Initial Licensing FAQs

You can find more information under the Educational Requirements.

Experience Requirements

I am applying for licensure with general accounting experience. How much experience do I need? All applicants must complete a minimum of 12 months of general accounting experience. General accounting experience includes providing any type of service or advice involving the use of accounting, attest, compilation, management advisory, financial advisory, tax, or consulting skills.
Does experience in academia count? Yes. Experience in academia does qualify toward general accounting experience if the requirements of CBA Regulations section 12.1 are met.
I would like to obtain a license with the authority to sign attest reports. How much experience do I need? You will need to complete a minimum of 12 months of general accounting experience, and a minimum of 500 attest hours to the satisfaction of the CBA.
I am licensed with general accounting experience and want to obtain licensure with the authority to sign attest reports. Do I need to submit transcripts? No. You will only need to complete the required 500 attest hours and submit the appropriate documentation and fee to the CBA.

Is fingerprinting required for licensure? Yes. Pursuant to section 144 of the California Business and Professions Code, applicants for a California CPA license are required to furnish their fingerprints for purposes of conducting a criminal history record check with the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Will the CBA accept an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in lieu of a United States Social Security Number (SSN)? Yes. Prior to issuance of a California CPA license, all applicants must provide either an SSN or ITIN. California Business and Professions Code section 30 prohibits the issuance a license if the applicant fails to disclose or is unable to provide an SSN or ITIN.

What is required after my license is approved? Upon pre-approval of your California CPA license application, you will be required to pay an initial license fee. The initial license fee is independent of the application processing fee. The initial license fee is calculated based on the date of licensure and first expiration date of the new license. Upon receipt of the initial license fee, the CBA will mail you a congratulatory letter with your CPA license number and CPA wall certificate. You may not engage in the practice of public accountancy or use the CPA designation until you have received your CPA license number from the CBA.
When will I receive the pocket identification card? You will receive a pocket identification card (pocket ID) approximately 2-4 weeks after payment of the initial CPA license fee. If a pocket ID has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may request a duplicate by completing and submitting the Wall Certificate/Pocket ID Replacement Request to the CBA.
When will I receive the wall certificate? You will receive a CPA wall certificate, suitable for framing, approximately 8-12 weeks after payment of the initial CPA license fee. If a CPA wall certificate has been lost, stolen, or damaged, you may request a duplicate by completing and submitting the Wall Certificate/Pocket ID Replacement Request to the CBA.