COCPA GUIDE

Becoming a CPA in Colorado

Congratulations

You're on the path to joining the ranks of respected professionals and becoming a cornerstone of our economy: a certified public accountant. Here’s all the information you need to reach that goal.

Guiding You Through the CPA Licensure Process

Considering Licensure

Considering Licensure

A CPA license enhances earning potential and career prestige. To qualify for the CPA exam in Colorado, you must complete required accounting and business administration coursework. Here are key entities to know as you begin the licensure process:

  • State Board of Accountancy: Housed within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the State Board sets the official rules for CPA licensure in Colorado and grants licenses to qualified candidates.
  • DORA (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies): DORA oversees professional licensing for the state, including CPAs. While the State Board makes licensing decisions, DORA manages the overall infrastructure and communication.
  • NASBA: NASBA coordinates with the State Board to manage the CPA exam process. You'll submit your application through NASBA, provide transcripts, pay exam fees, and receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from them.
  • Prometric: Prometric is the testing center provider for the CPA exam. Once you have your NTS from NASBA, you’ll use Prometric to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam appointments.
  • AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants): The AICPA develops and scores the Uniform CPA Exam. While you won’t interact directly with them during the process, they are responsible for the content, structure, and ongoing updates to the exam itself.

COCPA can provide help and guidance, working with these organizations to support you throughout the licensure journey.

Additionally, at the COCPA we track national licensure changes and provides update on our blog, keeping you informed of any developments that may affect Colorado’s requirements

Did you know? CPAs make 5%-15% higher salaries than their non-CPA counterparts—which can add up to more than $3,000,000 over a 40-year career.

Considering Licensure

A CPA license enhances earning potential and career prestige. To qualify for the CPA exam in Colorado, you must complete required accounting and business administration coursework. Here are key entities to know as you begin the licensure process:

  • State Board of Accountancy: Housed within the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), the State Board sets the official rules for CPA licensure in Colorado and grants licenses to qualified candidates.
  • DORA (Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies): DORA oversees professional licensing for the state, including CPAs. While the State Board makes licensing decisions, DORA manages the overall infrastructure and communication.
  • NASBA: NASBA coordinates with the State Board to manage the CPA exam process. You'll submit your application through NASBA, provide transcripts, pay exam fees, and receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS) from them.
  • Prometric: Prometric is the testing center provider for the CPA exam. Once you have your NTS from NASBA, you’ll use Prometric to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam appointments.
  • AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants): The AICPA develops and scores the Uniform CPA Exam. While you won’t interact directly with them during the process, they are responsible for the content, structure, and ongoing updates to the exam itself.

COCPA can provide help and guidance, working with these organizations to support you throughout the licensure journey.

Additionally, at the COCPA we track national licensure changes and provides update on our blog, keeping you informed of any developments that may affect Colorado’s requirements

Did you know? CPAs make 5%-15% higher salaries than their non-CPA counterparts—which can add up to more than $3,000,000 over a 40-year career.

Meeting Academic Requirements

Meeting Academic Requirements

To qualify for the CPA exam in Colorado and obtain a CPA license, you must meet specific academic requirements. Below are the key academic criteria:

Academic Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with 120 hours of coursework.
  • Coursework:
    • 27 semester hours in accounting
      • No more than 6 hours in introductory coursework
      • 3 of these hours must be in U.S. GAAS
    • 21 semester hours in business-related courses (e.g., economics, finance)

Academic Requirements for Licensure

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with 120 hours of coursework.
  • Coursework:
    • 33 semester hours in accounting
      • No more than 6 hours in introductory coursework
      • 3 of these hours must be in U.S. GAAS
    • 27 semester hours in business-related courses (e.g., economics, finance)
      • No more than 9 hours in one area of business.

Transcript Review

A transcript review can help to ensure your coursework meets Colorado’s exam and licensure requirements. If you attended institutions outside of Colorado or the U.S., it can be especially important to have your transcripts evaluated. COCPA can provide guidance to help navigate the process.

Recent changes in Colorado licensure requirements : As a result of COCPA’s advocacy efforts, Colorado’s CPA licensure requirements have been simplified to better align with other state education requirements and remove barriers to licensure. For full details on these changes, read the full blog post here.

Meeting Academic Requirements

To qualify for the CPA exam in Colorado and obtain a CPA license, you must meet specific academic requirements. Below are the key academic criteria:

Academic Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with 120 hours of coursework.
  • Coursework:
    • 27 semester hours in accounting
      • No more than 6 hours in introductory coursework
      • 3 of these hours must be in U.S. GAAS
    • 21 semester hours in business-related courses (e.g., economics, finance)

Academic Requirements for Licensure

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution with 120 hours of coursework.
  • Coursework:
    • 33 semester hours in accounting
      • No more than 6 hours in introductory coursework
      • 3 of these hours must be in U.S. GAAS
    • 27 semester hours in business-related courses (e.g., economics, finance)
      • No more than 9 hours in one area of business.

