The requirements to become a CPA in Kentucky can be a bit confusing so I put this guide together to help you navigate the process! If you’re just starting to research getting your CPA license in KY then I suggest starting from the top. Otherwise, feel free to skip ahead to any section you’d like to know a little more about!
7 Simple Steps to Becoming a CPA in Kentucky
Meet the Eligibility Requirements for the CPA Exam
Here are the basic age and citizenship requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Kentucky.
- Minimum age requirement?: At least 18 years old
- US citizenship required?: No
- Kentucky residency required?: No
- Minimum level of education required: See next section
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN)* required?: Yes
*An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may also be provided
Fulfill the KY CPA Education Requirements
Kentucky’s requirements to sit for the CPA Exam and get your license are the same. Here’s a breakdown of exactly what’s needed to become a CPA in Kentucky:
- Have completed at least 150 semester (or 180 quarter) hours AND obtain a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in accounting from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent with a major or concentration in accounting
- Have at least 39 semester hours in “business-related subjects”, of which at least 27 semester hours consist of “accounting courses”
- “Business-related subjects” include any courses that cover the following:
- Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Management
- Economics
- Computers
- Statistics
- Accounting
- “Accounting courses” include any courses that cover the following:
- Auditing
- Tax
- Accounting standards
- Principles
- Processes
Apply to Sit for the CPA Exam and Pay the Exam Fees
Be sure to check out this post where I break down the entire CPA Exam application process for you, step-by-step.
The cost to apply and register for all four parts of the CPA Exam in Kentucky are as follows:
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*Kentucky‘s Notice to Schedule (NTS) window is 6 months, so you should only register and pay for the exam section(s) you intend to take within that time. If you need to schedule or re-take any sections beyond your initial NTS window, a $30 fee per section plus the associated exam section fees above will apply.
Study for, and PASS the CPA Exam!
Studying for the CPA Exam is definitely the most challenging and time consuming part of the whole process, so you might as well get a jump start on studying as soon as your fees are submitted.
Not sure which exam section to take first? Check out my post where I break down the pros and cons of each route you can go so you can make the best possible decision: Which section of the CPA Exam should I take first?
By far the most important factor to success on the CPA Exam is sticking to a consistent study schedule and not letting too much time lapse between study sessions.
The CPA Exam is not a test you can just cram for so you’ll want to make sure you space out the material into manageable chunks in a way that fits your schedule.
As long as you schedule things out properly, you won’t have to sacrifice your entire social life for the CPA Exam like some folks say!
You’ll also need to purchase a CPA review course that’s best suited for your study style and budget. I’ve personally tested and examined all of the top review courses out there so you can find the best one for you.
If you still can’t decide which course is best, send me an email and I’ll personally help you!
KY CPA Work Experience Requirements
In addition to the education requirements discussed above, the Kentucky Board of Public Accountancy requires that you have at least 1 year of experience in accounting supervised by an active and licensed CPA, as follows:
- Experience may be an accounting or auditing position in public practice, industry or government or any combination of these
- 1 year of experience is defined as 2,000 hours in a period of not less than 12 months that is earned after meeting the Kentucky exam educational requirements.
- All work hours must have been performed within 5 years of completing the CPA exam
Pass an Ethics Exam?
Good news! Unlike some other states, the Kentucky Board doesn’t require you to complete an ethics course prior to obtaining your CPA license! You may have to complete one as part of your annual CPE requirements once you’re licensed though, but you can worry about that later :).
Get Your CPA License!
Finally! After passing the CPA exam and meeting all of the education and work experience requirements above, you’ll finally be able to apply for your CPA license!
Kentucky’s application process is fairly straightforward. In order to receive your CPA license, you’ll need to complete and submit the following:
- Your CPA license application
- Education transcripts (if necessary*)
- Verification of Experience (as part of application)
- Application fee ($100)
*Your college transcripts provided as part of your CPA exam application will already be on file.
Once you’ve submitted everything noted above, then congratulations! You should be well on your way to getting your CPA license! In case you need any more info about the exam or licensing process, be sure to check out the additional resources I’ve included down below.
Additional Resources and Information
More info on Application Process
Contact Information
Kentucky Board of Public Accountancy
Office Address
332 West Broadway, Suite 310
Louisville, KY 40202
Email: cpa@ky.gov or via contact form
Phone: (502) 595-3037
Fax: (502) 595-4500
Additional Organizations
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To learn more about some of the things you’ll need to prepare for the CPA Exam, be sure to check out my detailed reviews of each of the top courses on the market:
