In Texas, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a rewarding and fulfilling career path for those interested in finance, accounting, or aspiring Limited Liability Company owners. CPAs are in high demand and enjoy lucrative salaries, job security, and growth opportunities. In Texas, as in any other state, aspiring CPAs must fulfill certain educational, experience, and examination requirements to become licensed. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to Becoming a CPA in Texas and provide valuable tips and resources to help you succeed.
Webinarcare Editorial Team will help you gain knowledge through thorough research and market study. Before you become a CPA, all the steps in this article must guide you.
On this page, you’ll learn about the following:
What is a CPA?
A CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is a professional accountant who meets the educational, examination, and experience requirements to become licensed in Texas. CPAs are accounting, finance, and taxation experts, providing valuable services to individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
In Texas, CPAs are licensed and regulated by the Texas Board of Accountancy, ensuring that they adhere to strict professional and ethical standards. CPAs in Texas offer a range of services, including but not limited to:
- Tax planning and preparation for individuals, LLCs, and corporations
- Financial statement preparation and analysis
- Auditing and assurance services
- Texas Business Consulting
- Internal control and risk management
- Forensic accounting and fraud investigation
As a CPA, one can work in various sectors, including public accounting firms, Texas Corporations, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or as a self-employed professional. Regardless of the specific role, a CPA has the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to help clients navigate the complexities of financial management and make informed decisions.
To maintain their CPA license in Texas, CPAs must also adhere to continuing professional education (CPE) requirements, ensuring that they stay up-to-date with current accounting standards, tax regulations, and industry best practices. This ensures Texas CPAs provide their clients with the highest service and expertise.
To start an accounting firm, you must start an LLC in Texas. We reviewed some of the Best LLC Services for you to check out. This includes the top features and affordable prices.
LLC Service | Rating & Pricing | Top Features | Learn More |
#1 Recommendation  | $0 + State fee |
| |
 | $299 + State fee |
|
Becoming a CPA in Texas is not just about crunching numbers; it’s about providing valuable financial guidance to varied businesses. It’s about how to start an LLC and drive it towards success in this competitive landscape.
– WEBINARCARE EDITORIAL TEAM
How to Become a CPA in Texas
Suppose you’re considering becoming a CPA in Texas. In that case, it’s important to understand the steps and requirements involved in obtaining your license and starting your professional journey. This step-by-step guide will walk you through becoming a CPA.
Step 1: Fulfill The Educational Requirements
The first step to becoming a CPA in Texas is to complete the necessary education requirements. The Texas Board of Accountancy requires CPA candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university. Additionally, candidates must complete 150 semester hours of college education, including specific coursework in accounting and business.
Accounting Coursework
In Texas, CPA candidates must complete at least 24 semester hours in accounting courses, including:
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Accounting Information Systems
- Governmental or Not-For-Profit Accounting
It is important to note that introductory accounting courses may not be counted towards the 24-hour requirement.
Business Coursework
In addition to accounting courses, CPA candidates in Texas must also complete at least 24 semester hours in business-related courses, such as:
- Business Law
- Economics
- Finance
- Management
- Marketing
- Statistics
Some states also require specific coursework, such as Texas-specific ethics courses, so check with the Texas Board of Accountancy for any unique requirements.
Here is the coursework breakdown for becoming a CPA in Texas.
| Accounting Coursework | Business Coursework |
| Financial Accounting | Business Law |
| Managerial Accounting | Economics |
| Auditing | Finance |
| Taxation | Management |
| Accounting Information Systems | Marketing |
| Not-For-Profit Accounting | Statistics |
Step 2: Pass The Uniform CPA Examination
After completing the educational requirements, the next step to becoming a CPA in Texas is to pass the Uniform CPA Examination on the NASBA website.
The CPA Exam is a comprehensive, four-part test designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge and skills in accounting and business. The four sections of the CPA Exam are:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
- Regulation (REG)
Each section of the CPA Exam is scored on a scale of 0 to 99, with a passing score of 75 or higher required for each section. The CPA Exam is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and is offered at Prometric testing centers throughout the United States and, more specifically, in Texas.
CPA Exam Application Process
To apply for the CPA Exam in Texas, candidates must first create an account with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once an account is created, candidates can submit their applications and send their official college transcripts to NASBA for evaluation. NASBA will then determine the candidate’s eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam based on their education and will provide an Authorization to Test (ATT) once approved. The required fee for the Texas CPA exam application costs $774 (4 exam sections) + $50 application fee.
CPA Exam Scheduling
Once candidates receive their ATT, they can schedule their CPA Exam sections at a Prometric testing center. The CPA Exam is offered during four testing windows throughout the year:
- January 1 – March 10
- April 1 – June 10
- July 1 – September 10
- October 1 – December 10
It is important to note that candidates must pass all four sections of the CPA Exam within an 18-month window, which begins upon passing the first section. If a candidate does not pass all four sections within this time frame, they will lose credit for the oldest passed section and must retake it.
Step 3: Complete The Experience Requirement
In addition to education and examination requirements, CPA candidates in Texas must fulfill an experience requirement to become licensed. The Texas Board of Accountancy requires candidates to complete at least one year (or 2,000 hours) of supervised work experience in accounting, auditing, tax, or management advisory services.
A licensed CPA must supervise the work experience with an active license in Texas or another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent requirements. It is important to note that the experience requirement must be completed within a timeframe of, at most, 36 months.
It is recommended that CPA candidates keep detailed records of their work experience, including dates, hours, tasks, and supervisor information. This documentation will be required when applying for licensure with the Texas Board of Accountancy.
Step 4: Pass The Texas Ethics Exam
Candidates must also pass an ethics exam before becoming a licensed CPA in Texas. The Texas Board of Accountancy may require a specific ethics course and exam, or candidates may be required to take the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam. This self-study course and exam cover ethical reasoning, independence, integrity, objectivity, and professional conduct. Candidates must score 90% or higher on the ethics exam to pass.
Step 5: Apply For Licensure
Once all educational, examination, and experience requirements have been met, CPA candidates can apply for licensure with the Texas Board of Accountancy. Candidates must apply, pay $50 initial license fee, $65 annual renewal, and document their education, examination scores, work experience, and ethics exam completion.
After the Texas Board of Accountancy reviews and approves the application, candidates will be issued their CPA license and can begin practicing as a Certified Public Accountant in Texas.
Recommended: Begin your journey to become a CPA with the first bold step by using Legalzoom’s LLC formation services. When you start an LLC with Legalzoom, you’re not just making a business transaction, you’re carving out a future in the accounting and business industry. Even making your own accounting firm, it is best to hire an LLC services. That’s why we recommend –
– LegalZoom – ($0 + State Filling Fees)
How Much Does a CPA Make?
The salary of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, industry, company size, and job location. The average salary range for a CPA in Texas is between $60,000 and $120,000 annually.
Entry-level CPAs with less than one year of experience can expect to earn an average salary of around $50,000 to $60,000 per year. As CPAs gain experience, their earning potential typically increases. Those with five to nine years of experience can earn an average salary of $70,000 to $90,000 per year, while CPAs with more than ten years of experience can earn upwards of $100,000 or more annually.
In Texas, CPAs working in metropolitan areas or specialized industries, such as finance or technology, may command higher salaries than those in smaller cities or industries with lower demand for accounting services.
Additionally, obtaining specialized certifications, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or pursuing advanced degrees can further increase a CPA’s earning potential in accounting and finance.
FAQs
Also Read
- Become a CPA in Alabama
- Become a CPA in Alaska
- Become a CPA in Arizona
- Become a CPA in Arkansas
- Become a CPA in California
- Become a CPA in Colorado
- Become a CPA in Connecticut
- Become a CPA in DC
- Become a CPA in Delaware
- Become a CPA in Florida
- Become a CPA in Georgia
- Become a CPA in Hawaii
- Become a CPA in Idaho
- Become a CPA in Illinois
- Become a CPA in Indiana
- Become a CPA in Iowa
- Become a CPA in Kansas
- Become a CPA in Kentucky
- Become a CPA in Louisiana
- Become a CPA in Maine
- Become a CPA in Maryland
- Become a CPA in Massachusetts
- Become a CPA in Michigan
- Become a CPA in Minnesota
- Become a CPA in Mississippi
- Become a CPA in Missouri
- Become a CPA in Montana
- Become a CPA in Nebraska
- Become a CPA in Nevada
- Become a CPA in New Hampshire
- Become a CPA in New Jersey
- Become a CPA in New Mexico
- Become a CPA in New York
- Become a CPA in North Carolina
- Become a CPA in North Dakota
- Become a CPA in Ohio
- Become a CPA in Oklahoma
- Become a CPA in Oregon
- Become a CPA in Pennsylvania
- Become a CPA in Rhode Island
- Become a CPA in South Carolina
- Become a CPA in South Dakota
- Become a CPA in Tennessee
- Become a CPA in Texas
- Become a CPA in Utah
- Become a CPA in Vermont
- Become a CPA in Virginia
- Become a CPA in Washington
- Become a CPA in West Virginia
- Become a CPA in Wisconsin
- Become a CPA in Wyoming
How to Save Money While Starting a Becoming Cpa in Texas
One of the best ways to save money when becoming a CPA in Texas is to take advantage of educational opportunities that are both convenient and affordable. There are many schools and programs that offer online classes or courses at community colleges that can be much more cost-effective than attending a traditional four-year university. By enrolling in these programs, you can save money on tuition and other expenses associated with attending a physical campus.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the upfront costs associated with pursuing a career as a CPA. This may include exam fees, study materials, and other expenses that can add up quickly. Looking for discounts or scholarships that can help offset these costs is a great way to save money in the long run. You may also want to consider joining a study group or finding a mentor who can provide advice and support throughout the process.
Another way to save money while starting a career as a CPA in Texas is to consider alternative pathways to licensure. For example, you may want to explore taking the Wiley CPAexcel course as a more affordable option to prepare for the CPA exam. This can help you save money while still ensuring that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field.
When it comes to gaining experience in the field, consider looking for internships or part-time positions that can provide valuable hands-on experience without requiring a full-time commitment. This can help you save money on living expenses while still building your resume and gaining the skills necessary to succeed in the field.
Lastly, don’t forget to take advantage of networking opportunities to help you save money while starting a career as a CPA in Texas. Building relationships with professionals in the field can provide valuable insight and advice that can help you navigate the job market more effectively. This can also open up opportunities for mentorship or job shadowing, which can provide additional savings on educational expenses.
Overall, saving money while starting a career as a CPA in Texas requires careful planning and consideration of all available options. By taking advantage of educational opportunities, minimizing upfront costs, exploring alternative pathways to licensure, gaining valuable experience through internships or part-time positions, and leveraging networking opportunities, you can ensure that you are on the path to financial success while pursuing your dream career as a CPA.
Conclusion
Becoming a CPA in Texas requires dedication and hard work, but the rewards are worthwhile. With a strong foundation in education and experience, as well as successful completion of the CPA Exam and ethics exam, aspiring CPAs can enjoy a fulfilling and lucrative career in accounting and finance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a licensed CPA in Texas and making a significant impact in finance.