Accountants, Certified Public License in California
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in California, you must pass the Uniform CPA Exam ($100 first-time application plus NASBA fees per section) and complete education and experience requirements. License application is $250 with an initial license fee of $140-280. The California Board of Accountancy oversees licensing. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,630.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,630 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Renewal
- Every 2 years
Requirements
Accountants, Certified Public certification in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $250
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $280
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,630
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Accountants, Certified Public license in California. 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 California licensing board.
Accountants, Certified Public Salary in California
Entry Level
$60,920
Median
$96,360
Experienced
$162,150
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Accountants, Certified Public in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$250.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
Accountants, Certified Public Licensing in California: What to Know
California provides detailed fee information. Exam application: $100 for first-time candidates, $50 for repeat candidates, plus additional fees paid directly to NASBA per section. License application: $250 for initial CPA license. Initial license fee is $140 or $280 depending on when the license expires after issuance. Accountancy Corporation or Partnership application is $430. The California Board of Accountancy under the Department of Consumer Affairs oversees licensing. California has the largest CPA workforce in the US, with particularly strong demand in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Accountants, Certified Public license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $2,630, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Accountants, Certified Public license in California?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Accountants, Certified Public license in California?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Accountants, Certified Public requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.