Jean A. Cordasco CPA – South Jersey Accountant

How do I become a CPA in NJ?

In order to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of New Jersey, there is a series of both educational and experience requirements. In order to even sit for the CPA exam the applicant must have:

  • a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited school or university.
  • 24 semester hours in accounting
  • 24 semester hours in business.

You do not necessarily have to have a business or an accounting degree in order to sit for the CPA exam. In order to become licensed in New Jersey the applicant must have a cumulative total of 150 semester hours from an accredited school. The credits can be obtained within the Bachelor’s degree or beyond the Bachelor’s degree. Additionally, the applicant must have at least 1,750 hours working under a CPA who has an active and current license in New Jersey, or another state whose requirements are equivalent to those set forward by New Jersey.

The physical CPA exam is given in four parts:

  • Auditing & Attestation
  • Business Environment & Concepts
  • Financial Accounting & Reporting
  • Regulation.

Each section is roughly four hours long. The applicant must at least pass all four sections with a minimum score of a 75 on each part. Additionally, all four sections of the exam must be completed with a passing grade in each section within 18 months. After passing all four sections, you can apply with the state to receive your license.

NJ Board of Accountancy

The main purpose of the New Jersey Board of Accountancy is that they handle CPA and firm licensing for the state.

Office Locations

Sewell
Vineland