Licensed Accountant Application

Step 1.Education

An applicant seeking licensure must provide documentation from one or more accredited institutions:

• At least 150 semester hours of education
• A baccalaureate or higher degree with an accounting concentration or equivalent. This is comprised of:
  • 24 semester hours of accounting courses above the introductory/foundational level: including courses in auditing, financial accounting, managerial/cost accounting and taxation
  • 24 semester hours of business courses: no more than six semester hours of what could be considered upper-level accounting courses

The state recommends applicants to incorporate at least some graduate-level study of accounting in meeting the 150-semester hour requirement.

Step 2.Exam

An applicant must pass the CPA exam with a score of 75 or higher on each section, within an 18-month period, prior to applying for licensure.

Passed CPA exam in another state or jurisdiction

If the applicant has passed the CPA exam in another state or jurisdiction, the applicant must request the respective state board of accountancy to transfer their CPA exam scores to the state.

Step 3.Experience

During the licensure application process, applicants are required to complete an Experience Verification Form. The experience must be verified by an actively licensed U.S. CPA from any jurisdiction.

The experience requirement includes being employed in academia, a firm, government, or industry involving the substantial use of accounting, financial, tax, or other skills that are relevant, as determined by the state. The applicant must complete at least 2,080 work hours, or equivalent to one year of full-time employment. Whether other skills are relevant shall be determined by the state on a case-by-case basis. Self-employment does not meet the definition of experience. 

Step 4.Apply Online

Step 1.Make sure you meet the requirements

One of the critical steps in getting a real estate license in the state is to be at least 18 years of age, be a state resident and be honest and truthful. Conviction of a crime may result in the denial of a license.

Step 2.Get your fingerprints taken and pass your background check

You are required by law to have fingerprints on file with the Department of Public Safety so a background check can be performed. A license will not be issued if the background check has not been passed.

Step 3.Submit Your Qualifying Education

An applicant is required to have 180 of classroom hours. List of the classes and minimum hours for each can be found on our website.

Once completed with the courses find a qualifying education provider and submit your course documents along with the application. 

Step 4.Take the Exam

Register and take the exam. Pearson VUE is a testing service company. No more than 3 attempts are allowed for the exam. 

Step 5.Find a Sponsor

As the final step in order to practice real estate you will need to work under a supervising broker.

Step 6.Visit our offices

1890 Camino Drive, Augustus, CA 98272