Become a CPA

Become a CPA in Iowa

If you're looking to enhance your degree, boost your career potential and make yourself an attractive hiring choice, you came to the right place! 

Here are the basic steps to become a CPA in Iowa:

Step 1 – Join the Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) as a Student Member. It’s free and connects you with resources, mentors, and opportunities as you start your CPA journey.

Step 2 – Complete the educational requirements to qualify for the CPA Exam. Education requirements vary from state to state. The Iowa Accountancy Examining Board sets the laws and rules for Accountancy, which include the rules and laws to obtain CPA licensure. 

Candidates must meet ONE of the following degree and accounting concentration requirements:

1. Earned a graduate degree with a concentration in accounting from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board.
2. Earned a graduate degree in business from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board, and:

• completed at least 24 semester hours in accounting with at least one course in each of the following: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

   3. Earned a baccalaureate degree in business or accounting from a program that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the Board, and:

• completed at least 24 semester hours in accounting with at least one course in each of the following: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting.

  4. Earned a baccalaureate or higher degree AND completed the following hours from an accredited institution recognized by the Board, and:

• completed at least 24 semester hours in accounting with at least one course in each of the following courses: financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting; AND
• completed at least 24 semester hours in business-related courses, such as: finance, management, marketing, economics, and business law. Courses in internship or life experience are not acceptable.

In Iowa, candidates may sit for the exam before completing all the requirements for licensure. At a minimum in Iowa, exam candidates need 120 semester hours to take the CPA Exam, 150 semester hours are needed to apply for an Iowa CPA license. With approval, Iowa candidates may take the CPA exam 120 days before completing the 120-credit hour education requirement. 

Step 3 – Pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This rigorous, four-part exam tests your knowledge and skills in accounting, auditing, taxation, and business concepts. The Uniform CPA Examination (CPA Exam) is a four-section, 16- hour assessment.

In 2024, the format of the CPA Exam changed significantly. With the changes, the exam is now three, four-hour Core sections and one, four-hour Discipline section of your choice.

Core sections (all three required):

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Taxation and Regulation (REG)     

Discipline sections (pick one):

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Control (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)       

Learn more about the CPA Exam

Taking the CPA Exam in Iowa

Step 4 – Take and pass the Professional Ethics Exam, demonstrating your understanding of ethical standards in the profession.

Step 5 – Complete the experience requirement. In Iowa, you’ll need one year (at least 2,000 hours) of verified accounting-related work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA.

Step 6 – Apply for your CPA certificate through the Iowa Accountancy Examining Board.

By following these steps and joining ISCPA, you'll be on your way to becoming a trusted leader in Iowa's accounting profession. Let ISCPA support you every step of the way!

Professional Ethics Exam

One of the requirements to obtain a CPA certificate in Iowa is to pass an examination covering the code of ethical conduct. Purchase your on-demand self-study program through ISCPA. Learn more.

Navigating the CPA exam: An unconventional guide to endurance, dedication, and success

by Blake Carroll, CPA-NC - shared with permission from Oregon Society of CPAs

Important Links

• Applying for the Uniform CPA Examination (NASBA)
• Applying for your Iowa CPA certificate: Iowa Accountancy Examining Board

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