Delaware is a great state for CPA candidates to become licensed. The Delaware CPA exam requirements are similar to most states allowing candidates to become licensed after they’ve completed 150 college credit hours and passed the CPA exam.
Obtaining your CPA license in Delaware might help you stand out to potential employers that respect individuals who can achieve the CPA licensure compared to other accountants.
The process of becoming a CPA, with a legal permit to practice in the State of Delaware will require applicants to complete some major steps.
You’ll need to complete the Delaware educational requirement and pass the four-part CPA exam. Before you’re granted a license, you’ll need to satisfy the Delaware policy of accountancy work experience qualifications. Then, you’ll need to fulfill the Delaware requirements for CPA licensure to secure it.
Let’s navigate the Delaware CPA requirements and navigate the process to take the CPA exam and become a licensed CPA in Delaware.
Delaware CPA Requirements
Contents
Before you will be eligible to take the CPA exam in Delaware, you must first fulfill personal and educational requirements, including:
Personal Qualifications
The Delaware Board of Accountancy doesn’t require you to be a Delaware resident or a citizen of the United States to obtain a CPA license. The state will require a Social Security number, but if you’ve never been issued one, you can request an exemption by filling out a form. In addition, there are no age restrictions or requirements for becoming a CPA in Delaware.
Educational Requirements
Delaware’s Board of Accountancy requires all CPA candidates to complete a bachelor’s degree program with at least 120 credit hours to be eligible to take the CPA exam. You’ll also need to finish an additional 30 hours for a total of 150 hours college courses to be eligible for licensure.
At least 24 credit hours must be in accounting, covering the following subject areas:
- Financial Accountancy
- Auditing
- Taxation
Endeavor to take as many upper-level courses as your institution offers in the above areas. Courses can be taken from any preferred online or community college/university, provided that they are fully accredited.
Once you’ve fulfilled the board’s educational requirements, you’ll need to have all transcripts mailed to the Delaware Board of Accountancy to begin your application. You might also want to check with the state board for a CPA exam guide that can explain the CPA exam application process.
You may review your coursework with your academic adviser to ensure that your work satisfies all the basics of a CPA application in Delaware.
Delaware CPA Exam Fees
The cost of taking the CPA exam in Delaware is $743 for first-time candidates. An initial application fee of $145 is also required.
Furthermore, the registration fee for re-examination varies depending on how many sections a candidate is retaking or wishes to register.
| Application Fee | $145 |
| Examination Fees | |
| Auditing and Attestation (AUD) | $195.35 |
| Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) | $195.35 |
| Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) | $176.25 |
| Regulation (REG) | $176.25 |
You’ll have six months to schedule and sit for an exam section after payment has been made and the application approved. Delaware’s “Notice to Schedule (NTS)” is only valid for 6 months after it is issued.
Delaware CPA License Requirements
Education: 150 hours (including B.A.)
Eligibility criteria for the full state permit is a total of 150 semester hours, including 120 undergraduate semester hours resulting in a baccalaureate and an additional 30 semester hours of graduate coursework.
Work Experience Requirements
After passing the CPA exam and Ethics test, you’ll need to fulfill the CPA work experience to be eligible for your CPA license. You must complete a 1-year work experience program (2,000 hours) in public or non-public accounting. The Delaware Board of Accountancy guideline stipulates that experience can be gained in any of the following areas:
- Financial advisory
- Management advisory
- Consultation
- Taxation
- Attest
- Accounting
Your work must be supervised by an active CPA in Delaware or another state. Experience must be accumulated within ten years before the license application.
Pass All Four Sections of the CPA Exam
You must pass all 4 CPA exam sections with minimum score of 75 within 18 months. You will not be able to use credits earned outside this window.
Pass the CPA Ethics Exam
After passing the uniform CPA exam, you’ll take an additional exam, the Ethics exam. This is also provided by the AICPA and costs $119 for AICPA members or $149 for non-members.
You’ll start by taking an 11-hour self-study course in ethics which is usually administered via a CD-ROM and includes a 40-item practice test. Once you’re ready, you can attempt the open-book exam, which isn’t particularly difficult. However, you must achieve a 90% score to be successful on the test, so be prepared.
Fees
Pay the CPA license application fee.
Paperwork
You must also submit all the documentation as required by the State Board, including transcripts from your accredited university, license application, work experience proof, etc.
Delaware CPA Careers
An accountancy career can take you around the world. There’s a huge demand for CPAs, which allows you to enjoy greater job security.
Every corporation, company, and government agency needs an accounting professional to help them run at maximum efficiency. Particularly, they seek out Certified Public Accountants, who are considered the top dogs in their field.
CPAs enjoy the prestige and respect accorded to members of an elite professional group. Your prospects (job and salary) will increase when you include a CPA credential in your accountancy practice.
Delaware CPA License vs Certification
Delaware is a Two-Tier State for CPA licensure. You can either apply for a permit or a certificate. As a permitted professional, you can practice accounting in the state and sign binding documents.
However, certificate holders aren’t allowed to practice accounting, but you can use the CPA designation on business cards and other documents provided that the phrase “not in public practice” appears alongside your CPA title.
Requirements for the permit and certificate are nearly identical, but the certificate doesn’t require CE credits or work experience. Also, permit applicants are granted a CPA certificate before the completion of the permit process.
Additional Delaware CPA Exam Information
For additional information and resources, including applications and test schedules, visit the Delaware Board of Accountancy website.
DELAWARE STATE BOARD OF ACCOUNTANCY
Cannon Building, Suite 203861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-739-4522
Fax: 302-739-2711