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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
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 North Carolina eligibility requirements for Certified Public Accountant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (CPA) and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median 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 | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $84,190 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $75,500 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $80,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $73,180 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
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 | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,870 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $93,590 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $74,830 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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/.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.