Becoming a Certified Public Accountant in Vermont opens doors to a thriving profession in a state where financial expertise is deeply valued. Vermont’s practical and financially savvy residents consistently demand skilled CPAs who can provide tax planning, audit services, and strategic financial guidance.
The path to CPA licensure in Vermont follows specific requirements set by the Vermont Board of Public Accountancy. Whether you’re pursuing a career in public accounting with firms like South Burlington’s Gallagher, Flynn & Company or planning to establish your own practice serving Vermont’s small businesses and tourism sector, understanding these requirements is essential for your success.
This comprehensive guide outlines Vermont’s CPA requirements for 2025, including recent regulatory updates and practical insights to help you navigate each step of the licensure process efficiently.
Jump to Section:
- Education Requirements
- CPA Exam Process
- Experience Requirements
- License Application
- Continuing Education
- CPA Salary in Vermont
- Frequently Asked Questions
Step 1: Meet Vermont’s CPA Education Requirements
Vermont requires all CPA candidates to complete specific educational benchmarks before pursuing licensure. The state’s education requirements align with national standards while maintaining flexibility for various educational pathways.
Core Education Requirements
To qualify for CPA licensure in Vermont, you must complete:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- 150 total semester hours of college credit
- 42 semester hours in accounting, auditing, and business subjects
Required Coursework Breakdown
Your 42 accounting-related semester hours must include specific courses:
Educational Pathways to 150 Hours
Since most bachelor’s degrees comprise 120 semester hours, Vermont CPA candidates typically pursue one of these paths to reach 150 hours:
- Master’s in Accounting (MAcc): Specialized graduate programs designed for CPA candidates
- MBA with Accounting Concentration: Broader business education with an accounting focus
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate: Targeted coursework for career changers
- Five-Year CPA Track Programs: Integrated bachelor’s/master’s curriculum
Many of these programs are available entirely online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Consider exploring online accounting degree options that meet the requirements of Vermont.
Accreditation Requirements
Vermont recognizes degrees from institutions accredited by:
- Agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education
- The Council on Higher Education Accreditation
- Canadian institutions that are members of Universities Canada
International Education Credentials
If you completed your education outside the U.S. or Canada, you must have your credentials evaluated by:
- A member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
- NASBA International Evaluation Services
Submit completed evaluations to: CPA Examination Services, Vermont Coordinator, PO Box 198469, Nashville, TN 37219-8469
Important Considerations
- Commercial CPA review courses do not count toward credit requirements
- Credits from regionally accredited two-year colleges are acceptable
- CLEP, correspondence, and online courses count if they appear on transcripts from accredited institutions
Step 2: Pass the Uniform CPA Examination
The Uniform CPA Examination tests your knowledge across four comprehensive sections. Vermont allows you to begin the exam process before completing all 150 credit hours, providing flexibility in your career timeline.
Exam Eligibility in Vermont
You may sit for the CPA exam when you:
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree, OR
- Are within 60 days of completing bachelor’s degree requirements
- Have met the minimum coursework requirements
Application Process
- Apply through CPA Examination Services
- Submit online at NASBA’s Vermont CPA Portal
- Or download and mail the application to:
CPA Examination Services, Vermont Coordinator
P.O. Box 198469
Nashville, TN 37219-8469
- Submit Required Documentation
- Official sealed transcripts (if graduated)
- Certificate of Enrollment (if still in school)
- Application and examination fees
- Disability testing accommodation requests (if applicable)
- Receive Notice to Schedule (NTS)
- NASBA will send your NTS via your preferred method (email, mail, or fax)
- NTS is valid for specific testing windows
- Schedule Your Exams
- Book appointments at Prometric Testing Centers
- Consider availability and your study schedule
CPA Exam Sections
Important Timeline Considerations
- If completing the degree within 60 days of the exam date, submit final transcripts within 120 days
- Pass all four sections within 18 months to avoid credit expiration
- Due to 2024 CPA Evolution changes, conditional credits as of January 1, 2024, are extended through June 30, 2025
For comprehensive exam preparation strategies, explore our guide on mastering the Uniform CPA Examination.
For questions about the exam process, contact the Vermont Coordinator at 800-CPA-EXAM (800-272-3926).
Step 3: Complete Required Professional Experience
Vermont requires one year (2,080 hours) of supervised accounting experience to ensure CPA candidates develop practical skills essential for professional practice.
Experience Requirements Overview
Qualifying Experience Types
Public Accounting Experience
Working in public accounting firms provides exposure to:
- Evaluating and testing internal controls
- Planning and updating audit programs
- Preparing and analyzing financial statements
- Verifying transactions and account balances
- Reviewing and preparing tax provisions
- Designing accounting systems
Non-Public Accounting Experience
Industry positions qualifying for experience include:
- Financial reporting for government agencies
- Evaluating employer transaction streams and information systems
- Tax return preparation and research
- Cost accounting and budgeting
- Applying accounting principles in industry contexts
- Industry-specific financial analysis
Professional Ethics Requirement
Before applying for licensure, complete a Professional Ethics course equivalent to 4 CPE hours within two years of filing. The AICPA Professional Ethics course meets the requirements of the State of Vermont.
Supervisor Responsibilities
Your supervising CPA must:
- Hold a current, valid CPA license from Vermont or a substantially equivalent state
- Verify that the experience occurred within 15 years of your license application
- Complete and submit the Report of Supervised Experience Form directly to the Vermont Board
Submit completed experience verification to:
Vermont Office of Professional Regulation
Board of Public Accountancy
89 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Montpelier, VT 05620-3402
Step 4: Apply for Your Vermont CPA License
After completing education, examination, and experience requirements, you’re ready to apply for CPA licensure in Vermont.
Application Checklist
Ensure you have completed:
- ✓ 150 semester hours of education with a bachelor’s degree
- ✓ 42 accounting credit hours meeting specific requirements
- ✓ Passed all four CPA exam sections
- ✓ Completed professional ethics course
- ✓ One year of supervised experience with documentation
- ✓ Official sealed transcripts
- ✓ Recent 2″×2″ photo (taken within the last year, signed and notarized)
Application Process
- Review the Vermont Board’s New Applicant Guide
- Complete the initial licensure application form
- Submit all required documentation to the Board
- Pay applicable licensing fees
Interstate Reciprocity
If you hold a CPA license from another state, Vermont offers reciprocal licensing through substantial equivalency.
Standard Reciprocity Requirements
- Complete Application for Licensure by Endorsement
- Submit the Verification of Licensure form
- Provide a recent 2″×2″ photo (signed and notarized)
- Show proof of 4-hour Professional Ethics course completion
Non-Substantially Equivalent States
If your state’s requirements differ from Vermont’s, additionally provide:
- Documentation of 5 years of public accountancy experience within the last 10 years
- Verification of 80 CPE hours within the preceding 2 years
International Reciprocity
Vermont participates in the International Qualification Examination (IQEX) program for license holders from:
- Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CPA Canada)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
- Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland
- New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Instituto Mexicano De Contadores Públicos
- Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
License holders from other jurisdictions must follow Vermont’s standard licensing procedure.
Step 5: Maintain Your License Through Continuing Education
Vermont CPAs are required to complete ongoing professional education to maintain their competency and stay current with evolving regulations and practices.
CPE Requirements
Approved CPE Subjects
Vermont accepts continuing education in:
- Accounting and auditing practices
- Taxation updates and strategies
- Management and business operations
- Information technology applications
- Business law and regulations
- Ethics and professional conduct
- Specialized industry knowledge
- Economics and business mathematics
Acceptable CPE Formats
Documentation Requirements
Maintain CPE records for five years, including:
- Sponsoring organization name
- Program location and dates
- Hours claimed and completion evidence
- Course outlines and descriptions
Submit documentation using the CPE Reporting Form at license renewal.
CPE Resources
Find approved continuing education through:
- Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants
- American Institute of CPAs
- NASBA National Registry of CPE Sponsors
- Vermont colleges and universities
CPA Salary Expectations in Vermont
Understanding salary expectations helps you plan your career trajectory as a CPA in Vermont. The state offers competitive compensation that reflects the value of CPA expertise in serving Vermont’s unique business landscape.
Vermont Accountant and Auditor Salaries by Region
Career Progression and Salary Growth
Vermont CPAs typically see salary progression based on:
- Entry Level (0-2 years): Starting positions in public accounting or industry
- Senior Level (3-5 years): Increased responsibilities and client management
- Manager/Director (6-10 years): Leadership roles with strategic responsibilities
- Partner/Executive (10+ years): Top-tier positions with ownership potential
Factors Influencing CPA Salaries in Vermont
Several factors impact earning potential:
- Industry Specialization: Healthcare, tourism, and agriculture sectors
- Firm Size: Regional firms versus sole practitioners
- Additional Certifications: CFP, forensic accounting, or tax specialization
- Geographic Location: The Burlington area typically offers higher compensation
Vermont’s cost of living and quality of life often balance the salary considerations, making it an attractive state for CPAs seeking work-life balance alongside professional growth.
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 About Vermont CPA Requirements
How long does it take to become a CPA in Vermont?
The timeline varies based on your starting point. Typically, candidates require 4-5 years of education (a bachelor’s degree plus additional credits), 6-12 months for CPA exam preparation and testing, and 1 year of required experience. Most candidates complete all requirements within 5 to 7 years.
Can I start taking the CPA exam before finishing my 150 credit hours?
Yes, Vermont allows you to sit for the CPA exam once you’ve completed (or are within 60 days of completing) your bachelor’s degree with required accounting coursework. However, you’ll need all 150 hours before applying for licensure.
What’s the total cost of becoming a CPA in Vermont?
Costs include education expenses, CPA exam fees ($344.80 per section, plus a $90 initial application fee), review course materials ($2,000-$3,000), licensing fees, and continuing education requirements. Total investment typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, in addition to education costs.
Does Vermont have a minimum age requirement for CPAs?
No, Vermont does not impose a minimum age requirement for CPA licensure. Candidates must meet education, examination, and experience requirements regardless of age.
Can I practice in Vermont with a CPA license from another state?
Vermont offers both temporary practice permits and reciprocal licensing. CPAs from substantially equivalent states can practice temporarily or apply for Vermont licensure through endorsement. Those from non-equivalent states need additional documentation.
How often must I renew my Vermont CPA license?
Vermont CPA licenses renew every two years. You’ll receive renewal notices six weeks before expiration and must complete 80 hours of continuing professional education during each renewal period.
What happens if my CPA exam credits expire?
Vermont follows the 18-month rule for passing all exam sections. However, due to changes in CPA Evolution, credits earned before January 1, 2024, have been extended through June 30, 2025. Plan your exam strategy carefully to avoid expiration.
Does Vermont accept online accounting courses?
Yes, Vermont accepts online courses from accredited institutions. The credits must appear on official transcripts from regionally accredited colleges or universities to count toward the 150-hour requirement.
Start Your Vermont CPA Journey Today
Becoming a CPA in Vermont opens doors to a rewarding career serving the state’s unique business landscape. From small businesses capitalizing on tourism to established industries requiring sophisticated financial guidance, Vermont CPAs play a vital role in the state’s economic health.
Take the first step by assessing your current education against Vermont’s requirements. Whether you need to complete additional coursework, prepare for the CPA exam, or gain qualifying experience, understanding the complete pathway helps you plan effectively.
Consider joining the Vermont Society of Certified Public Accountants as a student member to access resources, networking opportunities, and guidance throughout your journey.
For those ready to pursue their accounting education, explore accredited accounting programs that align with Vermont’s CPA requirements and set you on the path to professional success.
