
The State Board of Accountancy, which regulates the practice of certified and public accountants in Pennsylvania, is a governing body. Its duties include regulating the practice by these professionals, promulgating continuing education requirements and enforcing professional conduct standards. CPAs' license must be renewed once every three years, or sooner. This information is helpful for CPAs wishing to get their license in Pennsylvania.
Information about the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy

The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy has information for you. The organization provides information and resources that help professional accountants stay up-to-date with all developments and regulations. In addition, it has a website dedicated to guiding and educating accountants. Here you will find information on the board, its function, and more. Additionally, you will find information on the requirements for licensure within Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania CPA licensure requirements
Before you begin the application process for a CPA license in Pennsylvania, you should first understand exactly what's required. While the state requires 150 semester hours of education, you do not have to complete all of those credits at one time. You must complete 24 hours of accounting coursework from an undergraduate degree program. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, you can still apply.
Notice to Schedule for Exam (NTS).
To take the exam, you must have a valid Notice to Schedule (NTS). The NTS is valid six months and you must schedule an Examination portion during that time. Your exam fees will be forfeited if the exam is not taken within the given time. Therefore, it is important that you schedule all of the required sections before the NTS expires. After expiration, the NTS cannot be extended or refunded.
NASBA Advisory Evaluation

The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy has the responsibility of regulating the state's practice of certified public accountants and public public accountants. Its duties include the regulation and setting standards for professional conduct and requiring continuing education. The exam is only open to applicants who meet the requirements. The NASBA Advisory Evaluation of pa state board of accountancy should be used to determine whether the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy is doing its job properly.
Apply for a job
The application procedure for the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy is straightforward. A minimum of 150 semester hours must be completed from a college/university that has been accredited by a national accrediting agency. They must have at least 24 semesters in accounting, tax or auditing during that time. For certification, applicants must have at least one full year of work experience.
FAQ
What exactly is bookkeeping?
Bookkeeping can be described as the keeping of records about financial transactions for individuals, businesses and organizations. It also includes the recording of all business-related income and expenses.
Bookkeepers track all financial information such as receipts, invoices, bills, payments, deposits, interest earned on investments, etc. They also prepare tax returns as well other reports.
What do I need to start keeping books?
You will need a few things to begin keeping books. A notebook, pencils or a calculator are all you will need to start keeping books.
What is the purpose and function of accounting?
Accounting gives a snapshot of financial performance through the recording, analysis, reporting, and recording of transactions between parties. Accounting allows organizations make informed decisions about how much money to invest, how likely they are to earn from their operations, and whether or not they need to raise additional capital.
Accountants keep track of transactions to provide information about financial activities.
The organization can use the collected data to plan its future strategy and budget.
It is essential that data be accurate and reliable.
How do I know if my company requires an accountant?
Accounting professionals are hired by many companies when they reach certain levels of financial success. A company may need an accountant if it has more than $10 million in annual sales.
However, not all companies need accountants. These include small firms, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
The size of a company doesn't count. Only what matters is whether or not the company uses accounting software.
If it does then the company requires an accountant. If it doesn’t, then it shouldn’t.
What does an auditor do?
An auditor looks for inconsistencies between the information given in the financial statements and the actual events.
He verifies the accuracy of all figures supplied by the company.
He also confirms the accuracy of the financial statements.
How do accountants function?
Accountants partner with clients to help them get the most out their money.
They also work closely with professional such as attorneys, bankers or auditors.
They also work with internal departments like human resources, marketing, and sales.
Accountants are responsible to ensure that the books balance.
They calculate the amount of tax that must be paid and collect it.
They also prepare financial statements, which reflect the company's financial performance.
Statistics
- According to the BLS, accounting and auditing professionals reported a 2020 median annual salary of $73,560, which is nearly double that of the national average earnings for all workers.1 (rasmussen.edu)
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects an additional 96,000 positions for accountants and auditors between 2020 and 2030, representing job growth of 7%. (onlinemasters.ohio.edu)
- BooksTime makes sure your numbers are 100% accurate (bookstime.com)
- a little over 40% of accountants have earned a bachelor's degree. (yourfreecareertest.com)
- Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow four percent through 2029, according to the BLS—a rate of growth that is about average for all occupations nationwide.1 (rasmussen.edu)
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How To
How to Become an Accountant
Accountancy is the science of recording transactions and analyzing financial data. Accounting also includes the preparation of statements and reports for different purposes.
A Certified Public Accountant, also known as a CPA, is someone who has successfully passed the CPA exam. They are licensed by the state's board of accountancy.
An Accredited Financial Analyst (AFA), is someone who has met certain criteria set by the American Association of Individual Investors. A minimum of five years investment experience is required to become an AFA by the AAII. They must pass a series of examinations designed to test their knowledge of accounting principles and securities analysis.
A Chartered Professional Accountant is also known by the name chartered accountant. This is a professional accountant who received a degree at a recognized university. CPAs must meet specific educational standards established by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales (ICAEW).
A Certified Management Accountant or CMA is a professionally certified accountant who specializes only in management accounting. CMAs must pass exams administered by the ICAEW and maintain continuing education requirements throughout their career.
A Certified General Accountant or CGA member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. CGAs have to pass several tests. One test is known as the Uniform Certification Examination.
International Society of Cost Estimators has awarded the certification of Certified Information Systems Auditor. CIA candidates must complete three levels of study consisting of coursework, practical training, and a final examination.
The Accredited Corporate Compliance Officer (ACCO), is a designation that has been granted by the ACCO Foundation (IOSCO). ACOs need to have a bachelor's degree in finance, public policy, or business administration. They must also pass two written exams as well as one oral exam.
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy gives the credential of Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE). Candidates must pass at least three exams to be certified fraud examiners (CFE).
International Federation of Accountants is accredited a Certified Internal Audior (CIA). Candidates must pass four exams covering topics such as auditing, risk assessment, fraud prevention, ethics, and compliance.
American Academy of Forensic Sciences gives Associate in Forensic Accounting (AFE), a designation. AFEs need to have graduated from an accredited college/university with a bachelor's level in any other field than accounting.
What does an auditor do exactly? Auditors are professionals who inspect financial reporting controls and audit the internal controls. Audits can be performed on either a random basis or based on complaints received by regulators about the organization's financial statements.