CPA exam and license requirements in Connecticut
Connecticut requires 120 semester credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. Licensure requires 150. Administered under the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. Last reviewed 2026-08-10.
- Credit hours to sit
- 120
- Credit hours to license
- 150
- Exam fee per section
- $262.64
- Exam credit window
- 30 months
- State ethics requirement
- See below
How many credit hours do you need to sit for the CPA exam in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires 120 semester credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. Candidates in Connecticut sit under the rules of the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy.
How many credit hours do you need for a CPA license in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires 150 semester credit hours for CPA licensure. That is 30 more than the 120 needed to sit, so candidates can begin testing before completing the licensure requirement.
How much does the CPA exam cost in Connecticut?
The CPA exam in Connecticut costs $262.64 per section, a $96 application fee, a $96 education evaluation fee. Four sections at $262.64 is $1,050.56 in section fees alone. These are Connecticut board and NASBA fees and exclude review course costs and any re-take fees.
How long do you have to pass all four CPA exam sections in Connecticut?
Connecticut gives candidates a 30-month window to pass all four CPA exam sections. The clock starts when the first section is passed.
Does Connecticut require a CPA ethics exam?
Connecticut: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics comprehensive course exam with a score of at least 90 for licensure.
What work experience is required for a CPA license in Connecticut?
Connecticut requires two years of experience with a bachelor's (120 hrs), or one year with 150 hours or a master's, verified by a CPA who has held a license for at least three years.
Who regulates CPAs in Connecticut?
CPAs in Connecticut are regulated by the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy. Its published requirements are at https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/occupational-and-professional-division/occupational-boards/state-board-of-accountancy.
Recent changes and notes for Connecticut
- New pathways effective Oct 1, 2025 (Public Act 25-36 / HB 7020): bachelor's (120 hrs) + 2 years experience, or 150 hrs (bachelor's+30 or master's) + 1 year.
- Two-tier credential: CPA Certificate registration ($40, title use only, no attest) vs. CPA License ($150, authorizes practice).
- Education: 27 semester hours accounting + 24 semester hours economics/business.
- SSN required; no residency requirement.
Studying for the CPA exam
PocketCPA covers all six CPA exam sections with 5,443 questions, each cited to the specific standard or statute it tests, and 1,012 lesson pages written from primary source text. A full-length FAR mock exam is free and needs no account.
Source: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/license-services-division/all-license-applications/certified-public-accountant-initial-ct-registration-or-license. Requirements change; confirm with the Connecticut State Board of Accountancy before applying.