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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for certified public accountant in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Texas

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $80,000 median (2% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #18 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 Texas

With a median salary of 80,000, Certified Public Accountants in Texas earn 2% below the national median of $81,680. Texas ranks #18 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$80,000

Hourly estimate

$38.46
2% below national median

Difference: -$1,680

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$51,810
  • P2525th percentile$63,540
  • P50Median$80,000
  • P7575th percentile$102,120
  • P9090th percentile$132,550

State vs National Median

State: $80,000
National: $81,680

Total employment: 109,530 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#18 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
Texas$80,000Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Oklahoma$76,820Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Arkansas$64,180Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Louisiana$69,540Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$77,420Degree 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico50LowState-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

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy

505 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 380, Austin, TX, 78752-3757

Phone: 5123057800

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,770Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$95,050Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$82,180No educational requirements6-24 months
Funeral Director$36,760Degree required6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Certified Public Accountants.

What education do you need to become a Certified Public Accountant in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Certified Public Accountant licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Texas is 80,000. Salaries range from $51,810 (10th percentile) to $132,550 (90th percentile).

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

Certified Public Accountants in Texas earn 2% below the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 80,000.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 109,530 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Review agency details at https://www.tsbpa.texas.gov/.