Why Become a CPA?
Earning your CPA license takes commitment, but it opens the door to a career with strong growth, leadership opportunities and the chance to work across nearly every industry.
Today’s CPAs do more than prepare financial statements. They are problem-solvers, strategists and trusted advisors helping organizations make decisions, manage risk and plan for growth. From startups and tech companies to healthcare organizations and nonprofits, CPAs play a critical role in business success.
The CPA credential also boosts earning potential and expands career options. CPAs often take on greater responsibility, lead financial strategy and work closely with business leaders to guide major decisions.
Read stories from CPAs who once stood where you are today.
Your Path to Becoming a CPA in Texas
The path to becoming a CPA in Texas includes four key steps:
Complete the required college education, including 150 credit hours or 120 credit hours with an extra year of experience under alternative pathway effective August 2026.
Apply for and pass the Uniform CPA Exam
Gain one or two years of supervised professional experience under a licensed CPA in good standing
Apply for your CPA license through the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy
If you're studying accounting in college, you're already taking the first step.
Start Your CPA Journey in College
Studying accounting or planning to pursue your CPA license? TXCPA Student Membership helps you turn your classes into a clear path to licensure and a successful career.
Connect with professionals, explore the CPA Exam timeline and tap into tools and experiences that make your journey easier. With 28,000+ members and 20 chapters across Texas, you’ll join a statewide network of CPAs, firm leaders and fellow students ready to support your goals.
Best of all, student membership is completely free.
As a TXCPA student member, you can:
- Connect with CPAs, employers and peers at chapter events
- Access CPA Exam prep, mock exams and study guidance
- Apply for scholarships and recognition programs
- Build leadership skills through student programs and volunteering
- Explore internships, jobs and career paths in accounting
TXCPA is here to support you from your first accounting class through your first promotion. Join TXCPA as a student member and start building your professional network today.
CPA Exam Eligibility Requirements: Applying for the CPA Exam
Complete the Application of Intent (AOI) – the very first step in your CPA journey! The application is submitted to TSBPA and used to evaluate an applicant’s education to determine if it complies with the Public Accountancy Act and the Board’s Rules. It is also used to allow the Board an opportunity to complete a background investigation of the applicant.
A candidate for the CPA exam must show completion of the following education requirements in order to apply for the exam:
Successful completion of a minimum of 120 semester hours OR quarter-hour equivalents in Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)-recognized courses
Hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree or its equivalent as determined by TSBPA Rule, conferred by a TSBPA recognized institution of higher education
Complete 24 upper-level accounting hours*
12 hours in specific coursework (category 1)
12 hours in specific coursework (category 2)
Complete 21 semester hours of upper-level business course work
*To find out more regarding the specific coursework recognized by the Board, please visit https://www.tsbpa.texas.gov/applicants/education/
*Effective August 1, 2026
To become a licensed CPA, an applicant must:
Successfully complete the Uniform CPA Examination
File an application for issuance of the CPA certificate
Provide confirmation of good moral character as demonstrated by a lack of history of dishonest of felonious acts
Complete a three semester hour TSBPA approved ethics course
Meet the education requirements (120 with extra year of work experience OR 150 hours or more of college credit)
Meet the work experience requirements (one year or two years of experience under the supervision of a CPA)
Pass an examination on the Rules of Professional Conduct as determined by Board rule
Take an oath of office to support the laws and Constitution of the United States and this state and rules adopted by the Board
Pay a fee for certification
Pay a fee for licensing
Regulation Requirements in Texas
The Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) is the regulatory agency for public accounting in Texas. They manage CPA licensing, applications and exam approvals.
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)
505 E. Huntland Dr, Ste 380
Austin, TX 78752-3757
Telephone: 512-305-7800
TSBPA Qualifications/Exams: 512-305-7851 FAX: 512-305-7875
E-mail: exam@tsbpa.texas.gov
Visit the TSBPA exam/qualification Webpage.
What’s Next?
Ready to take the next step? Learn what it takes to start pursuing the CPA license in Texas and begin planning your path from college to career.
Meet Jasmine Mendoza, a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin juggling classes, CPA prep and part-time jobs. Click the video to hear Jasmine’s full story and how an AcctoFi scholarship helped support her on her CPA journey.
Scholarships
TXCPA offers scholarships to help accounting students pursue the CPA path and invest in their future.
Student Events
Explore mock exams, webinars, and student programs for career prep.
Mentor Match
Connect with CPAs for guidance and career insights through Mentor Match.
Join the Candidate Community
Connect with fellow CPA candidates, share tips and stay in the loop while pursuing your CPA.