How to Become a Certified Public Accountant in California
In California, a CPA license typically requires a state exam, a 75% passing score, and a $262.64 exam fee.
Files and audits financial statements. Requires 150 credit hours, the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA), and work experience. Requirements change — always confirm with California Board of Accountancy before paying.
Licensing steps in California
- 1Meet the basic requirements
Age and background check rules vary — confirm with the state board.
- 2Complete pre-license education
Required training hours are not published here — check with the state board for the current figure.
- 3Register and pass the exam
The exam is administered by Prometric (AICPA/NASBA); you need 75% to pass.
- 4Pay fees and get licensed
Exam fee $262.64
- 5Stay current
License renews every 2 years with 80 hours of continuing education.
CPA requirements — California at a glance
| Education hours | — |
| Exam vendor | Prometric (AICPA/NASBA) |
| Questions (national/state) | — / — |
| Passing score | 75% |
| Exam fee | $262.64 |
| Application fee | — |
| License fee | — |
| First-attempt pass rate | not published |
| Retake rule | — |
| Renewal | every 2 years · 80 CE |
| Reciprocity | Yes — NASBA CPA mobility / substantial equivalency |
Official source: California Board of Accountancy ↗
Transferring a CPA license between states
CPA mobility under the Uniform Accountancy Act. CPAs transfer through mobility rather than a compact. Under Section 23 of the Uniform Accountancy Act a CPA licensed in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction can practise in another jurisdiction without a separate licence, and all 55 U.S. accountancy jurisdictions are currently found substantially equivalent.
55 jurisdictions currently use it. California is not currently a participant — plan on California's own application route.
Check your destination jurisdiction's current practice privilege rules on CPAMobility.org before you take on the work. Mechanism data retrieved 2026-09-13.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a CPA license in California?
After completing the required education, most candidates need 4-12 weeks of study before the exam. Total timeline depends on scheduling.
How hard is the CPA exam in California?
Official first-attempt pass rates are not published by California; check the state board.
What does the CPA license cost in California?
The exam fee is $262.64
Can I transfer my CPA license to California?
CPA mobility under the Uniform Accountancy Act: CPAs transfer through mobility rather than a compact. Under Section 23 of the Uniform Accountancy Act a CPA licensed in a substantially equivalent jurisdiction can practise in another jurisdiction without a separate licence, and all 55 U.S. accountancy jurisdictions are currently found substantially equivalent. For California specifically, our dataset notes: Yes — NASBA CPA mobility / substantial equivalency.
Plan your CPA licensing in California
Work the road in order — check what California requires, price the prep, lock a study schedule, then keep the license current.
- 1. Confirm requirements — education hours, fees and the board that issues it.
- 2. Budget the prep — exam + application + license + course costs before you pay.
- 3. Study to the exam — the CPA exam blueprint and a dated study plan.
- 4. Sit the exam — what to bring, where to test, and the retake rule if you miss.
- 5. Stay licensed — renewal cycle, CE hours, and California reciprocity.
CPA tools for California
Every step of the California CPA road has a free tool — from the first requirements check to renewal and reciprocity.
This guide is informational and not legal advice. Requirements change frequently — verify all figures with California Board of Accountancy (retrieved 2026-08-20).