Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements 2024: 5 Essential Steps

Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements

If you want to become a CPA in Connecticut, we’ve summarized the Connecticut CPA exam requirements so that you’ll know the exact steps to become a licensed CPA in the Nutmeg State. We have laid out the five steps you’ll need to do in detail below.

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Summary of Connecticut CPA Requirements

Credit Hours to Sit for CPA Exams	120
Credit Hours in Accounting courses to sit for the CPA Exam	24
At least (1) Business Law, (1) Economics & (1) Finance course	Yes
Bachelor’s Required to Sit for CPA Exams?	No
Credit Hours for CPA License	150
Credit Hours in Accounting courses for CPA License	36
Credit Hours in Economics/Business courses for CPA License	30
Credit Hours in General Education courses for CPA License	60
Bachelor’s Degree Required?	Yes
Work Experience Required	2 – 3 Years
Ethics Exam Required?	Yes
Required CPE Hours Every Year	40

General Requirement

The state has no age limitations for the Connecticut CPA exam requirements, nor does it require U.S. citizenship. Citizenship or residency in a state, However, Connecticut CPA exam requirements require a Social Security number. Contact the Board to confirm your eligibility if you are a foreign national with a taxpayer identification number.

Education Requirement for the CPA Exam in Connecticut

Credit Requirements for Connecticut CPA License

To meet the Connecticut CPA education requirements, applicants must accomplish 150 semester hours of postsecondary education which includes 36 semester hours in accounting, 30 semester hours in economics or business courses other than accounting and 60 semester hours in general education.

To begin the operation, which will take around 120 hours, you must have a bachelor’s degree. While completing your undergraduate degree, ensure that you complete enough of the essential curriculum to meet Connecticut CPA exam requirements.

With most bachelor’s degrees in accounting consisting of 120 semester hours, earning a master’s in accounting or post-baccalaureate certificate is the standard way to get those 30 additional credits you need to become a CPA in Connecticut. Many of these programs are available entirely online.

Accepted Educational Institutions

The Connecticut State Board of Accountancy will recognize all applicable degrees and credits acquired from any institution or university in the United States that is accredited by one of the Department of Education’s six regional accrediting organizations:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• Higher Learning Commission
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

If a regional accrediting authority does not approve your program, it must be deemed equivalent by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. Only Bob Jones University and Everest University currently have this equivalence status.

Required Courses

To begin with, your school must be regionally accredited. You must have 36 semester hours in accounting, including introductory coursework, as part of your 150 semester hours. In addition, you must have 30 hours of business administration or economics. Some or all of the following courses may be included in these courses:

• Statistics
• Marketing
• Organizational behaviors
• Management Principles
• Business Law
• Managerial Finance
• Managing Financial Portfolios
• Micro Economics
• Macro Economics
• Economic Theories and Principles

You must also complete 60 hours of general education coursework. Most undergraduate programs will need you to take several courses in English, foreign languages, and other fields to complete your education. Whatever credit hours remain may be finished how you see fit, as long as you may still get a bachelor’s degree.

Your hours could come from a variety of sources. The board accepts courses from an online or community college if a regional organization accredits the institution. Even Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements education is acceptable if an accredited institution has approved it. You may decide to seek outside instruction through a commercial CPA review course, but that work will not be accepted as part of your Connecticut CPA license application.

Take the Uniform CPA Exam in Connecticut

Applying for the CPA Exam

When you are ready to take the standardized CPA exam, you must follow the Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements application process. Transcripts from any institutions of higher learning you have attended must be included in your application. Send your original sealed transcripts directly to the testing agency to be filed appropriately. You may request any necessary disability modifications at this time. Include a check or money order for the full payment if applying by mail.

1. Apply through CPA Exam Services (CPAES). Register online or download application forms here, as well as application forms.
2. Include all essential documents with your application for the Uniform CPA Exam:
   • Request that your college send your transcript directly to CPAES (or you may submit it, provided that it is an official, sealed transcript)
   • Submit any requests for disability testing accommodations
   • Submit any requests for testing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If applying by mail, submit the examination and application costs in the form of a check or money order made payable to CPA Exam Services or a credit card form.
   • You must pay the examination and application costs by credit card if you apply online.
3. Wait for your Notification to Schedule the Uniform CPA Exam (NTS). The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) will provide you with this in the format you specify when you apply (mail, fax, or email).
4. Schedule your exam at a Prometric location by clicking here. Areas in Connecticut include Hamden, Glastonbury, and Norwalk.

