Application Fee
See agencyVerified by GA Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Georgia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Georgia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Georgia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Georgia State Board of Accountancy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,100 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Georgia
With a median salary of 80,100, Certified Public Accountants in Georgia earn 2% below the national median of $81,680. Georgia ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.9%Average Weekly Wage
$1,339Median annual salary
$80,100Hourly estimate
$38.512% below national median
Difference: -$1,580
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Certified Public Accountant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | 101,780 |
| #2 | New Jersey | 101,340 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | 96,580 |
| #4 | California | 96,360 |
| #5 | Washington | 96,180 |
Nearby States Comparison
Certified Public Accountant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | $80,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $75,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $80,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $73,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Florida | $78,470 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $71,070 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Florida | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Georgia State Board of Accountancy
237 Coliseum Drive, Macon, GA, 31217-3858
Phone: 4782072440
Related Careers in Georgia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $100,870 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $81,030 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $98,490 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $49,100 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Georgia?
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 Georgia?
Georgia 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 Georgia?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Georgia.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Georgia?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Georgia is 80,100. Salaries range from $48,140 (10th percentile) to $140,640 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in Georgia earn 2% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 80,100.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in Georgia?
Georgia employs approximately 45,000 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Georgia from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Georgia?
The licensing agency is Georgia State Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at https://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing.