| License Description |
Accountants audit, review or compile financial statements and prepare reports. The purpose of such an audit is to determine if the records are kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. They also may be involved with a client in preparing financial statements. Other work of accountants may include preparation of income tax forms, providing tax advice, estate planning, reviewing accounting systems and internal controls, and other special assignments requested by the client.
Legislation: NH RSA 309-B; Administrative Rules Chapter Ac 100-500
Certification Requirements:
- Must be of good professional character
- A candidate for certification as a CPA in the State of New Hampshire must obtain 150 credits of education, including a baccalaureate degree, which contains 30 hours of accounting and 24 hours in business, all ea rned from an accredited university or college. The candidate may sit for the CPA exam with 120 credits, including a baccalaureate, and an accounting concentration or equivalent, but must obtain the 150 credits before applying for the certificate
- A candidate must have one full year of public accounting experience working under a Certified Public Accountant or Public Accountant, in a public accounting firm, or in government, with the 150 hours of credit
- The public accounting and governmental experience may be earned in a foreign country if the candidate and the experience meet the statutes and rules of this Board. Please contact Board staff for inquiries.
Examination: Exams are computerized and given by CPA Exam Services, National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Candidates are strongly encouraged to take the exam tutorial and to read the information found in the "Candidate Bulletin." For exam and certification requirements go to <www.oplc.nh.gov/accountancy/>. For information on applying for examination, determination of eligibility, exam site appointments, reporting of grades, and other exam procedures, go to <www.nasba.org>, click on Exams, and then click on New Hampshire; contact CPA Exam Services at 1-800-272-3926; or questions may be e-mailed to cpaes-nh@nasba.org.
Continuing Education: For license renewal, a minimum of 120 hours of continuing education is required every three years, including four hours of ethics. A minimum of 20 hours of continuing education must be obtained by June 30th of each year.
Fees:
- Triennial licensure, CPA registration: $275
- Current examination fees may be found at <www.nasba.org>. All exam fees are subject to change.
Reciprocity: The Board may issue a certificate to any person holding a CPA certificate in another state provided the state has requirements equivalent to those in New Hampshire. Applicants who attended a foreign college must obtain a foreign evaluation. Information is available on the Board of Accountancy website.
revised Jan 2018 |