LicenseCompass

Certified Public Accountant License in Arkansas

Quick Answer

To become a CPA in Arkansas, you must earn a degree, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, complete experience requirements, and clear a background check. CE is required for renewal. Temporary licensing is available for military members and spouses. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.

Exam
Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
Total Cost
$2,175 (est.)
Timeline
5-7 years (including degree)
Background Check
Required
Renewal
Every 1 year

Requirements

Certified Public Accountant certification in Arkansas

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
A temporary license is available to military and spouses until formal license approval

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Exam Fee
$1,000
Renewal Fee
$75
Total Estimated Cost
$2,175

Licensing Agency

Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing~Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Certified Public Accountant license in Arkansas. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Exam FeeEst.$1,000
Total Estimated Cost$1,100

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Arkansas licensing board.

Certified Public Accountant Salary in Arkansas

Entry Level

$41,670

Median

$64,180

Experienced

$118,730

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Arkansas.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).

Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Arkansas: What to Know

Arkansas requires a degree, CE for renewal, and a background check. A third-party exam (Uniform CPA Exam) is required. CPAs analyze business records, audit financial statements, prepare tax reports, and may develop accounting systems. Three major employment fields: public accounting, private industry, and government. A temporary license is available for military members and spouses waiting for formal approval. The Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy under the Department of Labor and Licensing oversees licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Certified Public Accountant license cost in Arkansas?
The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a Certified Public Accountant license in Arkansas?
The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a Certified Public Accountant license in Arkansas?
You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.