Studying for the CPA Exam

The CPA exam consists of the three core sections and candidates would need to select one of the three discipline to demonstrate deeper skills and knowledge, allowing candidates to choose a specialization. There is no set order in which the exam portions must be completed. The components of the CPA test are as follows:

• Auditing and Attestation. This exam section covers the basics of financial and attest services, such as audits, reviews, compilations, and preparing agreements.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting. This exam section covers financial accounting topics for all business entities, including the government and nonprofits.
• Regulation. This exam section covers federal taxation, tax services, professional ethics, and business law for individuals and business entities.
• Disciplines
  • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR): Focused on financial reporting, data analytics, and performance management. This area is suitable for those who are interested in financial analysis and reporting. An extension of FAR core.
  • Information Systems and Controls (ISC): Concentrates on IT governance, data security, and system controls. Ideal for individuals who wish to specialize in IT audits and information security. An extension of AUD core.
  • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP): Centers on personal financial planning and tax compliance for individuals, businesses, and other entities. Suitable for those with a strong interest in taxation and financial planning. An extension of REG core.

Choose a CPA Review Course

Studying a CPA Review course increases your chances of statistically passing the Connecticut CPA Exam Requirements. Not only that, but CPA Review courses offer realistic practice exams to help you prepare for the big day. Because these courses can be expensive, it is critical to examine each one thoroughly; however, some of the most popular CPA review courses are:

• Becker CPA Review
• Surgent CPA Review
• Gleim CPA Review
• Ninja CPA Review
• Wiley CPAexcel
• UWorld Roger CPA Review

Choosing a CPA Review Course is one of a CPA candidate’s most critical decisions. All of the CPA Review courses listed above match the first criterion. It is highly recommended that you do a Free Trial for any period before investing in any CPA Exam Review Course

Connecticut CPA Exam Cost Breakdown

The Connecticut CPA exam cost consists of five main fees: for the exam costs there is an education evaluation application fee of $90, the $238.15 per CPA exam section totaling $952.60 for all four sections.There is also the licensing and certification fee which will depend on the candidate’s choice. An initial CPA certificate will cost $150, an initial registration fee is $40, and then there is the initial CPA license which is $150.

Education Evaluation Application Fee	$90.00
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)	$344.80
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)	$344.80
Regulation (REG)	$344.80
Disciplines (ISC, TCP, or BAR)	$344.80
Total for all 4 CPA Exam Sections	$1,379.20
Initial CPA Certificate Fee	$150.00
Initial CPA Registration Fee	$40.00
Initial CPA License Fee	$150.00
CPA Registration Renewal Fee	$40.00
CPA License Renewal Fee	$565.00

Pass the Uniform CPA Examination.

After completing the required schooling, aspiring CPAs should apply to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy to take the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Uniform CPA Exam (NASBA). The Uniform CPA Examination is a four-part standardized test for a CPA license in all 50 states. Once the candidate’s qualifications have been validated, an authorization to schedule and take the exam will be issued. In an 18-month rolling period, all four exam components of CPA must be passed with a score of 75 or higher.

Connecticut CPA Ethics Exam

The CPA Ethics Exam is one of four standards that the state where you live and practice requires you to complete before awarding you a license and they vary depending on your location. As for Connecticut, the AICPA Ethics Exam is part of the Connecticut CPA ethics exam requirements for certification. The AICPA Ethics Exam is taken after completing a course called Professional Ethics: The AICPA’s Comprehensive Course. You must earn a minimum score of 90% in order to qualify for certification.

Connecticut Experience Requirements for the CPA License

How to Meet Connecticut Work Experience Requirements

To meet the Connecticut CPA experience requirements, candidates either have to work a minimum of 2 years (104 weeks) for those who took the exam after January 1, 2000 with 150 semester hours of education or a minimum of 3 years (156 weeks) for candidates who took the exam prior to January 1, 2000 with less than 150 semester hours of education. Experience cannot be older than 10 years and it must be under the supervision of a Certified Public Accountant holding a certified public accounting certificate or license for no less than three years prior to the verification of such experience.

The competencies that you must demonstrate in your work experience differ depending on the sort of work setting.

• Competencies in public practice include, but are not limited to:
  • Internal control rules and processes are reviewed, evaluated, or tested for compliance.
  • Creating work-related paper or electronic documents
  • Audit programs should be planned, revised, or updated.
  • Creating or evaluating financial reports and statements
  • Notes and memoranda must be written or reviewed.
  • Account verification steps are carried out.
  • Examining and drafting tax reserves and provisions
  • Creating financial statements from accounting records without conducting an audit
  • Preparing books of account, payrolls, and ledgers
  • Accounting and cost systems design and installation
  • Providing management consulting services
• Competencies in government practice include, but are not limited to:
  • Working as an accountant or auditor in state government
  • Working as a GS-7 or higher level accountant or auditor in the federal government
  • Working with the Federal Bureau of Investigations as a special accounting agent
  • Working as an accountant or auditor in the military
  • Working as an accountant or auditor in municipalities or other government agencies
• Competencies in an industry include, but are not limited to::
  • Recognize your company’s information systems and transaction procedures.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of your company’s internal controls
  • Tax Return Preparation
  • Looking into tax return preparation
  • Cost accounting
  • Budgeting
  • Applying accounting principles
  • Understanding your employer’s industry and competitiveness factors
  • Other professional services in the practice of general public accounting

Responsibilities for the verifying CPA

• Hold a valid CPA license and or/certificate.
• Having that license or certificate for at least three years
• Complete and sign the CPA Certificate Experience Verification form, including:
  • Applicant’s dates of experience
  • Number of weeks of experience claimed
  • Information on applicant’s competencies during the experience, completing the correct section under Type of Experience.
  • Your name, CPA exam certificate number, jurisdiction, and date of certificate issue
• Mail the form directly to the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy, 30 Trinity St., Hartford, CT 06106-1634.

