The requirements to become a CPA in New Mexico 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 NM 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 Mexico
- 2 Additional Resources and Information
7 Simple Steps to Becoming a CPA in New Mexico
Meet the Eligibility Requirements for the CPA Exam
Here are the basic age and citizenship requirements to sit for the CPA exam in New Mexico.
- Minimum age requirement?: No
- US citizenship required?: No
- New Mexico residency required?: Yes
- 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 NM CPA Education Requirements
In New Mexico 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 completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in accounting from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent
- Have at least 30 semester hours in accounting courses, with no more than 3 semester hours in business law
Requirements to obtain your CPA license:
- 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
- Have at least 30 semester hours in accounting courses, with no more than 3 semester hours in business law
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 Mexico are as follows:
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*New Mexico‘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, an $85 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!
NM CPA Work Experience Requirements
In addition to the education requirements discussed above, the New Mexico Board of Public Accountancy requires that you have a certain amount of work experience before you can obtain your CPA license. The requirements are fairly straightforward:
- At least 1 year of qualifying accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA.
- Qualifying accounting experience is defined as “providing service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.”
- Experience can be earned on a full- or part-time basis and can come from more than one employer
- All work hours must have been performed over the course of a 1-3 year period and shall include no less than 2,000 hours
Pass the AICPA Ethics Exam
The AICPA Ethics Exam is a self-study course that may be completed any time before, during, or after you sit for the CPA exam so long as it’s completed within 2 years of submitting your CPA license application. The exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions that must be answered with a score of 90% or higher. To prepare for it, you’ll receive a 100-page textbook from the AICPA upon registration.
You can take the exam online or via a paper form that you’ll submit through the mail. You’ll have three attempts to pass the exam if you take the online version. After that, you’ll need to complete the exam via the paper / snail-mail route.
The exam and related materials can cost anywhere from $209 – $270, depending on whether you register as an AICPA member or not.
Pro-tip: After completing the exam, be sure to download your certificate of completion. You’ll need to submit it to the New Mexico State Board as part of your license application.
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!
New Mexico’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)
- Fingerprint background check documents (as part of application)
- Application fee ($175)
*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 on Application Process
FAQ on Application and Licensing
Contact Information
New Mexico Public Accountancy Board
Office Address
5500 San Antonio Dr. NE, Suite A
Albuquerque, NM 87109
Email: accountancy.board@state.nm.us
Phone: (505) 222-9850
Fax: (505) 222-9855
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:
