Learn The 7 Simple Steps to Qualifying To Become A Licensed CPA in North Carolina:

If you would like a more detailed checklist to make this process even easier, please download your Free CPA Exam Application Checklist PDF below:




North Carolina Requirements Overview:

North Carolina's (NC) CPA exam requirements are fairly straight forward. You can sit for the exam within 120 days of obtaining your Bachelors, but in order to become licensed you are required to obtain your 150 credit hours.

You also MUST be a US Citizen or plan on becoming one in order to take the CPA exam in North Carolina.

Follow each caption below to ensure that you are qualified to sit for the exam.

Disclosure: Please note that I do my best to keep these requirements up to date but seeing as there are more than 50 states and nations with individual requirements it is difficult for me to keep up with them all. Please verify each requirement with your state board of accountancy to ensure 100% accuracy! 

 

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Education Requirements

What are the education requirements in North Carolina?

150 Hours Requirement

NC does not require 150 hours to sit for the exam, but requires 150 hour to become licensed.

NOTE: Applicants must receive the BA degree within 120 days after the Board approves the Exam application.

Accounting Course Requirements

North Carolina requires a bachelors degree with a concentration in Accounting.

Business Course Requirements

NC does not have any specific business course requirement prior to sitting

Business Law Requirements

NC allows 3 semester hours of business law to count towards your accounting requirement

Ethics Exam

No ethics requirement in North Carolina.


Age & Residency Requirements

What are the age and residency requirements in North Carolina?

US Citizenship Requirement

You are NOT Required for North Carolina to be US Citizen to sit for the CPA exam  

Residency Requirement

North Carolina does NOT require you to be a resident, employee, OR have an office in the state for you to take the CPA exam.   

Minimum Age to Sit for the CPA Exam

North Carolina requires the applicant to be at least 18 prior to sitting for the CPA exam 

North Carolina CPA Exam Fees

How much does it cost to take the CPA exam in North Carolina?

North Carolina has fairly standard exam fee rates. If you need to re-take a part there is a $75.00 re-application fee that you will have to pay.

Initial Application Fee:

$230

Audit:

$192.03

Financial:

$192.03

Regulation:

$172.51

Business:

$172.51

Total:

$959.08

Special Fees:

$75.00 re-exam/administrative fee


Already Passed The CPA Exam in North Carolina? Here Are The CPA License Requirements

Education Requirements:
* Requires 150 credit hours 

Work Experience Requirements: 
* (1) year experience in the public practice of accountancy under the direct supervision of a properly licensed CPA; 
* or one (1) year experience in the field of accountancy under the direct supervision of a properly licensed CPA; 
* or four (4) years experience in the field of accounting; 
* or four (4) years experience teaching accounting in an accredited college or university; 
* or four (4) years experience self-employed in accounting; or any combination of such experience determined by the Board to be substantially equivalent to the above.


North Carolina State Board Contact Info

North Carolina State Board of CPA Examiners
1101 Oberlin Road, Suite 104
PO Box 12827
Raleigh, NC
27605-2827

Web: www.nccpaboard.gov
Phone: 919-733-4224
Fax: 919-733-4209
Email: phyllise@nccpaboard.gov


Who Is Bryan Kesler, CPAABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bryan Kesler, CPA is the founder of Kesler CPA Review & Ultimate CPA Exam Guide which earned him a spot on CPA Practice Advisor's Top 20 Under 40.

He has helped thousands of CPA candidates pass the CPA exam since 2013. You can contact him via email bryan@cpaexamguide.com


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