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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Colorado

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Colorado

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $90,030 median (10% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 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 Colorado

With a median salary of 90,030, Certified Public Accountants in Colorado earn 10% above the national median of $81,680. Colorado ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$90,030

Hourly estimate

$43.28
10% above national median

Difference: +$8,350

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$59,540
  • P2525th percentile$71,290
  • P50Median$90,030
  • P7575th percentile$119,470
  • P9090th percentile$155,590

State vs National Median

State: $90,030
National: $81,680

Total employment: 35,580 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#7 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
Colorado$90,030Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Wyoming$77,400Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$69,980Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Kansas$76,400Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Oklahoma$76,820Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$77,420Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arizona$78,620Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Utah$75,100Varies 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
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Regulatory Agencies • Division of Professions & Occupations • Board of Accountancy

1560 Broadway Ste 1350, Denver, CO, 80202

Phone: 3038947800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.

Related Careers in Colorado

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$95,620Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$99,590Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$85,580Specific course required6-24 months
Funeral Director$57,420Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 exams are required for Certified Public Accountants in Colorado?

Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.

What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Colorado?

The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Colorado is 90,030. Salaries range from $59,540 (10th percentile) to $155,590 (90th percentile).

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

Certified Public Accountants in Colorado earn 10% above the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 90,030.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 35,580 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

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

The licensing agency is Department of Regulatory Agencies / Division of Professions & Occupations / Board of Accountancy.