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Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License/Certificate- Original License in North Carolina

Quick Answer

To become a CPA in North Carolina, you must earn a degree, pass the Uniform CPA Exam, complete a background check, and meet experience requirements. CE is required for renewal. The NC Board of CPA Examiners 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 (CPA) License/Certificate- Original certification in North Carolina

gold
Education
Degree required
Exam
Third-party exam required
Background Check
Background check required
Continuing Education
Continuing education required 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

NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners (CPA)

Website 9197334222 Email

Cost Breakdown

Estimated costs for getting your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License/Certificate- Original license in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina licensing board.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License/Certificate- Original Salary in North Carolina

Entry Level

$50,940

Median

$80,490

Experienced

$137,260

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 (CPA) License/Certificate- Original in North Carolina.

  1. 1

    Complete Education Requirements

    Degree required

  2. 2

    Submit Background Check

    Background check required

  3. 3

    Pass the Required Exam

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

  4. 4

    Submit Your Application

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

  5. 5

    Receive Your License

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

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License/Certificate- Original Licensing in North Carolina: What to Know

North Carolina requires a degree, CE for renewal, the Uniform CPA Exam, and a background check. An individual who uses the CPA title or any equivalent designation must be licensed. The NC Board of Certified Public Accountant Examiners oversees licensing. North Carolina's Research Triangle, Charlotte banking sector, and growing tech industry create strong CPA demand, particularly in financial services, biotech, and technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) License/Certificate- Original license cost in North Carolina?
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 (CPA) License/Certificate- Original license in North Carolina?
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 (CPA) License/Certificate- Original license in North Carolina?
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.

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