ington State CPAs

Washington State is home to a vibrant economy. Seattle is home to many corporations, including tech giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. Washington also has a wide range of employment opportunities with higher than average wages.

The state’s Employment Security Department has included accountants and auditors on its official List of Occupations In Demand as of May 2023. Washington accounting professionals also earn salaries which are among the highest in the United States.

You must also have at least one year of relevant experience and pass the a href=”https://nasba.org/exams/becomingacpa/whatistheuniformcpaexam/” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank>Uniform CPA Examination/a>. A bachelor’s degree with an accounting major or concentration is required, as well as at least one-year of relevant work experience and a passing score on the Unified CPA Examination. Our guide to becoming a Washington State CPA explains these requirements in more detail.

Education Requirements to Become a CPA In Washington

Washington has separate eligibility requirements for accountants to sit the Uniform CPA Examination, and also when they are eligible to obtain CPA licensing. You must have a bachelor’s with 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA examination in Washington. To qualify for licensure you will need to have at least 150 hours.

Washington State CPA licensing requirements require at least 30 credits of additional coursework. Standard bachelor’s degree programs typically include 120 semester hours. Although master’s in accounting is not required in Washington state, it can help CPAs earn the 150 credits while gaining an advanced credential that can qualify them for better salaries and more advanced roles.

Accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s accounting programs offer a streamlined path to fulfilling the elevated credit requirements. These programs are designed to provide the 150 semester-hours required for CPA licensing in Washington and other U.S. jurisdictions.

Concentrations, credits, and course acceptance

You must have a bachelor’s degree and at least 120 semester-hours to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination. According to state CPA guidelines, 180 quarter-hours are equivalent to 120 semester-hours.

You must have a major in accounting or a concentration. Washington State CPA guidelines define a concentration in accounting as:

• At least 15 semester-hours of graduate-level or upper-level accounting coursework is required.
• Business Administration 24 semester hours or equivalent

Candidates for CPA licensing must also meet the same requirements, but they will need to have completed at least 150 hours of college coursework to be eligible to apply.

CPA Washington State Experience requirements

You must also have at least a year of professional experience relevant to the CPA profession in Washington State. This experience year must include at least 2,000 work hours accrued in a minimum period of 12 months.

Washington State Board of Accountancy accepts both paid and non-paid work towards these 2,000 hours. It means that experiences gained from internships and volunteering are valid as long as they develop the competencies listed below.

The Board of Accountancy lists the following core competencies as required of CPAs:

• Understanding accounting systems, transaction streams
• Assessment of economic and financial risk
• Develop analytical critical thinking, decision-making, or problem-solving skills.
• How to determine if an organization has met its financial goals
• Documenting and analysing data
• Communication of accountancy findings and job scopes

This experience can be gained in the accounting industry, government or public practice. Washington licensing officials will accept academic experience if it develops the core accounting competencies of Washington.

CPAs with at least 5 years of valid license must confirm all experience from prospective CPAs. This supervised work must be completed within eight years of submitting your application for licensure to the state accountancy board.

CPA Exam Requirements

All Washington State CPA candidates are required to pass the Uniform CPA Examination. This test is divided into four sections to test your advanced accounting skills.

The CPA exam is the same in all states. Nevertheless, the eligibility requirements and other details may vary from state to state. For information specific to Washington State, please see the sections below.

Exam Eligibility

Washington State requires that applicants have at least 120 semester-hours of a Bachelor’s Degree to sit for the Uniform CPA Examination.

You must make sure that the Washington State Board of Accountancy is aware of your school if you have completed your education in the United States. You must have your credentials evaluated by a Board endorsed service if you completed your education in another country.

Exam Schedule and Application

Candidates for Washington State CPA can apply to take the Uniform CPA Examination through the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. The application, approval and scheduling are separate preparatory processes.

You ask the Washington State Board of Accountancy for a review and endorsement of your credentials. The Board approves your application package when it gives you approval to take the exam.

You must provide the Board with official transcripts of your academic records to receive this approval. Transcripts must specify your degree designation. The Board accepts electronic records, but you must have your institution submit them on your behalf. You can also submit hard copies sealed and certified by the registrar of your academic records.

If your application is approved, you will be sent a Notice to Schedule by NASBA. You will be asked to choose a date and time, as well as a location for each section of the exam.

Washington State allows candidates to submit multiple sections of the Uniform CPA Examination at once, including all four sections. You must pass the four sections in a period of 18 months. Passing scores expire after 18 months.

From June 1, 2023 the following fees will apply:

• $170 first-time application fee
• Re-examination candidates pay $90 as registration fees
• Exam fee: $238.15 per section

After passing the Exam

After you have passed the Uniform CPA Examination, and met all other requirements, you can apply for your Washington CPA License. You must also meet the following standards in addition to your education and work experience:

• Take a course on Code of Professional Conduct through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
• Score at least 90% in the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
• Watch the Washington CPA essentials video

Washington State does not have any age, residency, or citizenship requirements for prospective CPAs. All applicants must have a U.S. social security number.

You must complete CPE courses if you have passed the Uniform CPA Exam at least four year ago. The courses must be at least 120-hours long. You must also answer a series of questions in the application packet to attest that your character meets Washington State’s requirements.

Accountants with a valid Washington State CPA license can verify their status to clients or employers in two ways: The Washington State Board of Accountancy offers a CPA search tool. Washington also participates in NASBA CPA verification program.

Maintaining your Licence

Washington State CPA licenses expire every three years. You must renew your credentials between January 1 and 30 April in expiry years. State charges $230 per renewal. Applications submitted late between May and July are subject to an additional $100 fee.

Documentation of CPE must be included with your application. CPAs must complete at least 20 credits each year, and 120 hours per renewal cycle. Non-technical courses can only account for 60 hours of coursework per renewal period. Nano Learning cannot exceed 12 hours. Each renewal cycle, you must complete at least one Washington specific CPA ethics course.

Washington’s CPA Standards offer opportunities for licensing to candidates who are seeking reciprocity with other states or countries. Washington maintains international and intrastate reciprocity regulation.

Washington allows you to own a CPA company without a CPA licence. You must live in Washington, and you will need to register as a resident owner who is not licensed with the Board of Accountancy.

FAQ about How to Become an Accountant in Washington State

What is the cost of taking the CPA examination in Washington State?

Each section of Uniform CPA Exam costs $238.15. If you’re taking the exam the first time, you must also pay $170 in application fees. Reexamination candidates must pay a $90 registration fee.

How long does it usually take to become a CPA?

Washington’s minimum education and experience requirements usually take five to six years. This timeline assumes you have completed 150 college credits, passed the Uniform CPA Exam and worked full-time to gain your supervised work experience.

Is Washington requiring CPAs to pass an ethics test?

Yes. To receive your credential, you must pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam if you are a CPA applicant for the first time.

Who is responsible for granting CPA licenses to Washington State residents?

The Washington State Board of Accountancy is responsible for the issuance and administration of CPA licenses throughout Washington. The Board is a state agency.

The article Washington State CPAs first appeared on Accounting.com.

Author: Emily Kelso