How to Become a CPA in Texas

To become a CPA you’ll need strong communication, technology and problem-solving skills. The first step is to prepare with a well-rounded education. Besides accounting and business courses, plan on taking additional courses in finance, management, marketing, communications, economics, computer science, humanities and science.

In Texas, to become a CPA you are required to: Complete a 150-hour degree program in accounting at an accredited college or university, pass the Uniform CPA Examination and attain a level of professional work experience in accounting.

Applying for the CPA Exam

A candidate for the CPA exam must show completion of the following education requirements in order to apply for the exam:

• Successful completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours OR quarter-hour equivalents in Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)-recognized courses
• Hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree or its equivalent as determined by TSBPA Rule, conferred by a TSBPA recognized institution of higher education
• Complete 21 upper-level accounting hours
• Complete no fewer than 24 semester hours of accounting or equivalent course as determined by TSBPA rule
• Complete no fewer than 24 semester hours of upper-level business course work, including two semester hours of accounting/business communications
  

To become a licensed CPA, an applicant must:

• Successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination
• File an application for issuance of the CPA certificate
• Provide confirmation of good moral character as demonstrated by a lack of history of dishonest of felonious acts
• Complete a three semester hour TSBPA approved ethics course
• Meet the education requirements (150 hours or more of college credit)
• Meet the work experience requirements (one year experience under the supervision of a CPA)
• Pass an examination on the Rules of Professional Conduct as determined by Board rule
• Take an oath of office to support the laws and Constitution of the United States and this state and rules adopted by the Board
• Pay a fee for certification
• Pay a fee for licensing

Regulation in Texas

The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy is the regulatory agency for public accounting in Texas. It is the agency to contact with all questions regarding CPA licensing and examination. For more information about qualifying and applying for the CPA exam contact:

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)
505 E. Huntland Dr, Ste 380
Austin, TX 78752-3757
Telephone: 512-305-7800
TSBPA Qualifications/Exams: 512-305-7851 FAX: 512-305-7875
E-mail: exam@tsbpa.texas.gov
Visit the TSBPA exam/qualification Webpage.