Alaska CPA Exam Requirements

Alaska CPA exam requirementsAlaska allows CPA candidates to sit for the exam before they graduate (within 18 semester hours of graduation). Also, non-accounting majors can be qualified if they have at least 1 year of public accounting experience (i.e. an accounting firm is good but finance department in a corporation is not).

Alaska CPA Exam Requirements

1. Education Requirements To Sit For The Exam:

  • Bachelor degree or above
  • Accounting course requirements:
    • Degree with accounting concentration + 15 semester units in accounting; or
    • 1 year of public accounting experience

2. Earliest Time To Sit For The Exam:

  • Completion of the 150 semester units of accounting subject; and
  • Within 18 semester hours of meeting undergraduate education requirements

3. Additional Requirements To Get CPA License:

  • 150 semester units from an accredited university or institution

4. Residency & Age Requirements:

  • US citizenship not required
  • Alaska residency not required
  • Minimum age: 19

5. Fees:

  • First-timers: $823 (4 CPA exam fees) + $150 (initial application fee) = $973
  • Repeaters: exam fees + $65 to $110 repeat application fees
  • Certification fee: $220 (+50 application fee)

6. Other Useful Information:

7. Contact:

Alaska State Board of Public Accountancy
Box 110806
Juneau, AK 99811-0806

  • Email: license@commerce.state.ak.us
  • Phone: 907-465-3811
  • Fax: 907-465-2974

Can’t Get Qualified In Alaska?

Don’t give up, as you may well be qualified to register through other states and sit for the same CPA exam. With the recent Substantial Equivalency (CPA reciprocity) rule CPAs from most states can practice across the country.

Your Next Step

Now that you have begun the process of applying for the CPA exam, it’s time to compare the CPA Exam review courses. The earlier you start, the better you can get prepared and pass the exam. You can also drop me a note on Facebook here if you have specific questions regarding CPA exam requirements. Good luck!

* 1 semester = 1.5 quarters

If you enjoy reading this article...
Please consider signing up to my mini-course, the most effective way for me to send you:
Great tips
Practical advice
Useful links
Limited Time Only: You'll get this "Top 10 FAQs" e-booklet for free!

{ 4 comments }

M

Hi Stephanie,
Thanks for your wonderful site! Do you know anybody who has applied through Alaska or Hawaii board? How much time does it take for processing application etc.? I am thinking of giving an exam through Alaska or Hawaii board as I guess I can fulfill their educational requirements, and then transfer the credits to some other state boards where it needs 1 yr of experience for CPA License, as Alaska and Hawaii board needs 2 yrs of experience to get CPA license. Please let me know:-
1. If I apply now through Alaska or Hawaii board, would I be able to appear for the exam in November 2010, would they process my application that fast?
2. Is transfer of credits possible or does it take time to transfer the credits after passing the exam?
3. Is it a good idea to appear for the exam from one board and then transfer the credits to another board later? Do the boards allow that and do they process the transfer of credits smoothly? 4. Is it better to appear for the exam from that board only where we can get license easily, even if that board processes my application slowly and I might not be able to appear for the exam in November 2010, to avoid any delay or hassles in transfer of credits later? As my concern is to appear at least for BEC in November 2010 and nowadays most of the boards are taking time in processing the applications because of lot of applications coming their way due to exam changes in 2011. Please suggest.

Stephanie

Hi M,
Yes transfer of exam credit is possible but most of the time you’ll have to fulfill the requirements of the “targeted” state first. So unless there is any compelling reason, you should just apply directly to the targeted state to save all the hassle.

If the only reason is to speed up the process… I personally won’t do it because you take an extra risk of failing to transfer the credits to the state. And yes the exam is going to be changed but it’s more like the change of format (which shouldn’t affect you if you are a first-time applicant) and an addition of IFRS materials… doesn’t worth the risk. Just my 2 cents… Stephanie

M

Hi Stephanie,
I think you are right. It doesn’t worth the risk, as there are already so many hassles in the application process itself, and there is no point in inviting more hassles later. As you mentioned, there is only change of format and addition of IFRS material, which might be considered as a plus point in job market later. Thank you so much for your valuable guidance as always. Now, I am taking this ‘change of format’ thing positively and have decided to prepare for the exam accordingly.
Thanks a lot again for guiding us step by step and providing a helping hand, when we all desparately need it. God bless you!

Stephanie

Hi M,
That’s an excellent point! I’ll share your thoughts with other readers when they face the same dilemma. Cheers and all the best. Just come back whenever I can be helpful. Regards, Stephanie