The requirements to become a CPA in Rhode Island 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 RI 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 Rhode Island
Meet the Eligibility Requirements for the CPA Exam
Here are the basic age and citizenship requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Rhode Island.
- Minimum age requirement?: No
- US citizenship required?: No
- Rhode Island residency required*?: Yes
- Minimum level of education required: See next section
- Valid Social Security Number (SSN)** required?: Yes
*You must be a resident, regularly employed, or have a place of business in Rhode Island
**An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) may also be provided
Fulfill the RI CPA Education Requirements
Rhode Island’s requirements to sit for the CPA Exam and get your license are the same, but there are three paths you may take to satisfy the 150-hour and education requirements. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Path 1: Earn a graduate degree with a concentration in accounting from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent
Path 2: Earn a graduate degree from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent, including the following curriculum:
- At least 24 semester hours in accounting at the undergraduate level OR 15 semester hours at the graduate level, or an equivalent combination thereof.
- Accounting courses must include at least:
- 6 semester hours in both fundamental accounting and intermediate financial accounting and reporting, and
- At least 3 semester hours in each of the following:
- Advanced financial accounting and reporting,
- Tax accounting, and
- Auditing.
Path 3: Earn a bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a U.S. accredited college, university or foreign equivalent, including the following curriculum:
- At least 24 semester hours in accounting at the undergraduate or graduate level. Accounting courses must include at least:
- 6 semester hours in both fundamental accounting and intermediate financial accounting and reporting, and
- At least 3 semester hours in each of the following:
- Advanced financial accounting and reporting,
- Tax accounting, and
- Auditing.
- At least 24 semester hours in business courses (other than accounting courses) at the undergraduate or graduate level.
- Business courses must include at least 3 semester hours in both business law and economics.
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 Rhode Island are as follows:
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*Rhode Island’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!
RI CPA Work Experience Requirements
In addition to the education requirements discussed above, the Rhode Island 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 and at least 1,820 hours of qualifying accounting experience verified by a licensed CPA.
- Qualifying accounting experience is defined as “providing any type of 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.
- Can be obtained from working in public accounting, industry, government or academia.
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 Washington 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!
Rhode Island’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
- Verification of Experience (as part of application)
- Application fee ($375)
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
FAQ on Application and Licensing
Rules and Regulations: Board of Accountancy
Contact Information
Rhode Island Board of Accountancy
Office Address
560 Jefferson Blvd., First Floor
Warwick RI 02886
Email: jovonna.bennett@dbr.ri.gov
Phone: (401) 462-9550
Fax: (401) 462-9532
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:
