Certified Public Accountant License in Kentucky
Quick Answer
To become a CPA in Kentucky, you must earn a baccalaureate degree recognized by the Board, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, and complete supervised experience. The Kentucky Board of Accountancy oversees licensing. Estimated total costs are approximately $2,175.
- Exam
- Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- Total Cost
- $2,175 (est.)
- Timeline
- 5-7 years (including degree)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every 1 year
Requirements
Certified Public Accountant certification in Kentucky
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $100
- Exam Fee
- $1,000
- Renewal Fee
- $75
- Total Estimated Cost
- $2,175
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Certified Public Accountant license in Kentucky. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the Kentucky licensing board.
Certified Public Accountant Salary in Kentucky
Entry Level
$47,880
Median
$72,220
Experienced
$114,800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Kentucky.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
No criminal record prohibitions
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
Third-party exam required — Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA)
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$100.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 5-7 years (including degree).
Certified Public Accountant Licensing in Kentucky: What to Know
Kentucky requires a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution (recognized by the Board), passing the Uniform CPA Exam, and supervised experience. CPAs examine business records, prepare financial reports, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and perform cost studies. They may issue audited, reviewed, or compiled financial statements. The Commonwealth of Kentucky Board of Accountancy oversees licensing. Kentucky's horse racing, bourbon, and healthcare industries create specialized CPA niches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Certified Public Accountant license cost in Kentucky?
- 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 Certified Public Accountant license in Kentucky?
- The process typically takes 5-7 years (including degree), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Certified Public Accountant license in Kentucky?
- You need to pass the Uniform CPA Exam (AICPA/NASBA). Third-party exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Certified Public Accountant requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.