| CPA Exam Requirements Nevada – Overview | |
| Educational Hours Required for Exam | 150 Semester Hours |
| Educational Hours Required for Licensure | 150 Semester Hours |
| Residency Required | Not required |
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s |
| Minimum Age | Not required |
| Application Fee | $100.00 |
| Additional Requirements | Nevada Board of Accountancy Site |
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification is one of the most sought-after credentials in the accounting profession, indicating that an individual has met stringent educational, professional, and ethical standards. To earn this designation, candidates must pass the challenging CPA exam. In Nevada, CPA candidates need to fulfill specific requirements before sitting for the exam, and these requirements differ from licensing standards. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Nevada CPA exam requirements, including educational prerequisites, fees, scheduling details, and tips for exam preparation.
Nevada CPA Examination Education Requirements
Before taking the CPA exam in Nevada, candidates must meet particular educational criteria to ensure they have a strong foundation in accounting principles and business knowledge.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Nevada requires CPA candidates to have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. This degree serves as the foundation for the accounting and business knowledge necessary to pass the exam. - Complete 21 Semester Credits in Accounting Courses
Candidates must complete a minimum of 21 semester credits in accounting courses or accounting electives that go beyond the introductory level to sit for the CPA exam. These undergraduate or graduate level courses should cover key subjects such as:- Financial Accounting (Intermediate I, II, III or Advanced): 9 Credits
- Cost Accounting: 3 Credits
- Auditing: 3 Credits
- Federal Income Tax: 3 Credits
- Complete 3 Semester Credits in Business Law
In addition to accounting coursework, candidates are required to complete a business law course. This ensures a well-rounded understanding of the legal environment impacting accounting practices.
Nevada CPA Exam Fees
The cost of taking the Uniform CPA exam in Nevada includes several fees. Candidates must budget for the initial application, re-examination, and fees for each section of the exam.
- Initial Application Fee: $100
This fee is required for first-time applicants who are applying to sit for the Uniform CPA examination in Nevada. - Re-Examination Fee: $50
If candidates need to retake any exam sections, they must pay a re-examination fee of $50.
CPA Exam Section Fees:
Candidates can choose to take one or more sections at a time, with each section having the following fees:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): $224.99
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): $224.99
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): $224.99
- Regulation (REG): $224.99
Scheduling the CPA Exam in Nevada
Upon completing the application and meeting the educational requirements, candidates will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS). This document is essential for scheduling the CPA exam and remains valid for one testing event or six months, whichever occurs first.
- Receiving the Notice to Schedule (NTS)
Once your application is approved, the NTS will specify which exam section(s) you are eligible to take and the deadline for scheduling. Candidates cannot book an exam without this notice. - Scheduling the Exam Through Prometric
All scheduling is conducted through Prometric, which can be done online at www.prometric.com/CPA or by calling 1-800-580-9648. Testing appointments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, so early scheduling is advisable. - Rolling Testing Availability
The CPA exam in Nevada follows a rolling testing model, meaning candidates can schedule exams year-round without blackout dates. Appointments must be made at least 6 days before the desired exam date, and walk-in testing is not available.
Preparing for the CPA Exam
The CPA exam is known for its rigorous nature, with an average pass rate of approximately 50% for each section. Proper preparation is crucial for success.
- Invest in a CPA Review Course
Many successful CPA candidates rely on review courses like Becker, Surgent, or Wiley to prepare for the exam. These courses provide structured study plans, practice exams, and adaptive learning technologies to enhance exam readiness. - Create a Study Schedule
Organize your study time around work and other responsibilities. Dedicate consistent hours each week to reviewing course materials, practicing problems, and taking mock exams. - Focus on High-Yield Topics
Use your review course to identify areas where you need the most improvement and prioritize those topics. Practice questions related to these areas to solidify your understanding.
Nevada CPA Exam Score Release
After completing each section of the CPA exam, candidates can access their scores online. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) releases scores periodically throughout the year. Candidates can also request to have their exam results mailed to them.
