Puerto Rico offers a unique opportunity for aspiring CPAs to practice in a bilingual environment at the crossroads of U.S. and Caribbean business. With its strategic location and specialized tax incentives like Act 60, becoming a CPA in Puerto Rico opens doors to diverse career opportunities in tourism, pharmaceuticals, financial services, and international business.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning your CPA license in Puerto Rico, from education requirements to exam preparation and maintaining your certification. Whether you’re a local student or considering relocating to the island, understanding these requirements is your first step toward a rewarding accounting career in Puerto Rico.
Quick Facts: Puerto Rico CPA Requirements
Jump to Section
- Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
- Step 2: Pass the CPA Exam
- Step 3: Gain Professional Experience
- Step 4: Apply for Your CPA License
- Step 5: Maintain Your License
- Salary and Career Outlook
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Complete Your Education Requirements
To qualify for CPA licensure in Puerto Rico, you must complete 150 semester hours of college education. This typically requires earning a bachelor’s degree plus additional coursework—approximately one extra year beyond the traditional four-year degree.
Specific Course Requirements
Your 150 semester hours must include:
- 30 semester hours in accounting courses above introductory level
- 24 semester hours in business courses (economics, finance, business law, management)
- General education courses to complete the remaining hours
Puerto Rico accepts coursework from regionally accredited institutions, including online programs that meet these standards. Many candidates pursue a Master’s in Accounting to fulfill the 150-hour requirement while gaining advanced knowledge.
Accounting Course Breakdown
For students planning to practice in Puerto Rico, understanding local tax laws is crucial. Consider taking courses that cover Puerto Rico’s unique tax structure, including Act 60 incentives and federal-territorial tax relationships.
Step 2: Pass the CPA Exam
The Uniform CPA Examination in Puerto Rico follows the same format as the mainland United States. You must pass all four sections with a minimum score of 75:
- AUD (Auditing and Attestation): 4 hours
- BEC (Business Environment and Concepts): 4 hours
- FAR (Financial Accounting and Reporting): 4 hours
- REG (Regulation): 4 hours
Puerto Rico CPA Exam Testing
You can take the CPA exam at Prometric testing centers in San Juan. The exam is offered year-round during testing windows, and you can take it in English. While Spanish proficiency isn’t required for the exam, it’s highly valuable for practicing in Puerto Rico’s bilingual business environment.
Exam Costs in Puerto Rico
Most candidates spend 300-400 hours studying for all four sections. Consider using CPA exam prep courses designed specifically for first-time pass rates.
Step 3: Gain Professional Experience
Puerto Rico requires two years of public accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience must include:
- Exposure to various accounting and auditing procedures
- Work with financial statements and reporting
- Client interaction and professional communication
- Understanding of professional ethics and standards
Qualifying Experience Types
Your experience can be gained in:
- Public accounting firms: Traditional path with diverse client exposure
- Government agencies: Puerto Rico Treasury Department, municipalities
- Private industry: Must be under CPA supervision with varied duties
- Internal audit departments: Large corporations or financial institutions
Pro Tip: Many Puerto Rico employers value bilingual CPAs who can serve both English and Spanish-speaking clients. Consider developing proficiency in both languages during your experience period.
Step 4: Apply for Your CPA License
Once you’ve met the education, exam, and experience requirements, you can apply for your Puerto Rico CPA license through the Puerto Rico Board of Accountancy.
Application Requirements
- Complete the official application form
- Submit official transcripts from all attended institutions
- Provide verification of CPA exam scores from NASBA
- Document your qualifying experience with supervisor verification
- Pass the professional ethics examination
- Pay the license application fee of $150
- Submit to a background check if required
Ethics Examination
Puerto Rico requires completion of a professional ethics course and examination covering:
- AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
- Puerto Rico-specific ethics regulations
- Independence and objectivity standards
- Confidentiality requirements
Processing Timeline
Step 5: Maintain Your License
Maintaining your Puerto Rico CPA license requires ongoing professional development and regular renewal.
Continuing Professional Education (CPE)
Puerto Rico CPAs must complete 120 hours of CPE every three years, including:
- Minimum 20 hours per year (cannot exceed 80 hours in any single year)
- 4 hours of ethics every three years
- Courses relevant to your area of practice
- Up to 50% may be self-study programs
License Renewal
CPA licenses in Puerto Rico must be renewed biennially (every two years):
- Renewal Fee: $200
- Renewal Deadline: December 31 of even-numbered years
- CPE Reporting: Submit proof of completed hours
- Good Standing: No disciplinary actions or violations
Specialized Considerations for Puerto Rico CPAs
Given Puerto Rico’s unique position, consider CPE in these areas:
- Federal and Puerto Rico tax law updates
- Act 60 and other tax incentive programs
- International business and FATCA compliance
- Bilingual communication skills
- Caribbean regional business practices
Salary and Career Outlook
Puerto Rico offers unique opportunities for CPAs, though salaries typically reflect the island’s lower cost of living compared to the mainland United States.
CPA Salary Data for Puerto Rico
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors in Puerto Rico earn the following annual salaries:
Top Paying Industries in Puerto Rico
Career Opportunities
Puerto Rico CPAs find opportunities in:
- Public Accounting: Big 4 and regional firms with Caribbean practices
- Government: Treasury Department, Hacienda, federal agencies
- Tourism & Hospitality: Hotels, casinos, cruise lines
- Manufacturing: Pharmaceutical and medical device companies
- Financial Services: Banks, investment firms, insurance companies
- Tax Advisory: Act 60 consulting, international tax planning
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
Can I practice as a CPA in Puerto Rico with a mainland U.S. license?
Yes, Puerto Rico offers reciprocity for CPAs licensed in other U.S. jurisdictions. You must apply for a reciprocal license through the Puerto Rico Board of Accountancy and demonstrate knowledge of Puerto Rico tax law. The process typically takes 6-8 weeks and requires a $200 application fee.
Do I need to speak Spanish to be a CPA in Puerto Rico?
While not legally required, Spanish proficiency is highly advantageous. Many clients and businesses operate primarily in Spanish, and bilingual CPAs command higher salaries. The CPA exam can be taken in English, but daily practice often requires Spanish communication skills.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Puerto Rico?
Typically 6-7 years total: 4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 1 year for additional credits to reach 150 hours, plus 2 years of required work experience. The CPA exam can be completed during your experience period, potentially shortening the overall timeline.
What makes Puerto Rico CPA requirements different from other states?
While the core requirements are similar to U.S. states, Puerto Rico CPAs benefit from understanding both federal and territorial tax systems, Act 60 incentives, and Caribbean business practices. The bilingual business environment also creates unique opportunities not found in most mainland states.
Can I work in Puerto Rico while completing my CPA requirements?
Yes, many candidates work in accounting positions while completing their requirements. You can gain qualifying experience and take CPA exam sections as you meet the education requirements. This approach helps offset education costs and builds practical skills.
Start Your Puerto Rico CPA Journey
Becoming a CPA in Puerto Rico opens doors to a dynamic career at the intersection of U.S. and Caribbean business. With its unique tax advantages, bilingual environment, and diverse industries, Puerto Rico offers CPAs opportunities found nowhere else in the United States.
Take the first step by researching accredited accounting programs that meet Puerto Rico’s 150-hour requirement. Whether you’re a local student or considering relocating to the island, proper planning ensures you’ll meet all requirements efficiently.
Remember: Requirements can change, so always verify current regulations with the Puerto Rico State Board of Accountancy before making educational or career decisions.
Important Notice: CPA requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with the Puerto Rico State Board of Accountancy before making educational or career decisions. This guide is for informational purposes only.
