12 Professional Licenses Required by State and How to Start

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

A CPA license allows you to perform public accounting work, including audits and attestation services that non-CPAs cannot do. States typically require a combination of college-level accounting hours (often 150 semester hours), successful completion of the Uniform CPA Exam, and a specified amount of supervised work experience under a licensed CPA. Each state board determines how they count education and experience, so the exact course or hour requirements vary. Many states also require an ethics exam or course before licensure. Once licensed, CPAs must meet continuing professional education (CPE) requirements to renew. If you earned credentials in another state, most boards have mobility rules or reciprocal pathways; still, you’ll need to verify education and exam records with the original state board. Start by contacting your state board of accountancy for a checklist of accepted transcripts, exam score submission procedures, and whether online verification portals are available.