Rhode Island offers exceptional opportunities for certified public accountants, ranking among the top 10 nationally for its business environment, according to U.S. News & World Report. Fortune 500 companies, such as CVS Health and Textron, maintain their headquarters here, creating strong demand for skilled accounting professionals.
Understanding Rhode Island CPA requirements is essential for launching your accounting career in the Ocean State. The median household income of $71,169 drives demand for CPAs who can provide tax planning, estate management, and business accounting services across the state’s diverse economy.
Whether you aim to join established firms like KLR in Middletown, Sansiveri, Kimball & Company in Providence, or DiSanto, Priest & Company in Warwick—or launch your own practice—this comprehensive guide covers every step to CPA licensure in Rhode Island.
Quick Navigation:
- Education Requirements
- CPA Exam Process
- Experience Requirements
- License Application
- Continuing Education
- Rhode Island CPA Salary Data
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Education Requirements for Rhode Island CPAs
The Rhode Island Board of Accountancy mandates specific educational credentials for CPA licensure. Meeting these Rhode Island CPA requirements forms the foundation of your professional journey.
Core Educational Requirements:
- 150 semester hours of college credit
- Bachelor’s degree minimum from an accredited institution
- Specific accounting and business coursework
Since standard bachelor’s degrees comprise 120 semester hours, most candidates pursue additional education through:
- Master’s in Accounting programs
- Post-baccalaureate certificates
- Five-year CPA track programs
- Additional undergraduate coursework
Three Degree Pathways to Meet Requirements:
Option 1: Graduate Degree in Accounting
Complete a bachelor’s degree followed by a graduate degree with an accounting concentration. This pathway provides comprehensive preparation for complex accounting roles.
Option 2: Graduate Degree Plus Accounting Courses
Earn a graduate degree in business or a related field, supplemented with:
- 15 semester hours of graduate-level accounting courses, OR
- 24 semester hours of undergraduate-level accounting courses
Option 3: Bachelor’s Degree Plus Additional Credits
Complete 150 semester hours through undergraduate study, including:
- 24 semester hours in accounting
- 24 semester hours in business courses
Required Accounting Coursework:
Important Educational Considerations:
- Accreditation: All institutions must be accredited by agencies recognized in the U.S. Secretary of Education database
- Foreign Credentials: International transcripts require evaluation by FACS or NASBA International Evaluation Services
- Online Courses: Accepted if credit-bearing at accredited institutions
- Community College Credits: Fully acceptable toward the 150-hour requirement
- CLEP Credits: Accepted when recognized by accredited colleges
2. Taking the Uniform CPA Exam in Rhode Island
Rhode Island allows candidates to sit for the Uniform CPA Exam after completing 120 semester hours and earning a bachelor’s degree, before finishing all 150 hours required for licensure.
CPA Exam Application Process:
- Register Online: Apply through CPA Examination Services (CPAES)
- Submit Documentation to:
CPA Examination Services, Rhode Island Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469 - Include Official Transcripts: Either in sealed envelopes or sent directly from your institution
- Pay Required Fees: Current fee schedule available on NASBA website
- Receive Your NTS: Notification to Schedule arrives via your chosen delivery method
- Schedule Your Exam: Book through Prometric
Rhode Island Testing Locations:
- Warwick Testing Center
- Cumberland Testing Center
For detailed exam preparation strategies, explore our guide on how to study for the CPA exam and discover proven tips for CPA exam success.
3. Experience Requirements for Rhode Island CPAs
Rhode Island mandates one year (1,820 hours) of supervised accounting experience before CPA licensure. This requirement ensures practical competency across various accounting functions.
Pre-Experience Requirement:
Complete the AICPA Professional Ethics Home Study Course (available through CPA2Biz)
Qualifying Experience Categories:
Public Practice
Working in public accounting firms, demonstrating:
- Independent judgment on accounting matters
- Application of technical and behavioral standards
- Client interaction and communication skills
Government Practice
Acceptable positions include:
- State government accountant/auditor
- Federal positions at the GS-7 level or above
- FBI special agent accountant
- Military accounting positions
- Other qualifying government agencies
Industry Experience
Corporate accounting roles involving:
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Internal control assessment
- Tax return preparation
- Budgeting and cost accounting
- Industry-specific accounting applications
Educational Experience
Teaching upper-level accounting courses at accredited institutions, demonstrating independent judgment in non-routine matters.
