Kentucky CPA requirements
Wondering how to become a CPA in Kentucky? Your first step should always be to check the Kentucky CPA requirements, because the Kentucky Board of Accountancy will ultimately license you. Always consult with Kentucky's Board of Accountancy for the most current information.
CPA Exam requirements in Kentucky
Getting a CPA in each state mandates different requirements for taking the CPA Exam. There is no residency requirement included in the Kentucky CPA requirements. In order to be eligible for the CPA Exam, the state requires candidates to meet certain requirements:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must present themselves of being of good moral character
- Must have a social security number
- Pay a nonrefundable fee of $30 to process the application
Minimum education requirements
All CPA candidates in Kentucky must have a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university with a concentration in accounting. In order to meet the CPA Exam requirements in Kentucky, candidates are required to complete 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours in various course subjects, including:
- 39 semester hours of business-related courses, including:
- Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Economics
- Computers
- Statistics
- 27 semester hours of accounting courses, including:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Managerial accounting
Kentucky CPA license requirements
In order to earn a certified public accountant license in Kentucky, applicants must meet the following experience requirements:
- Kentucky requires all candidates to complete 2,000 hours of accounting or attestation experience while employed in an accounting or auditing position in public practice, industry or government that should be verified by a certified public accountant.
- The one year of experience required under this subsection should be obtained after the completion of the education requirements.
Kentucky CPA license renewals
Kentucky CPAs must renew their license every two years. CPAs with odd-numbered licenses renew their license in odd-numbered years. Those with even-numbered licenses renew their license in even-numbered years. Online Renewal notices are mailed in late June to the mailing address on file at the State Board Office.
Kentucky CPA CPE requirements
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) hours must be completed in the two calendar years prior to the year during which a license is to be renewed. The two calendar years are referred to as the “reporting period”.
Any CPA who fails to complete the CPE by the December 31st deadline of the renewal year will not be eligible to renew his or her license. Instead, the CPA will be required to use the reinstatement process.
Each licensee who worked 3,000 hours or more in a public accounting firm licensed with the board during the two calendar years prior to the renewal date of his or her license shall complete 80 CPE hours. The eighty hours shall be completed during the preceding two calendar years. All other licensees shall complete 60 CPE hours. CPE credits must meet the following criteria:
- 50% of the 80 hours and 60 hours shall include technical standards courses.
- Licensees who prepare audits, reviews, compilations, or the preparation of financial statements shall complete eight hours of CPE in the subject matter area of accounting and auditing each calendar year, for a total of 16 hours per reporting period.
- Licensees required to obtain 80 hours of CPE may count eight hours of personal development courses toward the required hours, and licensees required to obtain 60 hours of CPE may include up to 12 hours of personal development courses in the required hours. Personal development courses include:
- Time management
- Leadership
- Team building
- Goal setting
- Soft skills related to working in an office or professional setting
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