Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York is a prestigious achievement that opens the doors to a successful career in the field of accounting. This comprehensive guide will provide you with the necessary steps to obtain your CPA license in New York, including education requirements, examination preparation, experience criteria, ethics considerations, and additional resources to support your journey.

Step 1: Education Requirements

To be eligible for a CPA license in New York, you must meet specific education requirements outlined by the state board. Besides holding a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, additional coursework is required. Consider the following tips to fulfill the education requirements:

  1. Planning Your Coursework: Begin by reviewing the New York State Education Department’s guidelines and program requirements. This will help you tailor your coursework to meet the necessary academic standards. https://nasba.org/exams/cpaexam/newyork/
  2. Accredited Institutions: Choose an accredited college or university to ensure the legitimacy and recognition of your degree and coursework. This is important as it affects your eligibility for the Uniform CPA Examination. If you are missing credits you need to fulfill your requirements, cpacredits.com partners with accredited universities to offer self-paced online courses that begin the first of each month and are very affordable.
  3. CPA Exam Preparation Courses: Consider enrolling in CPA exam preparation courses to help you successfully navigate the exam and reinforce your understanding of core accounting concepts. Many educational institutions and professional accounting organizations offer comprehensive review courses designed to enhance your chances of passing the exam.

Step 2: Uniform CPA Examination


The Uniform CPA Examination is a challenging but necessary step in obtaining your CPA license. Here are some key points to keep in mind during your exam preparation:

  1. Familiarize Yourself with Exam Content: Gain a thorough understanding of the exam structure, format, and content distribution across the four sections (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). This will allow you to allocate your study time accordingly and focus on specific areas that require more attention.
  2. Study Materials: Utilize a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, online resources, video lectures, and sample exams. These resources will help you reinforce your understanding of key concepts and practice answering exam-style questions.
  3. Time Management: Create a study schedule that provides sufficient time for each exam section. Consider your personal commitments and devise a study plan that allows for both consistent study sessions and periodic breaks to avoid burnout.
  4. Practice Exams: Take advantage of practice exams and sample questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and assess your preparedness. This will help identify areas of weakness and enable targeted study.

Step 3: Experience Requirements


After completing the educational and examination aspects, aspiring CPAs in New York must fulfill specific experience requirements. Consider the following options:

  1. Public Accounting Experience: Gain at least one year (1,600 hours) of accounting experience in a public accounting firm under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This experience should involve performing tasks related to auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.
  2. Industry, Government, or Education Experience: Alternatively, you can fulfill the experience requirements by working in industry, government, or education roles related to accounting or finance. This experience should encompass areas such as financial reporting, taxation, auditing, or advisory services.
  3. Attestation of Experience: If you are unable to fulfill the above two options, you may seek an attestation of experience from a licensed CPA. This involves providing evidence of your work and competency in accounting-related services.

Step 4: Ethics Examination


New York State requires CPA candidates to pass an ethics examination. This examination ensures that individuals uphold the highest ethical standards in their professional practice. Consider these tips to prepare for the ethics examination:

  1. Study Materials: Familiarize yourself with the ethical guidelines and rules governing the accounting profession. Refer to study materials provided by the state board or authorized organizations to gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical principles and standards expected from CPAs.
  2. Case Studies and Practice Questions: Engage in case studies and practice questions related to ethical scenarios faced by CPAs. This will help you develop critical thinking skills and enhance your ability to apply ethical principles in real-world situations.

Additional Resources:
In addition to the aforementioned steps, take advantage of the following resources to support your journey towards becoming a CPA in New York:

  1. New York State Board of Accountancy: Refer to the board’s official website for detailed information on requirements, application processes, forms, and updates – https://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/cpa/
  2. AICPA: The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers comprehensive resources, exam updates, and professional development opportunities – https://www.aicpa.org/
  3. cpacredits.com: Explore the online platform, cpacredits.com, which offers self-paced courses designed to help you fulfill your state board education requirements economically and flexibly – https://www.cpacredits.com/


Becoming a CPA in New York requires careful planning, dedication, and adherence to specific requirements set by the state board. By fulfilling the education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements, you will be well on your way to obtaining your CPA license. Remember to utilize the additional resources mentioned above to enhance your knowledge, preparation, and chances of success. Best of luck as you embark on this rewarding journey towards becoming a licensed CPA in New York!