Your Path to Becoming a CPA in Texas

Turn your accounting major into a powerful credential that opens doors in every industry.

 

Why the CPA? Because You Want Options.

Being a CPA isn’t about sitting in a cubicle crunching numbers all day. CPAs are problem-solvers, strategists and trusted advisors. They help launch startups, guide CEOs, investigate fraud and shape big financial decisions in every industry—from sports and entertainment to tech, healthcare and nonprofits.

If you want a career that travels with you, pays off long-term and keeps your options open, the CPA is one of the smartest moves you can make.

 

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What CPAs Really Do (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Spreadsheets)

Today’s CPAs work with:

  • Communication: Presenting ideas clearly to clients, leaders and teams

  • Technology & data: Using tools, analytics and AI to make smarter decisions

  • Problem-solving: Breaking down complex issues and finding better ways to do things

  • Strategy & leadership: Helping organizations plan for what’s next

Your accounting and business classes are just the start. Courses in finance, economics, computer science, management, marketing and communications all help build a strong foundation for a modern CPA career.

 

The Details and Requirements

How to Become a CPA in Texas: Big Picture

In Texas, your journey to the CPA has four main milestones:

  1. Complete Your Education

    • Earn at least 150 college credit hours

    • Get your bachelor’s or graduate degree from a TSBPA-recognized school

  2. Apply for and Pass the CPA Exam

    • You can apply once you have 120 hours and the required accounting/business coursework

    • Then sit for and pass the Uniform CPA Exam

  3. Gain Professional Experience

    • Complete one year of supervised experience under a licensed CPA

  4. Get Licensed in Texas

    • Finish the ethics course, pass the Rules of Professional Conduct exam, meet the 150-hour requirement, and complete the application and oath.

 

Texas Requirements to Sit for the CPA Exam

To apply for the CPA exam in Texas, you must:

  • Complete at least 120 semester hours in TSBPA-recognized courses

  • Hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree from a TSBPA-recognized institution

  • Complete 21 upper-level accounting hours

  • Complete at least 24 semester hours of accounting (or equivalent per TSBPA rule)

  • Complete at least 24 upper-level business hours, including 2 semester hours of accounting/business communications

To become a licensed CPA in Texas, you must:

  • Pass the Uniform CPA Exam

  • Meet the 150-hour education requirement

  • Complete one year of experience under the supervision of a CPA

  • Complete a 3-hour TSBPA-approved ethics course

  • Pass the Rules of Professional Conduct exam

  • Provide confirmation of good moral character

  • File your application, take the oath of office, and pay certification and licensing fees

Official Requirements & Licensing 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.

For official guidance, contact:

Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA)
505 E. Huntland Dr, Ste 380
Austin, TX 78752-3757
Phone: 512-305-7800
Exam Questions: 512-305-7851
Email: exam@tsbpa.texas.gov
Visit the TSBPA exam/qualification webpage.

 

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