Experience Verification Requirements:
- Supervision by a licensed CPA with an active permit
- Written verification on official forms
- Documentation of specific duties and hours
- Direct submission to the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
4. Obtaining Your Rhode Island CPA License
After meeting the education, examination, and experience requirements, apply for your CPA Certificate through the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy.
Application Checklist:
- ✓ 150 semester hours completed
- ✓ Bachelor’s degree earned
- ✓ All CPA exam sections passed
- ✓ AICPA Ethics Examination passed
- ✓ One year of qualifying experience verified
- ✓ Official transcripts with seal
- ✓ 2″ x 2″ professional photo
- ✓ Application fees paid
Application Methods:
Online Application (Recommended): Apply through Rhode Island’s eLicensing portal for faster processing.
Paper Application: Mail to:
Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
1511 Pontiac Avenue #68-1
Cranston, RI 02920
Interstate Reciprocity
CPAs licensed in other states may apply for reciprocal certification if they:
- Reside in Rhode Island, OR
- Are employed in Rhode Island
- Meet all Rhode Island education and experience requirements
- Pass the AICPA Ethics Examination
- Document 120 CPE hours from the past three years
5. Continuing Education Requirements
Rhode Island CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) every three years to maintain licensure.
CPE Requirements Breakdown:
Approved CPE Formats:
- Live lectures and seminars
- Self-study programs
- University courses
- Firm-sponsored training
- Teaching (2 CPE hours per instruction hour)
- Published articles or books
CPE Resources:
Maintain CPE records for a period of four years and report completion during the triennial license renewal.
Rhode Island CPA Salary Information
Understanding compensation expectations helps inform your career planning and decision-making. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Rhode Island offers competitive salaries for accounting professionals.
Accountant and Auditor Salaries in Rhode Island (May 2024):
Rhode Island’s mean annual salary of $97,210 exceeds the national average by 11%, reflecting the state’s strong business environment and cost of living considerations.
Factors Influencing CPA Salaries:
- Industry Specialization: Forensic accounting and tax accounting often command premium compensation
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start near $62,830, with senior roles exceeding $145,290
- Location: The Providence metropolitan area offers slightly different compensation than rural areas
- Firm Size: Big Four firms typically offer higher starting salaries with structured advancement
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
What are the education requirements to become a CPA in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires 150 semester hours of education, including a bachelor’s degree, to be eligible for licensure. You must complete specific accounting and business coursework, with a minimum of 24 semester hours in accounting subjects, including financial accounting, auditing, and taxation.
Can I take the CPA exam before completing 150 hours?
Yes, Rhode Island allows candidates to sit for the CPA exam after earning a bachelor’s degree and completing 120 semester hours of coursework. However, you must complete all 150 hours before applying for licensure.
Does Rhode Island have a residency requirement for CPAs?
Yes, you must be a resident of Rhode Island, be steadily employed in the state, or maintain a place of business in Rhode Island to be eligible for CPA licensure.
What level of experience is required to become a CPA in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires one year (1,820 hours) of supervised accounting experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience can be gained in public practice, government, industry, or education.
What is the average CPA salary in Rhode Island?
According to May 2024 BLS data, the mean annual salary for accountants and auditors in Rhode Island is $97,210, with experienced professionals earning over $145,290 annually.
How often do Rhode Island CPAs need to complete continuing education?
Rhode Island CPAs must complete 120 hours of continuing professional education every three years, including 24 hours in accounting and auditing and 6 hours in ethics.
Can I transfer my CPA license from another state to the state of Rhode Island?
Yes, Rhode Island offers reciprocal CPA certification for out-of-state CPAs who meet the state’s education and experience requirements and can demonstrate Rhode Island residency or employment.
What schools in Rhode Island offer accounting programs?
Several institutions offer accounting programs, including the University of Rhode Island, Bryant University, Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, and Providence College. Visit our Rhode Island accounting schools guide for detailed program information.
Next Steps in Your Rhode Island CPA Journey
Becoming a CPA in Rhode Island opens doors to a diverse range of career opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, government service, and entrepreneurship. The state’s thriving business environment and proximity to major financial centers create excellent prospects for accounting professionals.
Consider joining professional organizations, such as the Rhode Island Society of CPAs, for networking and professional development opportunities. Explore specializations in areas like accounting, information systems, or financial accounting to enhance your career prospects.
For more information about accounting education options in Rhode Island, explore our comprehensive guide to accounting programs in Rhode Island.
