Hampshire colleges and universities
e. Maintain proper CPE records. You should maintain records of your CPE credit for four years. This must include the program name, dates and hours of attendance, date you took the class, subject of the program, number of hours awarded, time spent in class, certificate of completion, and signature of the class provider or an authorized representative.
New Hampshire CPA Salary Information
Understanding potential earnings is crucial when considering how to become a CPA in New Hampshire. Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Accountants and Auditors, New Hampshire offers competitive compensation for accounting professionals who meet the state’s CPA requirements.
Regional Salary Variations for New Hampshire CPAs
Once you become a CPA in New Hampshire, salary levels can vary significantly based on location and market demand:
Career Progression and Salary Growth
CPA salaries in New Hampshire typically progress based on experience and specialization after you become licensed:
Factors That Increase Earning Potential
After you become a CPA in New Hampshire, these factors can boost your earning potential:
- Continuing Education – Advanced CPE courses and specialized certifications
- Industry Specialization – Healthcare, manufacturing, non-profit, or technology focus
- Advanced Degrees – MBA, MSA, or other graduate credentials
- Additional Certifications – CMA, CIA, CFE, or other professional designations
- Business Development Skills – Client acquisition and relationship management abilities
- Leadership Experience – Team management and project leadership roles
New Hampshire CPA Employment Outlook
The job market for those who become CPAs in New Hampshire remains strong:
- Job Growth – 8.1% projected growth through 2028 (above national average)
- Current Employment – 7,820 accounting and auditing professionals
- Retirement Wave – Aging population creating succession opportunities
- Tax-Friendly Environment – Attracting businesses and creating demand for CPA services
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.
Successfully Becoming a Licensed CPA in New Hampshire
Congratulations! You’ve learned exactly how to become a CPA in New Hampshire by meeting all the state’s requirements. Once you’ve completed the education, exam, experience, and licensing steps, you’ve achieved one of the most respected credentials in the accounting profession.
After you become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire, consider joining professional organizations to enhance your career. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) offers members continuing professional education programs, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and discounts on accounting office supplies.
Local professional accounting societies to consider joining include the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants and the New Hampshire Tax and Accounting Professionals. These organizations provide valuable networking opportunities and local professional development.
Consider pursuing specializations that are in high demand in New Hampshire. Popular accounting specializations include management accounting, business systems analysis, payroll accounting, and corporate compliance.
Ready to Start Your Journey to Become a CPA in New Hampshire?
Explore accredited accounting programs in New Hampshire and take the first step toward meeting the state’s CPA requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become a CPA in New Hampshire
How long does it take to become a CPA in New Hampshire?
Typically 5-6 years: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree + 1 year for an additional 30 credit hours + 1 year work experience. Many students complete their master’s degree concurrently with gaining work experience, which can reduce the overall timeline to become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire.
What are the specific New Hampshire CPA requirements for education?
New Hampshire CPA requirements include 150 semester hours of college credit with a bachelor’s degree, including 30 semester hours in accounting courses and 24 semester hours in business courses. The coursework must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or AACSB.
Can I work as an accountant in New Hampshire without meeting full CPA requirements?
Yes, you can work in private accounting, corporate finance, or as a staff accountant without meeting full CPA requirements. However, public accounting services that involve auditing financial statements or representing clients before the IRS require you to become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire.
How much do CPAs earn after meeting New Hampshire CPA requirements?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CPAs who meet New Hampshire requirements earn a median salary of $82,830 annually, with mean wages reaching $89,850. Entry-level positions typically start around $50,000-$65,000, while experienced CPAs can earn $110,000 or more.
What is the pass rate for the CPA exam in New Hampshire?
The national CPA exam pass rate averages 45-55% per section. New Hampshire candidates perform in line with national averages. The exam’s difficulty underscores the importance of thorough preparation when working to become a CPA in New Hampshire.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing all 150 credit hours required by New Hampshire?
Yes, you can take the CPA exam after completing 120 semester hours and earning your bachelor’s degree. However, you must complete all 150 credit hours before applying for your New Hampshire CPA license to fully meet the state’s requirements.
What types of work experience count toward New Hampshire CPA requirements?
Acceptable experience to become a CPA in New Hampshire includes auditing, financial statement preparation, tax return preparation, management advisory services, and consulting. The experience must be in public or governmental accounting and verified by a licensed CPA who supervises your work.
How do I maintain my license after I become a CPA in New Hampshire?
After you become a licensed CPA in New Hampshire, you must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years, with a minimum of 20 hours completed each year and 4 hours in professional ethics every three years. You must also renew your license every three years.
Are there any state-specific CPA requirements unique to New Hampshire?
New Hampshire CPA requirements follow standard practices but have specific details about acceptable coursework and experience verification. The state requires exactly 150 semester hours with specific distributions in accounting and business courses, and all work experience must be verified by a licensed CPA through NASBA’s verification process.
