Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Business
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Accountancy Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$77,330 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#30 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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 Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Accountancy Board and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of $77,330, Certified Public Accountants in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $81,680. Pennsylvania ranks #30 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$77,330Hourly estimate
$37.185% below national median
Difference: -$4,350
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationCertified Public Accountant Salary Ranking
#30 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $77,330 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New York | $101,780 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $101,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Delaware | $84,560 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $84,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $74,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $77,640 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Accountancy Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831404
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $57,450 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $92,460 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Claims Adjuster | $77,750 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Pennsylvania is $77,330. Salaries range from $48,850 (10th percentile) to $128,300 (90th percentile).
How does the Certified Public Accountant salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Certified Public Accountants in Pennsylvania earn 5% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of $77,330.
How many Certified Public Accountants work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 54,440 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Accountancy Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Accountancy/Pages/default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Certified Public Accountant license in Pennsylvania?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.