Transcript Review

A transcript review can help to ensure your coursework meets Colorado’s exam and licensure requirements. If you attended institutions outside of Colorado or the U.S., it can be especially important to have your transcripts evaluated. COCPA can provide guidance to help navigate the process.

Recent changes in Colorado licensure requirements : As a result of COCPA’s advocacy efforts, Colorado’s CPA licensure requirements have been simplified to better align with other state education requirements and remove barriers to licensure. For full details on these changes, read the full blog post here.

Applying to Take the Exam

Applying to Take the Exam

Once you've completed the required education hours, you’re eligible to apply to sit for the CPA Exam. This application is done through NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy).

What to Know Before Applying:

  • Official transcripts must be sent directly to NASBA from your college or university.
  • You must first submit an Education Evaluation Application through NASBA’s CPA Central portal to confirm your eligibility.
  • Once approved, you can apply for one section of the exam at a time.

Fees (subject to change):

  • Education Evaluation Application: $90
  • Exam Section Fee: $262.64
  • Exam Registration Fee: $93
  • Plus the cost of official transcripts from your school

Important Notes:

  • Apply only when you’re ready to take the exam! Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is time-limited.
  • You must pass all four sections within a rolling 30-month period, or you’ll lose credit for any sections outside that window.
  • Refunds are not typically issued. In rare hardship situations, you may request an extension or partial refund using NASBA’s Exception to Policy Form.

Resource: NASBA provides guidance during your application, including a checklist and FAQs within their online portal.

Applying to Take the Exam

Once you've completed the required education hours, you’re eligible to apply to sit for the CPA Exam. This application is done through NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy).

What to Know Before Applying:

  • Official transcripts must be sent directly to NASBA from your college or university.
  • You must first submit an Education Evaluation Application through NASBA’s CPA Central portal to confirm your eligibility.
  • Once approved, you can apply for one section of the exam at a time.

Fees (subject to change):

  • Education Evaluation Application: $90
  • Exam Section Fee: $262.64
  • Exam Registration Fee: $93
  • Plus the cost of official transcripts from your school

Important Notes:

  • Apply only when you’re ready to take the exam! Your Notice to Schedule (NTS) is time-limited.
  • You must pass all four sections within a rolling 30-month period, or you’ll lose credit for any sections outside that window.
  • Refunds are not typically issued. In rare hardship situations, you may request an extension or partial refund using NASBA’s Exception to Policy Form.

Resource: NASBA provides guidance during your application, including a checklist and FAQs within their online portal.

Taking the Exam

Taking the Exam

Once NASBA approves your eligibility, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) for the exam section you selected. Each NTS is valid for one specific exam and is good for six months, meaning you must take the scheduled section within that time or forfeit the fees.

Scheduling Your Exam

  • Exams are administered by Prometric at approved testing centers.
  • You’ll schedule your exam through the Prometric website after receiving your NTS.
  • CPA Exam results are released on a rolling basis according to the AICPA's published score release schedule.

CPA Exam Structure

  • You must pass four sections within 30 months of receiving your first passing score.
  • Everyone must take the following three core exams:
    • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
    • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
    • Taxation and Regulation (REG)
  • For the fourth exam, you choose one of three discipline options:
    • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
    • Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
    • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Key Facts

  • Each section is 4 hours long.
  • A minimum score of 75 is required to pass each exam.
  • The pass rate hovers around 50% per section.
  • Preparing for each exam typically requires 80–200 hours of study.

Planning Your Timeline

Apply for your NTS well in advance and plan to begin studying 2–3 months before each exam.

Retaking Exams

If you don’t pass a section, you’ll need to reapply through NASBA and pay the associated fees again. A new NTS will be issued for that section.

Helpful tools: Becker CPA Review offers a free overview of the exam process and a discipline section assessment to help you decide which of the three optional exams best fits your strengths and career path.

Taking the Exam

Once NASBA approves your eligibility, you’ll receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) for the exam section you selected. Each NTS is valid for one specific exam and is good for six months, meaning you must take the scheduled section within that time or forfeit the fees.

Scheduling Your Exam

  • Exams are administered by Prometric at approved testing centers.
  • You’ll schedule your exam through the Prometric website after receiving your NTS.
  • CPA Exam results are released on a rolling basis according to the AICPA's published score release schedule.

CPA Exam Structure

  • You must pass four sections within 30 months of receiving your first passing score.
  • Everyone must take the following three core exams:
    • Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
    • Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
    • Taxation and Regulation (REG)
  • For the fourth exam, you choose one of three discipline options:
    • Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
    • Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
    • Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

Key Facts

  • Each section is 4 hours long.
  • A minimum score of 75 is required to pass each exam.
  • The pass rate hovers around 50% per section.
  • Preparing for each exam typically requires 80–200 hours of study.

Planning Your Timeline

Apply for your NTS well in advance and plan to begin studying 2–3 months before each exam.

