Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York opens doors to prestigious career opportunities in one of the world’s financial capitals. With over 123,000 accountants and auditors employed statewide and average salaries exceeding $101,000, New York offers exceptional prospects for accounting professionals.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every requirement and step needed to earn your New York CPA license, from education prerequisites to exam preparation and beyond. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, you’ll find the detailed information needed to navigate New York’s specific CPA licensure process.
Quick Steps to Becoming a New York CPA
- Meet Educational Requirements (150 Credit Hours)
- Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
- Complete Professional Experience
- Pass the Ethics Exam
- Submit License Application
- New York CPA Salary Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Educational Requirements for New York CPA License
New York requires 150 semester hours of education to qualify for CPA licensure. This exceeds the typical bachelor’s degree requirement of 120 credit hours, meaning most candidates need additional coursework beyond their undergraduate studies.
Specific Educational Requirements Include:
- Total Credit Hours: 150 semester hours (225 quarter hours)
- Degree Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution
- Accounting Coursework: Minimum 33 semester hours in accounting subjects
- Business Coursework: Minimum 36 semester hours in general business subjects
Qualifying Accounting Courses (33 semester hours required):
Qualifying Business Courses (36 semester hours required):
Pro Tip: If you’re still in school, work with your academic advisor to ensure your coursework meets New York’s specific requirements. Many universities offer specialized tracks designed to meet the 150-hour requirement.
Consider pursuing a Master’s in Accounting or MBA in Accounting to fulfill the 150-hour requirement while gaining advanced knowledge that will benefit your career.
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
The CPA Exam is a rigorous four-part examination that tests your knowledge across various accounting disciplines. New York allows candidates to sit for the exam once they complete 120 semester hours, though you’ll need the full 150 hours before licensure.
CPA Exam Sections:
Key Exam Requirements:
- Passing Score: 75 or higher on each section
- Time Limit: Must pass all four sections within 18 months
- Testing Centers: Prometric testing centers throughout New York
- Application Process: Apply through NASBA or directly with the New York State Board
Preparation is crucial for CPA exam success. Most candidates spend 300-400 hours studying across all four sections. Consider enrolling in a CPA review course to maximize your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Step 3: Complete Professional Experience Requirements
New York requires one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) supervised experience in public accounting or its equivalent. This experience must be verified by a licensed CPA.
Acceptable Experience Includes:
- Public Accounting: Work in audit, tax, or advisory services at a CPA firm
- Industry Accounting: Corporate accounting roles under CPA supervision
- Government Accounting: Federal, state, or local government positions
- Academic: Teaching accounting at the college level (with limitations)
Experience Requirements:
Important Note: Your supervising CPA doesn’t need to be licensed in New York, but they must hold an active CPA license in good standing from any U.S. jurisdiction.
Step 4: Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam
New York requires all CPA candidates to pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam before licensure. This open-book exam tests your understanding of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
Ethics Exam Details:
- Format: Open-book, online examination
- Questions: Approximately 35-40 multiple-choice questions
- Passing Score: 90% or higher
- Time Limit: No time restriction
- Cost: $189 (as of 2025)
- Validity: Score valid for 2 years
The exam covers topics including independence, integrity, objectivity, and professional responsibilities. Most candidates complete the exam in 2-4 hours after reviewing the provided materials.
Step 5: Submit Your CPA License Application
Once you’ve met all requirements, you can apply for your New York CPA license through the New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions.
Application Requirements:
- Application Form: Complete Form 1 (Application for Public Accountant License)
- Transcripts: Official transcripts from all attended institutions
- Experience Verification: Form 4A or 4B completed by supervising CPA
- Exam Scores: Official CPA exam score reports
- Ethics Exam: Certificate of completion
- Application Fee: $345 (subject to change)
- Processing Time: 4-6 weeks typically
Additional Requirements:
Step 6: New York CPA Salary Information
CPAs in New York command some of the highest salaries in the nation, reflecting the state’s status as a global financial center. Salary varies significantly by location, experience, and specialization.
New York CPA Salaries by Region:
Salary Factors:
- Experience Level: Entry-level CPAs typically earn 60-70% of mean salaries
- Industry: Financial services and consulting firms pay premium salaries
- Specialization: Forensic accounting and tax specialization command higher wages
- Firm Size: Big Four firms offer competitive starting salaries with rapid advancement
Beyond base salary, CPAs often receive substantial benefits including bonuses (10-30% of base), profit sharing, flexible schedules, and continuing education support.
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.
Maintaining Your New York CPA License
After earning your CPA license, you must meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to maintain active status.
New York CPE Requirements:
Stay current with additional certifications to enhance your expertise and marketability in specialized areas.
Career Opportunities for New York CPAs
New York offers diverse career paths for CPAs across multiple industries:
Public Accounting:
- Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) with NYC headquarters
- Regional firms serving mid-market clients
- Boutique firms specializing in specific industries
Corporate Accounting:
- Fortune 500 companies headquartered in New York
- Financial services and investment banking
- Real estate and construction industries
Specialized Fields:
- Forensic Accounting for litigation support
- Government Accounting at city, state, and federal levels
- Not-for-profit accounting for NYC’s extensive nonprofit sector
Reciprocity and Mobility for New York CPAs
New York participates in CPA mobility provisions, allowing practice across state lines under certain conditions:
Mobility Privileges:
- Substantially Equivalent States: Can practice in New York without notification
- Temporary Practice: Limited practice allowed for specific engagements
- Reciprocal Licenses: Available for CPAs relocating to New York
Requirements for Reciprocity:
- Valid CPA license from another state
- Education meeting New York standards
- Passing CPA exam scores
- Good standing in the home state
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sit for the CPA exam before completing 150 credit hours?
Yes, New York allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam with 120 semester hours completed. However, you must complete the full 150 hours before receiving your license.
How long does it take to become a CPA in New York?
The timeline varies, but most candidates complete all requirements within 2-3 years after earning their bachelor’s degree. This includes additional coursework, exam preparation, and experience requirements.
Do I need to be a New York resident to get a New York CPA license?
No, New York does not have a residency requirement for CPA licensure. You can live in another state and still obtain a New York CPA license.
What happens if I don’t pass all CPA exam sections within 18 months?
If you don’t pass all four sections within 18 months, you lose credit for the earliest passed section and must retake it. The clock resets when you pass a new section.
Can teaching experience count toward the experience requirement?
Yes, but with limitations. Teaching accounting at the college level can count, but typically only up to one-third of the required experience.
Is the 150-hour requirement the same for all states?
Most states require 150 hours, but specific course requirements vary. If you plan to practice in multiple states, ensure your education meets the most stringent requirements.
How often do I need to renew my New York CPA license?
New York CPA licenses are renewed every three years. You must complete 120 hours of CPE during each three-year reporting period.
Can international accounting graduates become CPAs in New York?
Yes, but international transcripts must be evaluated by an approved credential evaluation service to ensure equivalency to U.S. education standards.
