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CPA Information

What is a CPA?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a licensed accounting professional recognized for meeting rigorous educational, examination, and experience standards. In California, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Exam, complete required coursework, and obtain qualifying work experience to earn licensure.

Educational Requirements

To qualify for licensure in California, candidates must complete:

  • Bachelor’s degree

  • 225 quarter units of coursework

  • 36 quarter units of core accounting subjects

  • 36 quarter units of core business-related subjects

  • 30 quarter units of additional accounting study

  • 15 quarter units of ethics study

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Note: Eligibility to sit for the CPA Exam requires fewer units — a bachelor’s degree plus 36 units each in accounting and business subjects.

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CPA Advisor

Meet with CPA Advisor Makayla Todd to review progress toward educational requirements. Schedule an appointment here or email CPAadvis@calpoly.edu.

CPA Exam Application Steps

  1. Create an account with the California Board of Accountancy (CBA).

  2. During your graduation quarter, request a degree conferral rush from the Cal Poly Evaluations Office.

  3. Submit the CBA remittance form and $100 application fee.

  4. Order official transcripts once your degree is conferred.

  5. Receive Authorization to Test (ATT) and select exam sections.

  6. Pay through the Notice to Schedule (NTS) and begin testing.

Learn more

For complete details and updates, visit the California Board of Accountancy website.

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