Retaking Exams

If you don’t pass a section, you’ll need to reapply through NASBA and pay the associated fees again. A new NTS will be issued for that section.

Helpful tools: Becker CPA Review offers a free overview of the exam process and a discipline section assessment to help you decide which of the three optional exams best fits your strengths and career path.

Applying for Licensure

Applying for Licensure

Passing the CPA exams is a major milestone—but it’s not the only requirement for licensure. To become a licensed CPA in Colorado, you’ll also need to meet specific education, experience, and ethics standards. Once those are completed, the final step is submitting your licensure application.

Licensure Requirements:

  • 150 total credit hours, including specific coursework in accounting and business
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 1,800 verified work hours (internship hours may count; a licensed CPA must complete and sign the Certificate of Experience, you must be signed into your NASBA account to access this certificate)
  • Passing all four CPA exams within 30 months
  • Complete and pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
    • The exam is open-book, based on the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and requires a score of 90% or higher to pass.
    • Candidates must complete the course and exam within two years prior to submitting their licensure application.

More about the AICPA Ethics Exam: Read more about format, passing scores and attempts, core topics, and tips for success here.

How to Apply:

All licensure materials, including your official transcripts and the Certificate of Experience, must be submitted online through NASBA.

Applying for Licensure

Passing the CPA exams is a major milestone—but it’s not the only requirement for licensure. To become a licensed CPA in Colorado, you’ll also need to meet specific education, experience, and ethics standards. Once those are completed, the final step is submitting your licensure application.

Licensure Requirements:

  • 150 total credit hours, including specific coursework in accounting and business
  • Bachelor’s degree
  • 1,800 verified work hours (internship hours may count; a licensed CPA must complete and sign the Certificate of Experience, you must be signed into your NASBA account to access this certificate)
  • Passing all four CPA exams within 30 months
  • Complete and pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam
    • The exam is open-book, based on the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and requires a score of 90% or higher to pass.
    • Candidates must complete the course and exam within two years prior to submitting their licensure application.

More about the AICPA Ethics Exam: Read more about format, passing scores and attempts, core topics, and tips for success here.

How to Apply:

All licensure materials, including your official transcripts and the Certificate of Experience, must be submitted online through NASBA.

After Your License is Obtained

After Your License is Obtained

Earning your CPA license is just the beginning, there are ongoing requirements to maintain it.

Colorado Rules & Regulations (CR&R):

You must complete the CR&R course within 6 months of receiving your license.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE):

CPAs must meet annual CPE requirements to keep their license active. Even if you’re licensed late in the reporting year (e.g., August), you are still responsible for completing the required credits for the remaining quarter and renewing your license as scheduled.

Meet your requirements: COCPA offers thousands of hours of CPE through on-demand, virtual, and in-person courses to help you stay compliant. Explore the full catalog here. Members enjoy discounts on select courses, complimentary CPE opportunities, and easy tracking of earned credits through their member profile.

After Your License is Obtained

Earning your CPA license is just the beginning, there are ongoing requirements to maintain it.

Colorado Rules & Regulations (CR&R):

You must complete the CR&R course within 6 months of receiving your license.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE):

CPAs must meet annual CPE requirements to keep their license active. Even if you’re licensed late in the reporting year (e.g., August), you are still responsible for completing the required credits for the remaining quarter and renewing your license as scheduled.

Meet your requirements: COCPA offers thousands of hours of CPE through on-demand, virtual, and in-person courses to help you stay compliant. Explore the full catalog here. Members enjoy discounts on select courses, complimentary CPE opportunities, and easy tracking of earned credits through their member profile.

Prepare For Your CPA Exam

COCPA Members Receive a Discount on Exam Review Products

The COCPA has a Preferred Provider agreement with Becker Professional Education, providing access to the CPA Exam Review product available at preferred pricing for COCPA members.

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COCPA members have access to a 30% discount on GLEIM materials. Additionally, if GLEIM ever runs a discount that is more than 30%, access will be automatically updated so that COCPA members receive the best deal available.

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The COCPA has a Preferred Provider agreement with Surgent CPA Review, allowing members to save 35% on any of Surgent’s four-part CPA Review courses.

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Universal CPA Review is offering COCPA members a steep discount (40%) on what is already a cost-effective and efficient way to study for the CPA exams. Only $390 with COCPA member discount!

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Legislative & Regulatory Involvement
Are you an accounting student or emerging professional?

You’re the future of the profession and we’re here to support your success every step of the way.

COCPA Membership provides access to:

  • Scholarships and exam prep tools
  • Networking events and programs
  • Special interest group, EPIC (Emerging Professionals Initiative Committee)
  • Career resources and exclusive discounts
  • Up-to-date guidance and tools for aspiring CPAs
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Questions?

To learn more about CPA licensure in Colorado, contact COCPA Member Service Team: info@cocpa.org | 303-773-2877.