Registered Certified Public Accountant License in Alabama
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in Alabama, you must be at least 19, hold a degree with 150 semester hours (33 upper-level accounting, 27 business, 3 business law), and pass both state and Uniform CPA exams. CE is required for renewal. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,350.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,350 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 1 year
Requirements
Registered Certified Public Accountant certification in Alabama
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $150
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,350
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Registered Certified Public Accountant license in Alabama. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Alabama licensing board.
Registered Certified Public Accountant Salary in Alabama
Entry Level
$48,600
Median
$71,070
Experienced
$123,410
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Registered Certified Public Accountant in Alabama.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Both state and third-party exams required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$150.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
Registered Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Alabama: What to Know
Alabama requires applicants to be at least 19 years old, hold a college degree with no less than 150 semester hours including 33 hours in upper-level accounting, 27 hours in business courses, and 3 hours in business law. Both state and third-party exams are required. CE is required for renewal. Certain criminal convictions are prohibited. Alabama is one of the few states specifying a minimum age above 18. The Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy oversees licensing. Alabama's combination of state and third-party exams is more demanding than states requiring only the Uniform CPA Exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Registered Certified Public Accountant license cost in Alabama?
- The estimated total cost is $2,350, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Registered Certified Public Accountant license in Alabama?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Registered Certified Public Accountant license in Alabama?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Both state and third-party exams required
Considering another state?
Compare Registered Certified Public Accountant requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.