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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in New York, 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 New York

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

    NYS Education Department • State Board for Public Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $101,780 median (25% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 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 New York

With a median salary of 101,780, Certified Public Accountants in New York earn 25% above the national median of $81,680. New York ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$101,780

Hourly estimate

$48.93
25% above national median

Difference: +$20,100

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,430
  • P2525th percentile$78,730
  • P50Median$101,780
  • P7575th percentile$134,990
  • P9090th percentile$178,500

State vs National Median

State: $101,780
National: $81,680

Total employment: 111,860 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#1 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
New York$101,780Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Vermont$76,990Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Massachusetts$96,580Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Connecticut$89,630No educational requirementsState exam required6-24 months
New Jersey$101,340Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Pennsylvania$77,330Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 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
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

NYS Education Department • State Board for Public Accountancy

89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY, 12234

Phone: 5184743817ext160

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$98,580Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$102,440Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$167,970No educational requirements6-24 months
Funeral Director$62,590Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 New York?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in New York is 101,780. Salaries range from $62,430 (10th percentile) to $178,500 (90th percentile).

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

Certified Public Accountants in New York earn 25% above the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 101,780.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in New York?

New York employs approximately 111,860 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to New York 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 New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Education Department / State Board for Public Accountancy. Review agency details at http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/.