District of Columbia CPA Requirements
To obtain CPA licensure, you must meet the three Es: Education, Experience, and Exam. Please note there are different accounting and business education requirements for examination and licensure in the District of Columbia. See the sections below for these requirements.
Education Requirements for CPA Examination
- Degree: Baccalaureate degree with a concentration in accounting (or equivalent) from a college or university recognized by the board.
- Accounting Coursework: 24 semester hours in accounting to include coverage of financial accounting, auditing, cost accounting, and federal income taxes.
- Business Coursework: 3 semester hours of business law
- Total Credit Hours: 120 semester hours
- Additional Exam Information
- Prior to Sitting for the Uniform CPA Exam: Must have completed degree requirement and accounting and business coursework requirements.
- Application Documents: Application documents found on the board website (opens new window).
Education and Experience Requirements for CPA Licensure
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSAC) program alone does not meet the education requirements to be licensed in the District of Columbia. The combination of the BSAC and the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program meets the education requirements for CPA examination and licensure. In addition to the requirements listed above, students must complete the following to be licensed.
- Ethics Coursework: Not required
- Total Credit Hours: 150 semester hours
- Experience Requirements for Licensure
- Minimum Work Experience: At least one-year of full-time experience or 2,000 hours. Experience must be verified by a CPA who is licensed in D.C. or in another state.
Additional information can be found on the District of Columbia Board of Accountancy (opens new window) website.
Note: Completing a WGU degree program does not guarantee employment or licensure in any profession. Requirements for licensure in accounting vary from state to state. For example, some states require a background check that may disqualify you from obtaining a license if you have committed certain actions, crimes, or misdemeanors. Students should contact WGU Business Licensure at licensure@wgu.edu prior to contacting their State Board of Accountancy regarding education and experience requirements. The Licensure team is available to students and alumni for all accounting licensure questions and advisement. Although the Licensure team can provide initial guidance, it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to continually check with the state licensing board where you intend to seek licensure to confirm all licensing requirements.
2/2019
