Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina
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
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (CPA)
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$80,490 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 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 North Carolina
With a median salary of 80,490, Certified Public Accountants in North Carolina earn 1% below the national median of $81,680. North Carolina ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$80,490Hourly estimate
$38.701% below national median
Difference: -$1,190
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $80,490 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $84,190 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $75,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $80,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| South Carolina | $73,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 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. |
| Georgia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (CPA)
1101 Oberlin Road, Ste 104, Raleigh, NC, 27605-1169
Phone: 9197334222
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $93,590 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $102,140 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $58,860 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in North Carolina is 80,490. Salaries range from $50,940 (10th percentile) to $137,260 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in North Carolina earn 1% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 80,490.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 46,420 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (CPA). Review agency details at https://nccpaboard.gov/.