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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania
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: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 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 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 6-24 months.
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 | 6-24 months |
| New York | $101,780 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $101,340 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $84,560 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $84,890 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $74,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $77,640 | Specific course 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
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 | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $92,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $103,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Funeral Director | $55,940 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Certified Public Accountant in Pennsylvania?
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 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. 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 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.