Responsibilities of the applicant

• Select a licensed, certified Connecticut CPA exam requirements with three or more years of experience as your verifying CPA
• Provide the CPA Certificate Experience Verification form to the verifying CPA
• Provide the verifying CPA with an addressed, stamped envelope to return the form directly to the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy

Apply for License

There are two options for CPA credentials in Connecticut: certification and registration or certification and licensing. While all alternatives need the same education, experience, and testing, registered CPAs have greater significance than licensed CPAs.

Candidates who seek a less expensive option and do not need to utilize the CPA title fully may register their certificates (as registered CPAs) and use the CPA credential. The CPA certification and license process are more expensive. Still, licensed CPAs can use the CPA title indefinitely, establish a public accounting firm, and sign audit reports and tax returns using the Connecticut CPA exam requirements.

All applicants must apply for the first CPA certification regardless of their choice. In contrast, the second tier (registration or licensure) is decided based on the needs of each candidate. Candidates apply for CPA certification, registration, and licensure using the same form; both levels may be applied concurrently using the Initial and Reciprocal CPA Certificate/Registration/License form, which is available on the Board’s website be addressed to the Board. Candidates must provide proof of education, experience, and completion of the AICPA ethics course. NASBA will send the Board the results of the CPA Exam.

Receive a license

The application will be processed within three to six weeks after the Board receives the required evidence. Applicants who are approved will receive an email with the CPA certificate, followed by another email with the CPA license requirements. A Connecticut CPA exam requirement may commence practicing after receiving the second email. The Board will not give any more paperwork. However, CPAs may purchase a wall certificate from NASBA.

Continuing Education Requirements

Connecticut CPA exam requirements must complete a specified number of continuing professional education (CPE) hours to keep their license. (If you only have a certificate or a registered certificate but no license, you have no CPE obligations to meet.)

1. Complete 40 hours of CPE each year.

• You may receive credit for no more than 60 hours of CPE each year.
• 20 hours of CPE may be carried over to the next year
• 16 hours of CPE must be in attesting or compilation services

You can find qualifying CPE programs in Connecticut via:

• Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants
• American Institute of CPA Certificate
• Connecticut colleges and universities

2. Enroll in the proper subjects and acceptable formats.

The following educational arrangements are suitable for CPE credit:

• Lecture
• Seminar
• Self-study
• Instructing, presenting, or lecturing
• Authoring books, articles, or publications
• Formal correspondence or individual study programs

The following subjects are suitable for CPE credit:

• Accounting and auditing
• Management science
• Taxation
• Communication arts
• Computer science
• Economics
• Mathematics and its applications in business
• Behavioral science
• Business law
• Finance
• Production
• Marketing
• Personnel relations
• Business management and organization
• Specialized areas of industry
• The social environment of business
• Management of an accounting practice
• Courses in other disciplines that contribute to the professional competence of a CPA

3. Attain CPE credits at one of these approved locations:

• Educational and professional development programs of national, state, and local accounting organizations
• Technical sessions of meetings of federal, state, and local accounting organizations
• Credit and non-credit college and university courses at regionally accredited institutions
• Formal, organized in-house educational programs
• Programs of other accounting, professional or industrial organizations that the Board recognizes
• Formal correspondence or individual study programs

4. Report your CPE hours to the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy through your license renewal process. Licenses may be renewed online, or a form may be downloaded here.

5. Maintain CPE records for at least three years. Include attendance records, course outline, date and title, location and instructor, and several CPE hours earned.

CPA License Renewal

CPAs in Connecticut are obliged to renew their licenses every year by December 31. CPAs must also complete 40 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) per fiscal year, from July 1 to June 30. A licensed CPA must complete at least four hours of ethics continuing education every three years. Up to 20 hours of CE they have taken more than the obligatory 40 hours each fiscal year may be carried forward to the following year. CPE is not required for registered CPAs. More information is available on the Board’s website.

Summary

A Connecticut CPA license entails a wide range of obligations. Your work will shape the future of enterprises, government organizations, and individuals seeking to preserve and expand their wealth. That’s why we gathered all the information in this article to make your life easier.

Connecticut CPA Exam F.A.Q.s

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding Connecticut’s CPA exam and CPA licensure requirements.