CPA Licensing Requirements in Rhode Island


For Candidates in Rhode Island who have Passed the Uniform CPA Exam

Individuals applying for a CPA certificate through the Rhode Island Board of Accountancy must meet the following requirements to qualify.

Education Requirements

A bachelor’s degree at minimum with a total of 150 semester hours of college credit is required when applying to become a certified public accountant in Rhode Island.

Experience Requirement

Applicants must have at least one year of work experience. This experience must be in a role that provides service or advice that relates to:

  • Accounting
  • Management Advisory
  • Consulting
  • Attest
  • Tax

Rhode Island CPA certification applicants must complete this work experience through employment in at least one of the following areas:

  • Academia
  • Industry
  • Government
  • Public Practice

General Requirements

Applicants must be of good moral character.

Applicants must primarily resident in Rhode Island OR hold primarily employment in Rhode Island.

The initial CPA licensing fee in Rhode Island is $375.

Continuing Professional Education Requirements

The Rhode Island Board of Accountancy requires CPAs to renew their license every three years.

During this three-year period, CPAs must complete at least 120 hours or 15 days of formal continuing professional education (CPE). At least three of the 120 CPE hours must be in regulatory ethics and behavioral ethics.