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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Licensing Division • California Board of Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $96,360 median (18% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #4 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 96,360, Certified Public Accountants in California earn 18% above the national median of $81,680. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$96,360

Hourly estimate

$46.33
18% above national median

Difference: +$14,680

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$60,920
  • P2525th percentile$76,210
  • P50Median$96,360
  • P7575th percentile$124,890
  • P9090th percentile$162,150

State vs National Median

State: $96,360
National: $81,680

Total employment: 173,370 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#4 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York101,780
#2New Jersey101,340
#3Massachusetts96,580
#4California96,360
#5Washington96,180

Nearby States Comparison

Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$96,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$81,130Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$78,220Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$78,620Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Licensing Division • California Board of Accountancy

2450 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA

Phone: 9162633680

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$105,840Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$118,450Varies by state board6-24 months
Financial Advisor$128,650Varies by state board6-24 months
Funeral Director$47,170Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in California?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in California?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in California is 96,360. Salaries range from $60,920 (10th percentile) to $162,150 (90th percentile).

How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in California compare to the national average?

Certified Public Accountants in California earn 18% above the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 96,360.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in California?

California employs approximately 173,370 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Certified Public Accountants in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Licensing Division / California Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at https://www.dca.ca.gov/cba/.