ARCPA Requirements 2026Updated February 20, 2026
Arkansas CPA Requirements
Everything you need to become a CPA in Arkansas
150
Credit Hours
1
Year Experience
$50
License Fee
40
CPE Hours/Year
Key Facts
- ✓150 credit hours currently required to sit for exam
- ✓120-credit pathway with 2 years experience pending board rulemaking
- ✓1 year of supervised experience required (traditional pathway)
- ✓$50 initial fee, $150 annual renewal
- ✓40 hours of CPE required annually
Education & Experience Requirements
Verify Before Applying: Requirements shown are for informational purposes and may have changed. Always confirm current requirements with the official state board before beginning your application.
Education Requirements
Degree RequiredBachelor's degree
Total Credit Hours150
Accounting Credits30
Business Credits30
Additional Requirements:
- •Must include upper-level accounting courses
Arkansas offers alternative pathways. See Licensure Pathways below.
Experience Requirements
Total Experience12 months (1 year)
SupervisionLicensed CPA
Acceptable Experience Types:
- ✓Public accounting
- ✓Private industry
- ✓Government
Exam Eligibility
Education to Sit150 credits required
Minimum AgeNone
Residency RequiredNo
SSN RequiredYes
Licensing & CPE
Initial License Fee$50
Renewal Fee$150
Renewal Period1 year
CPE Hours Required40 per year
Ethics CPE RequiredYes
Licensure Pathways
Active
Traditional 150-Credit Pathway
150
Credits
1
Year Exp.
- •150 semester hours with accounting concentration
- •1 year of supervised experience
Pending
120-Credit + Experience Pathway
120
Credits
2
Years Exp.
- •Bachelor's degree with accounting concentration
- •2 years of experience verified by a CPA
- •Board rule approved by governor November 10, 2025
- •Undergoing legislative council review — expected effective early 2026
Arkansas State Board of Accountancy
Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy
Application Tips
- 1.Verify current requirements on the official state board website before applying
- 2.Have official transcripts sent directly from your educational institution
- 3.Allow 4-6 weeks for application processing
- 4.Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records
Disclaimer: Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the Arkansas State Board of Accountancy before beginning your application. Last updated: 2026-02-20.
Arkansas CPE & License Renewal
40
CPE Hours Per Period
1 Year
Renewal Cycle
~40
Hours Per Year
Required
Ethics CPE
Initial License Fee
$50
Renewal Fee
$150 every 1 year
Frequently Asked Questions
Currently, Arkansas requires the full 150 semester hours before you can sit for the CPA exam. However, a 120-credit alternative pathway with 2 years of experience is pending board rulemaking and a 30-day public comment period.
Education Programs for Arkansas
4 programs meet CPA education requirements in Arkansas. Browse by category to find the right fit.
150-Hour Pathways
3Related Resources
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