Nevada CPA License Requirements
After passing all four sections of the CPA exam, candidates must fulfill additional Nevada CPA requirements to obtain a CPA license in Nevada. These requirements ensure that candidates not only have the academic knowledge but also the practical experience to excel in the public accounting profession.
- Complete 2,000 Hours of Supervised Experience
Candidates must gain at least 2,000 hours of supervised accounting experience under one or more licensed Nevada CPAs. This experience can be obtained in public accounting, government, industry, or academia and must involve accounting, auditing, tax, or other related services. - Pass the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Ethics Exam
Candidates are required to pass the AICPA Ethics Exam, which is a self-study course and exam that tests the candidate’s understanding of the ethical standards governing the CPA profession. - Meet Nevada’s Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Requirements
Once licensed, Nevada CPAs must complete ongoing CPE to maintain their CPA license in good standing. This ensures that they stay updated on the latest accounting standards, tax laws, and ethical guidelines.
Nevada Continuing Professional Education
To maintain a CPA license in Nevada, professionals must complete 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every two years. This must include at least 4 hours in ethics to ensure CPAs stay up-to-date with ethical standards. Additionally, a minimum of 20 CPE hours must be earned each year to maintain compliance. CPAs working in attest services are required to complete 16 hours of CPE in accounting and auditing topics within the two-year period. It’s essential to maintain documentation for all CPE credits, as the Nevada State Board of Accountancy may conduct audits to verify compliance.
Additional Tips for CPA Exam Success
Successfully passing all CPA exam sections while meeting Nevada’s requirements demands a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process effectively:
- Differentiate Between Exam and Licensing Requirements
It is important to understand that the CPA exam requirements differ from the licensing requirements in Nevada. While meeting the exam prerequisites allows you to take the test, licensing involves additional criteria such as work experience and the ethics exam. - Stay Informed About Regulation Changes
Nevada’s CPA exam and licensing requirements may change periodically. It is essential to stay up-to-date with the Nevada State Board of Accountancy for any updates to requirements or processes. - Utilize NASBA and AICPA Resources
Both NASBA and AICPA offer valuable resources, including exam blueprints, sample tests, and candidate bulletins. These resources help familiarize you with the exam content and format, making the preparation process more manageable. - Consider Exam Timing and Work Commitments
If you have a demanding job, strategically plan your exam dates during periods when your workload is lighter. Avoid scheduling multiple exam sections within a short timeframe if you have limited study availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the educational requirements for the CPA exam in Nevada?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or higher, with 21 semester credits in accounting courses covering specific topics like financial accounting, cost accounting, auditing, and federal income tax, plus 3 credits in business law.
How much does it cost to take the CPA exam in Nevada?
The initial application fee is $100, with a $50 fee for re-examinations. Each exam section costs $224.99, making the total fee $899.96 for all four sections.
What happens if I fail a CPA exam section?
If you fail, you can reapply to retake the section, but you must pay the $50 re-examination fee along with the exam section fee. It’s recommended to review weaker areas before re-taking the exam.
How do I schedule my CPA exam in Nevada?
Once you receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS), you can book your exam through Prometric. Early scheduling is recommended to secure your desired time and location.
Conclusion
Meeting the Nevada CPA exam requirements is an important step towards becoming a licensed CPA. By understanding the educational prerequisites, exam fees, scheduling processes, and preparation strategies, you can efficiently navigate your journey to CPA certification. The effort and dedication required to pass the CPA exam will pay off in your professional career, offering increased opportunities and earning potential.
Additional Information
While we do our best to keep all of this information up to date you are welcome to visit and or contact that Nevada Board of Accountancy with any other questions you might have.
Nevada State Board of Public Accountancy
Address: 1325 Airmotive Way Suite 220 Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 786-0231 Fax: (775) 786-0234
Email: [email protected]
Web: secure.nvaccountancy.com
Application Form: Nevada CPA Application Form