The requirements to become a CPA in New Jersey 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 NJ 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!
Contents
- 1 7 Simple Steps to Becoming a CPA in New Jersey
- 2 Additional Resources and Information
7 Simple Steps to Becoming a CPA in New Jersey
Meet the Eligibility Requirements for the CPA Exam
Here are the basic age and citizenship requirements to sit for the CPA exam in New Jersey.
- Minimum age requirement?: 18
- US citizenship required?: No
- New Jersey 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 NJ CPA Education Requirements
In New Jersey you need at least 150 semester hours to get your CPA license but only 120 semester hours to sit for the CPA Exam, which means you can sit for the exam while you’re still in college!
Here’s a detailed breakdown of exactly what’s needed to sit for the CPA Exam and for licensure:
Requirements to sit for the CPA Exam:
- Have at least 120 semester hours AND a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent
- At least 24 semester hours in accounting courses
- At least 24 semester hours in general business courses (other than accounting courses)
Requirements to obtain your CPA license:
- Have at least a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent
- Have at least 150 total semester credits
- At least 24 semester hours in accounting courses
- At least 24 semester hours in general business courses (other than accounting courses)
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 New Jersey are as follows:
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*New Jersey‘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 $75 re-examination fee 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!
NJ CPA Work Experience Requirements
In addition to the education requirements discussed above, the New Jersey State Board of Accountancy requires that you have a certain amount of work experience before you can obtain your CPA license. The requirements are fairly straightforward but vary depending on the type of work you’ll be performing:
- You must have at least one year of full-time employment (minimum 1,750 hours) of “intensive and diversified” experience supervised by a licensed CPA.
- Part-time experience is accepted, but the work must be performed within two consecutive years and meet the minimum 1,750 hour requirement.
- All experience must be earned after obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
Intensive and diversified experience is defined by the NJ Board as “experience acquired in the areas of auditing or accounting”.
Evidence of your work experience must be documented on a notarized affidavit on the employer’s letterhead indicating, in detail, the nature of the intensive and diversified experience in auditing or accounting.
Pass the Ethics Exam
Good news! Unlike some other states, the New Jersey 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!
Almost there! 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!
New Jersey’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*)
- Notarized Work Experience Affidavit and completed Statement of Experience
- Request for Criminal History Record Information
- Application fee ($75)
- Initial license fee ($45 – $135, depending on which year of the triennial reporting cycle you apply within)
*Your college transcripts provided as part of your CPA exam application will already be on file. You’ll only need to provide additional transcripts if you did not meet the educational requirements for licensure when applying to sit for the CPA Exam (e.g. did not meet the 150 rule).
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 and FAQ on the Application and Licensing Process
NJ Accountancy Applications and Forms
License Application by Examination in New Jersey
Contact Information
New Jersey State Board of Accountancy
Office Address
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 45000
Newark, New Jersey 07101
Email: Accountancy@dca.njoag.gov
Phone: (973) 504-6380
Fax: None
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:
