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You’ve done the hard work. You passed your bachelor’s degree. Maybe you’ve even started studying for the CPA exam. And then you hit the wall: most states require 150 credit hours for CPA licensure, and the typical bachelor’s degree only gets you to 120. Where can you get the extra credits for your CPA license?
That 30-credit gap — those “extra credits” standing between you and your CPA license — is one of the most frustrating hurdles in the entire licensing process. It feels arbitrary. It’s expensive if you go the traditional route. And it’s not always clear what actually counts.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how many extra credits you need, what types of courses qualify, the most efficient ways to earn them, and what’s changing in 2026 that might affect your plan.
For most CPA candidates, the answer is 30 additional credit hours beyond a standard bachelor’s degree.
Here’s how the math works:
However, this isn’t universal. A handful of states have slightly different total hour requirements, and some candidates — particularly those with non-accounting majors — may also need to satisfy specific course content requirements in addition to the total credit count. We’ll cover both below.
This is where many candidates get tripped up. Not all credits are created equal. Here’s what you need to understand:
Most state boards have two separate requirements you need to satisfy:
For example, many states require a minimum of 24–30 upper-level accounting credit hours and 24+ business credit hours as part of your total 150. Simply filling your extra 30 credits with elective courses in art history or fitness might get you to 150 hours total, but could still leave you short on accounting-specific requirements.
The exact requirements vary by state, but commonly accepted course areas for your extra credits include:
Most state boards accept a mix of undergraduate and graduate credits toward the 150-hour total. However, some states specify that a certain number of credits must be upper-division or graduate-level accounting courses. Check your specific state’s requirements before choosing courses.
Services like CpaCredits.com offer individual, self-paced courses through regionally accredited partner universities — specifically designed for CPA candidates who need to close their credit gap efficiently and affordably.
Cost: Typically $230-250 per credit (under $7,000 for 30 credits) Time: 3–6 weeks per course at your own pace Accreditation: Regionally accredited — transcripts accepted by state boards
This is the most popular option for candidates who are already working in accounting or studying for the CPA exam. You take exactly the courses you need, complete them on your own schedule, and receive an official transcript from the partner university.
Best for: Working professionals, candidates with tight timelines, those who want to avoid committing to a full graduate program.
Community colleges offer regionally accredited courses at some of the lowest per-credit prices available — typically $200–$400 per credit hour for in-state students. Many offer both in-person and online options.
Cost: $5,500–$12,000 for 30 credits Time: Semester-based (typically 16 weeks per course) Accreditation: Regionally accredited
The tradeoff is flexibility — you’re locked into a semester schedule, which can be difficult to manage alongside a full-time job and CPA exam prep. But if you’re not in a hurry and want the lowest possible cost with the structure of a classroom environment, community college is a solid option.
Best for: Candidates who prefer a structured schedule and want to minimize cost.
Graduate certificate programs in accounting, taxation, or business analytics typically run 12–18 credits and are designed for working professionals who already hold a bachelor’s degree.
Cost: $6,000–$15,000 Time: 6–12 months Accreditation: Varies — look for regional accreditation
Certificate programs cost more per credit than online course options, and they may not fully close your 30-credit gap on their own. But they come with an added credential on your resume and offer a more structured, career-focused curriculum.
Best for: Candidates who want a credential alongside the credits and have a specific subject area they want to deepen (e.g., taxation, forensic accounting, data analytics).
The Master of Accounting (MAcc), Master of Science in Taxation (MST), or MBA is the route most people think of first — but it’s also the most expensive way to earn your extra credits.
Cost: $15,000–$50,000+ Time: 1–2 years Accreditation: Yes, fully accredited
A master’s degree makes sense if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, if you’re a current undergraduate who can enter a 4+1 combined program, or if you genuinely want the graduate credential for career advancement. But if the only goal is to hit 150 credits, it’s significant overkill financially.
Best for: Current undergrads in 4+1 programs, candidates with employer tuition reimbursement, or those who specifically want a graduate degree for career reasons.
Some candidates — particularly those still in school — choose to add a second major or take extra undergraduate courses to reach 150 hours before graduating. This can be cost-effective within the structure of an existing degree program.
Cost: Varies (may be covered by existing tuition) Time: 1–2 additional semesters Accreditation: Yes
Best for: Current undergraduate students who have the time and flexibility to extend their studies.
Before you commit to a plan for your extra credits, it’s worth knowing that the 150-hour requirement is changing rapidly across the country — and depending on your state, you may have more options than you think.
As of early 2026, 25 states have either removed or provided alternatives to the 150-hour college credit licensing requirement, which critics had long called a costly barrier to entry. The movement is largely driven by a nationwide CPA shortage, as accounting firms struggle to fill roles vacated by retiring CPAs.
In May 2025, the AICPA and NASBA approved a new model pathway requiring only a bachelor’s degree with an accounting concentration, two years of professional experience, and passage of the CPA Exam — as an alternative to the traditional 150-hour route, not a replacement.
Here are some notable state-level changes already in effect:
What this means for you: If you live in or plan to be licensed in a state that has already adopted an alternative pathway, you may not need the extra 30 credits at all. Check your state board’s website or our state-by-state CPA requirements pages for the latest. You may still need specific accounting and/or bousiness courses.
If your state still requires 150 hours (and the majority still do as of mid-2026), the options above remain your path forward.
Before you enroll anywhere, answer these three questions:
1. What does your current transcript show? Pull your official transcript and count your total credit hours and your accounting/business credit hours separately. You may be closer to the requirements than you think — or you may have a specific subject-matter gap that general electives won’t fix.
2. What does your state board require specifically? Visit your state board of accountancy’s website and look for the education requirements section. Note the total credit hour requirement, any minimum accounting credits, any minimum business credits, and whether there are restrictions on online or transfer credits.
3. Do you still need to sit for the CPA exam? Many states allow you to sit for the CPA exam with 120 credits and then complete the remaining hours before licensure. If that’s your situation, you have more flexibility in timing your extra credits.
A free transcript evaluation from CpaCredits.com can map all of this out for you clearly — showing exactly which courses you still need and the most efficient path to complete them.
| Your Situation | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Working full-time, want self-paced flexibility | Online courses via CpaCredits.com |
| Prefer structure, not in a hurry | Community college |
| Want a credential alongside the credits | Graduate certificate program |
| Current undergrad with employer support | Master’s degree |
| Already in a 4+1 program | Finish through your university |
Do all extra credits have to be in accounting? No — once you’ve met your state’s minimum accounting and business credit requirements, remaining credits can typically be in any subject. But confirm the specifics with your state board before enrolling in elective-only courses.
Can I take online courses to fulfill the extra credit requirement? Yes, provided the courses come from a regionally accredited institution. Courses from nationally accredited institutions (common with some for-profit schools) are often not accepted. Always verify before enrolling.
Do graduate credits count the same as undergraduate credits toward the 150-hour requirement? Generally yes — most states count both undergraduate and graduate credits toward the 150-hour total. Some states specify minimums for upper-division or graduate-level accounting courses specifically.
How long does it realistically take to earn 30 extra credits? With self-paced online courses, many candidates complete 30 credits in 3–6 months. Community college takes longer due to semester schedules (typically 1–2 semesters). A master’s degree takes 1–2 years.
What if I’m still short on accounting-specific courses, not just total hours? This is common for candidates with non-accounting majors or those who completed a general business degree. In this case, your extra credits should be targeted specifically at the accounting and business subjects your state requires — not just general electives. A transcript evaluation can pinpoint exactly what you’re missing.
At CpaCredits.com, we’ve helped hundreds of CPA candidates earn the extra credits for their CPA license — on their schedule, at a price that doesn’t require taking on new debt. Our self-paced, regionally accredited courses are designed specifically for working professionals who want to reach 150 hours efficiently.
Get a free transcript evaluation → We’ll review your current credits against your state’s requirements and tell you exactly which courses to take — and in what order.
CpaCredits.com partners with regionally accredited universities to offer affordable, self-paced online courses for CPA candidates. All transcripts are sent directly to your state board of accountancy.
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