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Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Washington

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

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Certified Public Accountant in Washington

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: No experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Accountancy

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $96,180 median (18% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 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 Washington

With a median salary of 96,180, Certified Public Accountants in Washington earn 18% above the national median of $81,680. Washington ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$96,180

Hourly estimate

$46.24
18% above national median

Difference: +$14,500

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$64,440
  • P2525th percentile$78,040
  • P50Median$96,180
  • P7575th percentile$121,410
  • P9090th percentile$143,210

State vs National Median

State: $96,180
National: $81,680

Total employment: 37,400 | Annual openings: N/A

Certified Public Accountant Salary Ranking

#5 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
Washington$96,180Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Idaho$64,840Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Oregon$81,130Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Board of Accountancy

711 Capitol Way S, Olympia, WA, 98507-9131

Phone: 3605860784

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$97,800Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$105,090No educational requirements6-24 months
Financial Advisor$112,020Varies by state board6-24 months
Funeral Director$60,010No educational requirements6-24 months

FAQ

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

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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington?

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

What is the typical Certified Public Accountant salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Certified Public Accountants in Washington is 96,180. Salaries range from $64,440 (10th percentile) to $143,210 (90th percentile).

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

Certified Public Accountants in Washington earn 18% above the national median of $81,680, with a state median of 96,180.

How many Certified Public Accountants work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 37,400 Certified Public Accountants according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Certified Public Accountant license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Washington?

The licensing agency is Board of Accountancy. Review agency details at http://www.acb.wa.gov/.