LicenseCompass

ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) License in District of Columbia

Quick Answer

To become a CPA in the District of Columbia, you must earn a degree and pass the Uniform CPA Exam. Unusually, DC does not require continuing education for renewal. Contact the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs for details. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.

Exam
Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
Total Cost
$2,175 (est.)
Timeline
5-7 years (including degree)
Renewal
Every 2 years

Requirements

ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) certification in District of Columbia

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Continuing Education
No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Veterans Benefits
N/A - Not displayed

Estimated Costs Est.

Application Fee
$100
Exam Fee
$1,000
Renewal Fee
$75
Total Estimated Cost
$2,175

Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs~Occupational & Professional Licensing Administration

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) license in District of Columbia. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.

Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program

$
Application FeeEst.$100
Exam FeeEst.$1,000
Total Estimated Cost$1,100

Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the District of Columbia licensing board.

ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) Salary in District of Columbia

Entry Level

$65,540

Median

$103,030

Experienced

$180,890

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.

How to Get Licensed

Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) in District of Columbia.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Pass the Required Exam

    Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)

  3. 3

    Submit Your Application

    File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.

  4. 4

    Receive Your License

    Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).

ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) Licensing in District of Columbia: What to Know

The District of Columbia requires a degree and the third-party Uniform CPA Exam. Unusually, DC does NOT require continuing education for renewal. The Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs handles licensing. DC's concentration of government agencies, lobbying firms, and international organizations creates unique opportunities for CPAs specializing in government accounting, nonprofit accounting, and international tax.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) license cost in District of Columbia?
The estimated total cost is $2,175, including application fees, exam fees ($1,000), and education costs.
How long does it take to get a ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) license in District of Columbia?
The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
What exam do I need for a ACCOUNTANT(CERTIFIED PUBLIC) license in District of Columbia?
You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required

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Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.